Why You Should Include Acids in Your Skincare Routine
Acids work effectively in different ways to exfoliate, balance, cleanse and enhance your skin's health. Making sure you get the right amount, kind, and percentage of acids in your skincare routine can make a big difference.
If you haven't yet discovered the super effect of acids on the skin, now is the time. Acids work effectively in different ways to exfoliate, balance, cleanse and enhance your skin's health. They also help your skin to better absorb other active ingredients by removing dead skin cells that otherwise can create a dry barrier, making it difficult for moisturisers or active ingredients to penetrate the skin.
What different types of acids are there within skincare and what do they do?
The most used acids are AHA, BHA, and PHA and they all target the skin in different ways.
AHA is a water-soluble acid with smaller molecules that exfoliate dead skin cells and speed up the cell renewal process. They also help your skin maintain and lock in moisture. By removing dead skin cells, your skin will get a healthy glow and dry lines will be reduced.
BHA Acid, or Salicylic Acid as it is also known, is a fat-soluble acid that exfoliates the skin while dissolving sebum from blocked pores. It is an acid that works well on oily skin but can also help a surface dry skin to overcome tough and hard blackheads. Salicylic Acid also has a calming effect on the skin.
PHA Acid is also a water-soluble exfoliating acid that is gentler than the other two and is great for locking in moisture. PHA Acid has much larger molecules than AHA- and BHA Acids which means that it does not penetrate the skin as deep, thereby working well for sensitive skin.
If you use products containing acids, you should always use a high SPF if you will be out in the sun. Acids, especially AHA-acid, exfoliate your skin causing it to be extra sensitive. It is also important to not use too many acids with excessively high levels of concentration too often because the skin may react negatively. You should completely avoid acids if you have rosacea or very sensitive skin.
Our favourite products with acids
Treatment 2% BHA Toner is an effective leave-on exfoliation that contains 2% BHA Acid and 1% Willow Bark Extract, which deeply cleanses your skin by dissolving blackheads, removing dead skin cells and preventing pimples and blemishes. The BHA toner also contains hydrating ingredients that add moisture to the skin. Regular use keeps your skin in balance and makes it clean, clear and fresh.
Foaming Glow Cleanser is a foaming cleanser with active acids, BHA (1%) and PHA (2%), that effectively remove dirt and makeup while gently exfoliating the skin. The soft foaming cleanser removes dead skin cells and effectively dissolves blackheads and impurities. The result is clean, healthy and glowing skin.
Treatment Enzym Peel is an effective enzyme peel with AHA- and BHA-acids. In only one minute, it will remove dead skin cells, dissolve blackheads and give your skin a fresh glow and an improved moisture balance.