You hear the word ‘acid’ and you do not want it anywhere close to your skin. The general impression is that acids are corrosive in nature and will do more harm than good. Well, with skincare ever-evolving, if you dig deeper you will come to find that many of your skincare products actually contain a certain percentage of acids that help your skin replenish itself, add moisture and they also have anti-ageing and anti-acne properties! You do want to know more about these acids now, don’t you? Read on!
These Acids MUST Be Included In Your Skincare Routine!
Time to run to the drugstore NOW!
Glycolic Acid
This is by far the most popular acid in skincare, primarily because it’s a good acid to start with for acid virgins. It’s recommended by many dermatologists for those who’re starting up on acids because of its mild nature and its proven anti-ageing properties. Regular use stimulates collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles too. If you’re in your 20s and haven’t started up on acids in your skincare routine yet, we suggest you go ahead with this one.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid works as a humectant for the skin. It collects moisture from around you and locks it into the skin. Unlike other acids, this one doesn’t dissolve dead skin. Aside from giving you plump and well-hydrated skin, hyaluronic acid also has anti-ageing properties. If you have dry skin, look out for this ingredient when purchasing your creams and serums and use them once or twice a day.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a mild exfoliant that helps to slough off dead skin without being too harsh on the skin. It also adds a high dose of hydration to the skin and strengthens its moisture barrier. If you have sensitive skin and want to experience the goodness of acids, go ahead and give lactic acid a shot.
Retinoid Acid
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and is the most effective ingredient for your skin as far as anti-ageing goes. It acts against free radicals, expedites the skin’s exfoliation process and gives the skin a boost of hydration too. If you’re looking for a good anti-ageing product, look for retinoid acid in the ingredients list on the packaging.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds – something you wouldn’t want to bite into but your skin will definitely love. This one’s a great exfoliant, helps reduce pigmentation, fights acne and nurses skin that’s undergone sun damage. Need we say more? Include this in your skincare routine ASAP!
Salicylic Acid
For those battling acne issues and scars that need some looking after, salicylic acid has to be your best friend. Be on the lookout for this ingredient in your face washes, creams and serums. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with dead skin build-up too.
L-Ascorbic Acid
For some skin brightening and a collagen boost, go for L-Ascorbic acid that is a pure form of Vitamin C. Use it generously on your face and neck every day and you’re bound to see results within weeks. The only downside is that this acid goes bad very quickly. Just a little exposure to sunlight, heat or air and your product is unusable. So, make it a point to store this carefully and use it up as soon as possible.
Azelaic Acid
This one’s found mostly in prescribed ointments and creams that are used to treat rosacea and active acne. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and clears up any sort of redness too. Include this in your skincare routine if your skin’s been acting up.
Also Read: Lactic acid for skin