Whenever I walk into a store and take a closer look at a serum or a night cream, I tend to pay more attention to the vitamins in it, or perhaps the various herbs and natural oils that it boasts of at best. What I often overlook is the acids in the products. Truth is ladies, these acids play a big role in our skincare regime and can really make a world of a difference in the health of your skin. So, in an effort to ensure that your skin is smooth and glowy all day, every day, we did some research and present to you this post with the deets on some of the most important acids for your face and general skincare routine. After reading this, we bet you’re going make a dash to the store and hoard up on some skincare products.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Give yourself a boost of hydration by treating it to hyaluronic acid. This acid is a natural humectant which essentially means that it attracts moisture, and strengthens the moisture barrier of your skin too. So, not only does it give you plump, well-hydrated skin, but also works as an anti-ageing acid as it improves the elasticity of the skin and makes it baby soft. Make it a point to look out for this ingredient in your face masks and face serums that you use either on a daily basis or every other day.
POPxo Recommends: Innisfree Skin Clinic Mask – Hyaluronic Acid (Rs 150)
2. Salicylic Acid
If you have the slightest interest in skincare and looking after your beauty concerns like acne, you’ve got to be familiar with salicylic acid. It is an essential ingredient in your face wash as it has anti-bacterial, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. It relieves clogged pores and takes care of bacterial growth on the surface of the skin and in the oil glands. It can be used in any form – spot gel, face wash, masks or creams. Go ahead and search up this ingredient on your skincare products next time you head out to buy them!
POPxo Recommends: Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser (Rs 299)
Also Read About The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Serum
3. Azelaic Acid
This acid is usually found in prescription products like creams and ointments that are used to treat acne and rosacea. It has anti-inflammatory properties and takes care of any redness too. Some products that are bought over the counter also have a low dosage of azelaic acid that helps fight acne. This really is the holy grail to saying goodbye to pimples. Use it when your skin starts acting up.
POPxo Recommends: Rodial Super Acids Daily Azelaic Acid Serum (Rs 5,843)
4. Citric Acid
Citric acid, as many of you would know, is derived from citrus fruits. It works beautifully as an antioxidant and so, if you want an effective anti-ageing serum or cream, make sure that is has a significant citric acid content and that you use it every night before going to bed. Vit C is the new big thing in skincare ladies, apply it and consume it, we say!
POPxo Recommends: Age Lock Vitamin C Booster Serum (Rs 1,550)
5. Glycolic acid
Those of you with oily, acne-prone skin, listen up. Adding a skincare product with glycolic acid is what you need in your skincare routine to remove dead skin, lighten blemishes, reduce the appearance of wrinkles too. This acid is a very small molecule that isn’t as abrasive as a scrub; it gently exfoliates the skin to slough off dead skin. Use this and say hello to smooth skin!
POPxo Recommends: CareVeda Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Face Wash (Rs 125)
6. Lactic acid
Lactic acid is another exfoliant like glycolic acid. The only difference is that is more gentle on the skin. It is derived from milk and hence it has strong hydrating properties too. Apart from that, it is great for those with sensitive skin – it reduces hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
POPxo Recommends: Cosmedix Defy Triple Hydroxy Acid Age-Defying Treatment (Rs 4,986)
7. Mandelic Acid
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid, like glycolic acid is a great exfoliant. Not just that, it reduces pigmentation, fights acne and treats sun damage too. However, because it is of a large molecular structure, it doesn’t penetrate the skin as easily as glycolic acid does. Make it a point that this acid is present in your peels to get the best results.
POPxo Recommends: The Ordinary Mandelic Acid (Rs 497)
8. Kojic Acid
Listen up, sake lovers! Kojic acid is derived from the bacteria that are used to ferment rice in order to make sake. The reason why it’s popular in your creams and lotions these days it due to it whitening and anti-ageing properties. Use cleansers and serums that have 1-4% concentrations of it for the best results – it might irritate your skin, but it’s super effective!
POPxo Recommends: West Coast Kozicare Skin Whitening Cream (Rs 420)
