If you’re in your late twenties, it’s time to take better care of your skin. Think about it; stress, dust and pollution along with spending hours in front of your laptop can accelerate ageing. What if we told you that there are some pretty revolutionary acids out there that can do WONDERS for your skin? They may sound intimidating but trust us; including a few basic acids in your daily skincare regimen is going to tackle a whole host of problems in the long-run. These are some of the most basic, skincare acids you need to try ASAP.
1. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are gentle exfoliants that help slough off dead skincells. They are less abrasive than a chemical peel and more effective in the long run. They help combat acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and improve the texture of the skin. AHAs work on repairing the skin’s surface and they happen to be water soluble. People with normal to dry skin tend to benefit the most from AHAs.
POPxo Recommends: The Mario Badescu – AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer (Rs 1,814) is ideal to rejuvenate and revive dull skin. It helps in lightening sun spots and hyperpigmentation. With daily use, your skin will be radiant and blemish-free. It also happens to be oil-free making it absolutely perfect for those with oily-combination skin.
2. Glycolic Acid
Part of the AHA family, glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane. To put it simply, this acid helps reduce sebum (or oil), revealing smoother skin. It is safe to be used everyday in small amounts and is usually the star in chemical peels. A great way to make use of glycolic acid in your daily skincare regimen would be to include it in a toner.
POPxo Recommends: Mario Badescu – Glycolic Acid Toner (Rs 1,396) is ideal for use at night. This toner is well loved and is formulated with 2% Glycolic Acid, Grapefruit Extract and Aloe Vera Gel. It also fade acne scars making it a win-win for blemish prone skin!
3. Lactic Acid
Another AHA derived product, lactic acid is made from milk. A super hydrating product (no surprises there!), lactic acid is known for its skin brightening properties. Proven to be safe for use on most people, it corrects your skintone and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
POPxo Recommends: The Ordinary – Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% (Rs 588) combines lactic and hyaluronic acid making it a doubly-duty formula!
4. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Much like AHAs; BHAs help with exfoliation, anti-ageing, hydration, brightening and repairing sun damage. BHA’s however work on and below the skin’s surface, at the dermis level. BHA’s work best for people with combination to oily skin since they help unclog your pores and fade spots too.
POPxo Recommends: The Innisfree Skin Clinic Mask – BHA (Rs 150) is a sheet mask enriched with salicylic acid and BHAs to help revive brighten and exfoliate your skin. This sheet masks works as a perfect quick fix before an important event.
5. Salicylic Acid
Part of the BHAs, salicylic acid is one of the key ingredients in acne, blemish and blackhead treatment products. Salicylic acid goes deep into your skin and unclogs your pores, restoring the pH balance. Those of us with problematic skin can benefit from this powerhouse acid’s blemish and zit zapping capabilities!
POPxo Recommends: The Ordinary – Salicylic Acid Solution 2% (Rs 355) is absolutely amazing for unclogging your skin and controlling acne and blemishes.
6. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid has had it’s claim to fame lately and it is well-deserved! This wonderful acid moisturises and acts as a humectant. It helps your skin retain moisture and attract moisture from the environment around you. HA is a win-win for people with dry skin.
POPxo Recommends: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Rs 578) is the perfect serum to provide your skin with a splash of moisture. This serum is rich in vitamin B5 too which helps to heal and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
7. Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is basically Vitamin-C. Vit C is an extremely important anti-oxidant that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fades scars and brightens dull skin. With such a long list of benefits, it would be silly to ignore this one. Check out our post here on some amazing benefits of this skincare superhero.
POPxo Recommends: Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line – Reducing Concentrate (Rs 5,500) has been formulated with 10.5% of pure Vitamin C. This one is a definite must-have.
As with any acid ladies, please don’t forget to use sunscreen during the day to keep your skin protected.
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