How To Pick The Right Skin Care Acid?

Acid! A word that’s enough to create a wave of dread might not always be a villain. Skincare acids do have a scary tone to them but are known to address a plethora of skin care concerns. You will be surprised to know that the incorporation of the right acids in your skincare routine helps you break up multiple skin concerns.

Let’s jump right in and nerd out on skincare acids that benefit your skin. Acids are complicated, sometimes referred to as chemical peels or exfoliants. The shelves are flooded with products rich in acids like AHAs, BHAs, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and so much more. Brands are cleverly packaging products like serums, moisturizers, toners, face wash, etc. all packed with skin-care acids. Before we go overboard, let’s jump in and get up and close with the skin-friendly acids and what it exactly addresses.

Hyaluronic Acid (Good for aging, dull, and dry skin).

Want that plump and dewy skin? Tired of dull, dehydrated, and dry skin? Hyaluronic acid is the messiah for people with dry skin as it is a humectant that attracts moisture and retains it on the skin. Hyaluronan is a substance that keeps skin moisturized by binding water and is naturally produced by your body. Its concentration depletes over time due to exposure to stress and sun, making it important to incorporate hyaluronic acid topically. Hence, it helps with plumping skin, boosts hydration levels, and reduces signs of aging.

We recommend: Suganda Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) (Used for skin brightening, improving skin texture, and mild exfoliation)

AHAs are skin-friendly acids extracted from food and plant sources that help as a chemical exfoliator and gently slough off dead cells. Here are some types of AHAs used in skincare formulations. 

Glycolic Acid

This type of acid is used in formulations like chemical peels, serums, toners, etc. Glycolic Acid is extracted from sugarcane and is known for gently exfoliating the skin and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. As it exfoliates dead skin cells, it improves skin tone, texture brightens skin, and treats acne, and hyperpigmentation.

We recommend: TNW – The Natural Wash Glycolic Acid Toner

Mandelic Acid

It is usually derived from bitter almonds that help in improving skin elasticity, treat acne, melasma, and wrinkles, and reduce hyperpigmentation. The ingredient is suitable for all types of skin including sensitive skin. It can be used with salicylic acid which reduces discoloration and brightens skin.

We recommend: Chemist at Play Under Arm Roll On With Lactic Acid & Mandelic Acid

Lactic Acid

The AHAs extracted from milk help in stripping off excess dead skin cells and reduce dullness. It works as a gentle exfoliator that firms and smoothens skin. The ingredient works on mature skin that prevents fine lines and wrinkles. If you have acne-prone skin, lactic acid is something you might want to try. It prevents acne as it sloughs away dead skin cells that might clog pores and result in acne breakouts.

We recommend: Suganda 5% Lactic Acid Body Lotion

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) (Good for acne-prone and oily skin)

BHAs are skin-friendly acids that bind to oil and not to water. As BHAs are oil-soluble, it helps in the breakdown and eliminates bacterial buildup, dissolves or slough off dead skin cells, and prevent acne breakdown. With its comedolytic properties, it penetrates deep into the skin and unclogs pores. Salicylic Acid is a type of BHAs that is highly recommended for treating acne-prone and sensitive skin. However, make sure not to combine it with ingredients like retinol as it might cause inflammation and further sensitivity.

We recommend: Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum

Ascorbic Acid (Good for antioxidant protection and brightening skin)

Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin-C is one of the most popular skincare ingredients used in a plethora of formulations like serum, face creams, cleansers, moisturizers, face oil, etc. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin by scavenging free radicals generated by environmental factors like the sun and pollutants. As it removes free radicals, it brightens skin, boosts collagen synthesis, and even helps with skin tone.

We Recommend: Vaunt Vitamin C Water 

Kojic Acid (Good as hyperpigmentation treatment and spot corrector)

It is produced by different forms of fungi, especially extracted from Aspergillus oryzae, also known as Koji in Japanese. It is used in beauty products that help with skin brightening and reduces the appearance of age spots, blemishes, and scars. However, it might also cause irritation and sensitivity if it does not suit your skin.

We recommend: Dr. Sheth’s Kesar & Kojic Daily Pigmentation Correction Cream with Niacinamide & Glycolic Acid.

Azelaic Acid

It naturally occurs on the skin but it starts depleting over time. Topical application of formulations enriched with Azelaic Acid acts as an excellent exfoliator. It is popularly known for treating acne, soothing inflammation, and reducing skin pigmentation. It is suitable for all types of skin, including sensitive skin. It calms skin and is suitable for someone suffering from issues like eczema or rosacea. 

We recommend: Earth Rhythm 10% Azelaic Acid Skin Brightening Face Serum With Vitamin E

Ferulic Acid

Also known as hydroxycinnamic acid, it is extracted from plant cells and has strong antioxidant properties. It improves the overall integrity of the skin and reduces early signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. As it is an antioxidant, it helps in scavenging free radicals and improves skin tone. It protects the breakdown of elastic, collagen, etc.

We recommend: Bubblefarm 15% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Kakadu Plum