EMBRACING SKINCARE ACIDS: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE & BENEFITS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

The word “acid” may sound a little scary at first, especially when it comes to adding it to your skincare routine. Even more so if you have sensitive skin!

But the truth is that acids are incredibly powerful ingredients that work to solve a large range of skin conditions and issues, from hyperpigmentation to dryness, acne, and everything in between. As you age and your skin matures, you may experience different skin concerns during different stages of your life.

This is why it's so important to find the right acids for you, but with the number of products on the markets containing them it can be overwhelming to find exactly which ones you need for your specific skin type and conditions… 

While finding skincare products that are safe, natural, and effective.

Read on to learn more about the best acids to incorporate into your skincare routine:

WHAT ARE ACIDS?

Acids are a skincare ingredient typically used to exfoliate. 

There’s two types of acids in skincare, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Both serve a similar purpose, breaking down the connections between skin cells to help remove dead ones and reveal the smooth, bright skin underneath. 

WHICH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACIDS ARE USED IN SKINCARE?

Though AHAs and BHAs essentially serve the same purpose, they have a key difference…

AHAs are water soluble, meaning they dissolve in water and cannot dissolve sebum to clear pores. Instead, AHAs work on the surface of the skin, treating fine lines, improving texture, and keeping skin smooth. 

On the other hand, BHAs are oil soluble and are able to penetrate deep below the surface of the skin, clearing clogged pores to prevent infection and keep acne away. 

These two categories contain different acids with their own skin benefits, so let’s break down the best AHAs and BHAs to incorporate into your skincare routine.

THE BEST AHAS TO ADD TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Glycolic Acid

This is one of the most commonly used AHAs in skincare. Its molecules are so small, it can penetrate the deepest of all the AHAs, helping to build up collagen, increase cellular turnover, and promote a more even skin tone. 

You can find this powerful AHA in our DEEP ENZYME CLEANSE along with fruit enzymes for a powerhouse exfoliation experience. 

Many people who want a deeper exfoliation tend to choose retinol over glycolic acid, however. And though retinol does bring those exfoliation benefits, it can also bring irritation and redness, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Luckily, our plant-based retinol-alternative BAKUCHIOL WONDER SERUM can safely be used for all skin types, am or pm, and will not cause irritation or sun sensitivity like prescription-strength retinol. This way, you can benefit from it every day!

Lactic Acid

The next smallest molecule out of all the AHAs is lactic acid. It’s also gentler than glycolic acid and draws moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated. 

Lactic acid has a softening effect on the skin while also exfoliating and being gentle enough for sensitive skin. 

Our BLUEBERRY BOOST SOFTENING MASK contains this gentle yet effective AHA to brighten and even skin tone and improve firmness for refreshed smooth glowing skin

Ascorbic Acid

The purest form of Vitamin C on the skincare market, ascorbic acid, found in so many of our products, namely our 20% Vitamin C PLUMPING SERUM, is rich with antioxidant power and has the ability to brighten skin and build collagen as well as our Best Selling moisturizer THE CREAM.

THE BEST BHAS TO ADD TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Salicylic Acid

Found in our physically exfoliating BAMBOO REFINING POLISH and our leave-on exfoliant CLARIFYING SERUM, salicylic acid is one of the most popular skincare ingredients when it comes to treating breakouts, exfoliating dead skin cells, and unclogging pores. 

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, allowing it to do its job effectively without any risk of irritating inflamed skin. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Another acid that is a moisturizing booster is hyaluronic acid.  It’s a humectant and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water and prevents moisture from leaving the skin. This also keeps tissues plump and definitely helps soften wrinkles. 

You can find this incredible moisturizing ingredient in  our VITAMIN C PLUMPING SERUM, BAKUCHIOL WONDER SERUM, and our mattifying MARINE PEARL CREAM.

HOW TO USE ACIDS IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Now, as for when you apply acids, it all depends on the product. Using our products as examples, let’s break down a sample routine with AHAs and BHAs included:

Step 1

Cleanse with our sulfate-free chlorophyll and seaweed cleanser, our MOISTURIZING WASH.

Step 2

1-3 times a week after cleansing, use an exfoliating product containing AHAs, BHAs, or both. This can be our glycolic acid (AHA) DEEP ENZYME CLEANSE or our salicylic acid (BHA) and physical scrub BAMBOO REFINING POLISH.

Step 3

After cleansing and exfoliating, it's time for serums. If you’re dealing with acne or blackheads, this is the time to apply our salicylic acid CLARIFYING SERUM, a leave-on exfoliant that mimics the skin’s natural exfoliation process.

You can also use our glycolic acid and plant-based retinol-alternative BAKUCHIOL WONDER SERUM at this time to keep skin hydrated, plump, and smooth - just make sure to follow the thinnest-to-thickest rule with serums and give them enough time to absorb between each application. 

Step 4

Once the rest of your routine is complete, top it off with a moisturizer like our rich, velvety CREAM to give your skin an overnight repair after the acids work their exfoliating magic. 

The CREAM even contains an acid of its own, alpha lipoic acid, which is not an AHA or BHA and helps to naturally shed dry, congested skin while slowing the breakdown of collagen. 

Incorporating the right acids into your skincare routine can be a game-changer for your skin's health and appearance. So, don't let the word "acid" intimidate you – with the right knowledge and products, you can unlock the radiant, smooth skin you deserve.

Thank you for reading this article and if you want to learn more about the best products for your skin type, take our SKIN QUIZ here. You can also CONTACT US here or call us at (727) 286-7684 with any questions, we’d love to hear from you!

XOXO,

Denice