How To Incorporate Skincare Acids into Your Routine?

Here’s the right way to add acids into your skincare routine for incredible skin benefits.

The thought of adding skincare acids into your routine might sound scary, but they can do wonders for your skin. In recent years, the use of skincare acids has skyrocketed because of their ability to transform your skin. Whether you are struggling with acne or want to get rid of a dull complexion, skincare acids can help.

What are skincare acids?
Facial acids are skincare ingredients, widely used for exfoliation. They slough away dead skin cells to produce a brighter, smoother complexion. There are two main types of skincare acids:
AHAs: AHAs, also known as alpha-hydroxy acids, are a group of plant and animal-derived skincare acids. You will find these acids in many skincare products. Their primary job is to exfoliate your skin chemically. AHAs loosen the bonds that hold skin cells together. This allows them to be easily swept away, revealing new skin cells underneath.
There are seven types of AHAs commonly used in products available throughout the skincare industry. These include:
Citric acid
Glycolic acid
Hydroxycaproic acid
Hydroxycaprylic acid
Lactic acid
Malic acid
Tartaric acid

BHAs: BHAs or beta-hydroxy acids are oil-soluble. BHAs work on the skin’s surface but also deep inside pores. BHAs are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. This is why they are highly effective in treating skin conditions like acne. These are a great option for people with normal to oily skin, prone to enlarged pores.
Some of the commonly used BHAs include:
Salicylic acid
Beta-hydroxybutanoic acid
Tropic acid
Trethocanic acid
Salicylic acid is the most commonly used BHA in skincare products.

How to add skincare acids into your routine?
Since skincare acids have tons of benefits, it is easy to overdo them. This can irritate your skin and compromise your skin barrier. Therefore, it is very important that you are careful while using them.

If you are new to skincare acids, I would recommend that you give time to your skin to adjust. Build up their usage slowly. Begin by using them once a week after cleansing and before bed, building up to twice a week, and finally daily use at night. However, keep in mind that acids make your skin more sensitive. Therefore, it is crucial to use sunscreen to avoid skin damage.

After cleansing your face thoroughly, apply your acid of choice by soaking a cotton pad in the solution and sweeping it across your face and neck. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas like eyes and lips. In order to know if the formula is safe for you, I suggest that you do a patch test before using it on your face. Test the skincare acid on your arm or neck and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if you have a reaction. While mild tingling and stinging are normal, you should stop using the formula if you experience a painful burning sensation.
To get more pronounced results, you can go for chemical peel treatments. Some of the most popular chemical peel treatments at ISAAC Luxe include:
TCA Chemical Peel
Glycolic Chemical Peel
Vitalise Chemical Peel
Beta Chemical Peel
Mandelic Chemical Peel

Which skin types are best suited to AHAs?
If you are dealing with dryness, flakiness, or dullness, AHAs can do wonders for your skin. They are also helpful in treating signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. People with all skin types can use AHAs. However, if you have sensitive skin, I suggest using lactic acid, which is gentler on the skin and results in a milder exfoliation.

Which skin types are best suited to BHAs?
BHAs show great results for people with oily, acne prone skin. BHA like salicylic acid can help break down pimples and blackheads. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also calm inflamed and red skin.

To learn about acid-based treatments, book a consultation with me here.