The word acid sounds scary doesn't it?
Luckily there are a vast variety of acids available that are safe for the skin and provide all sorts of benefits. Here's some of our favourites below which you can incorporate into your home skin care routine for amazing results.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
One of the most popular acids, Glycolic acid, is a smaller molecule which easy penetrates into the skin to provide a dramatic and fresher appearance. Because of its small molecule it can also get into the tiny areas like hair follicles and pores to remove any build up of debris to reduce breakouts. It's a great alternative to manual exfoliation which can be irritating or overly aggressive for many skin types.
- Shown to stimulate collagen production to plump away wrinkles
- Helps reduce breakouts + acne
- Improves the vibrancy of skin
- Helps even out skin tone
Ferulic Acid
Can be derived from rice or oats as well as the seed of fruits such as apples or oranges, Ferulic acid is a wonderful antioxidant. It's helpful in stabilizing and enhancing the effectiveness of other antioxidants such as vitamin C + E for a greater benefit. It's also thought to help defend against environmental damage such as UV exposure.
- Slows oxidation to reduce visible aging
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Since it's oil soluble Salicylic acid is wonderful for an oilier skin type. It effectively penetrates into oil clogged pores destroying acne and inflammation causing bacteria while removing debris. Can help improve the skins protective barrier function and stimulate skin plumping collagen.
- Helps reduce blemishes and breakouts
Hyaluronic Acid
The "moisturizing" acid. Hyaluronic acid is a moisture binding molecule (not an exfoliating acid) found naturally in our skin which decreases as we age. Since it holds a thousand times it's molecular weight in moisture, it's excellent for providing and locking in skin hydration. It's often used for injectable fillers .
- Plumps skin + smoothes wrinkles
- Light weight + won't clog pores
Kojic Acid
Can be produced by a variety of fungi, as well as a by-product of fermenting soy sauce and rice wine. Kojic acid works by blocking the peptide tyrosine, affecting melanin production, the pigmentation that gives colour to eyes, skin and hair. A reduction in melanin generally results in a soft lightening of skin tone and sun damage.
- Lightens age spots and pigmentation
- Reduction in appearance of pigmented scars
- Helpful in reducing melasma (skin darkening due to pregnancy)
- Results in a smoother complexion
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
A large molecule (twice the size of glycolic acid) alpha hydroxy acid which because of its size doesn't absorb as readily into the skin, making it a gentle yet effective alternative for even the most sensitized skin types.
- Won't inflame sensitized skin
- Beneficial for acne prone skin
- Helps regulate sebum production and reduce occurrence of breakouts
- Antibacterial