Exfoliating acids are one of the most interesting ingredients to use in your beauty routine. From sensitive to acne-prone skin, exfoliating acids help improve the texture of our skin, making it more even and healthy.
Exfoliation allows the dead cells present on the surface of the skin to come off, thus accelerating the cell cycle, giving rise to a smoother and more luminous skin. Chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) , beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) .
In the family of AHAs, we have the most famous glycolic acid and lactic acid . AHAs can be used both in the morning and in the evening routine, depending on the needs and strength of the skin, as well as the concentration and pH of the product.
Alpha-hydroxy acids improve skin texture, thanks to their action in skin renewal and also improve hydration, by preventing transepidermal water loss. On the other hand, glycolic acid and lactic acid help fight blemishes by inhibiting tyrosinase and also stimulate the production of fibroblasts, improving the appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin firmness.
Cleaning:
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream
Gallinee Foaming Facial Cleanser (1)
Tonics:
Pestle & Mortar Exfoliate Glycolic Acid Toner (2)
Pestle & Mortar NMF Lactic Acid Toner
Seruns:
Skintegra Clarion ( also contains salicylic acid) (3)
IRÉN Skin Glow Getter Renewal Serum (3)
Moisturizers:
Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser & Gentle Exfoliant (4)
Alpha-H Liquid Gold 24h Moisture Repair Cream
Masks:
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask
Oskia Liquid Mask Lactic Acid Micro-peel
Salicylic acid is the most famous of the BHAs, with the ability to penetrate the pores, keeping them clean and preventing them from clogging and, as a consequence, the formation of pimples. They also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, being an excellent choice for those who have oily and are predisposed to develop acne and imperfections.
Cleaning:
Cosrx Calming Foam Cleanser (1)
Tonics:
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (2)
Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner (also contains glycolic acid)
Seruns:
Lixirskin Night Switch BHA/AHA 10%
IRÉN Skin Clearer Days Anti-Blemish Serum
Moisturizers:
Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel (4)
PHAs are second generation AHAs such as gluconolactone or lactobionic acid . These acids are more hydrating and have antioxidant properties, being an excellent option for those with dry and/or dehydrated skin, as they improve the texture and restore the skin's barrier function.
Tonics:
Skintegra Lumion (also contains AHAs) (1)
Seruns:
Lixirskin Night Switch PHA/AHA 10% (also contains lactic acid) (2)
Masks:
Lixirskin Peel Express (also contains glycolic acid) (3)
Although exfoliating acids are not photosensitizing and can be used in the summer, we should always use sunscreen because of its exfoliating action that can make the skin more sensitive and reactive to the sun.