Guide to Face Acids

“Acid” conjures up the images of bubbling test tubes and thoughts of scary chemicals. But when used at the right concentrations, acids are some of the most beneficial ingredients available in skincare. They are miracle tools to fight acne, wrinkles, age spots, scarring, and uneven skin tone.

Salicylic Acid

It’s well known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear, which helps reduce acne, acne scars, Melasma, sun damage, and age spots. Its safe to use in pigmented-prone dark skin. Since it’s related to aspirin, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Glycolic Acid

The most popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skincare. It comes from sugar cane, and is the smallest AHA, so it’s the most effective at getting into the skin. Glycolic is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all. It’s very effective at exfoliating skin and reducing fine lines, preventing acne, fading spots, increasing skin thickness and evening out skin tone and texture.

Mandelic Acid

Another AHA-hydroxy, one that’s derived from bitter almonds. Like glycolic acid, it’s an exfoliating agent that’s useful for preventing acne, treating sun damage, and evening out pigmentation. However, due to its larger molecular structure, it doesn’t penetrate skin as deeply as glycolic acid, particularly in ethic skin which is more prone to rebound pigmentation.