Acids and Their Functions

With the hundreds and hundreds of skin care products to choose from these days, one of the most common questions I receive is which acids are good for my skin and am I using the correct one. Our market is saturated with overwhelming choices. It can be confusing reading the large deck of ingredients. Unsure if what you are using is appropriate and the right ph balance for your skin? Bring it with you the next time you are in for a customized facial service.

Here is a common list of acid components and their functions.

Glycolic - Derived from sugar cane. This common ingredient easily penetrates the skin and unglues dead skin cells from each other. Glycolic is great for acne prone skin as it can get down deep in to the hair follicles and loosen up any built up sebum which leads to breakouts and blackheads.

Hyaluronic - Increases skin moisture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by retaining water. Hyaluronic is naturally found in our bodies to keep our tissues well lubricated and moist.

Salicylic - This acid is another great exfoliating ingredient, and a common one for acne. Its natural sources include sweet birch, willow bark, and wintergreen. Salicylic is also derived from aspirin.

Retinoic - A natural form of vitamin A stimulates cell repair and helps to normalize skin cells by generating new ones and speed up exfoliation. Used to treat acne and aging. Consult your dermatologist and esthetician about all things retinol.

Lactic - Lactic is found in milk and is a gentle ingredient for folks looking to treat dry sky skin but gently exfoliate. It improves hydration but also can soften keratosis pilaris or the small little bumps on the backs of your arms.

Kojic - This acid is primarily used to lighten visible sun damage, age spots, and scars.

L Ascorbic - My favorite in the family of acids. This anti-oxidant brightens, lightens, and tightens. A form of vitamin C soothes redness prone skin, hydrates, and also provides a protective barrier from free radicals.

I frequently advise my guests to take a look at their cleansers and read the deck of ingredients. Many products I have seen load up on way too many acids in just one cleanser causing irritation, redness, and dryness. I am a big proponent of keeping it simple and getting back to the fundamentals of skin health. I am here to guide you down the path to pro-aging.

xo

Ashley