When Should You Use Acid On Skin Care Routine? - MY BLOGS

The Complete Guide To Using Acids In Your Skincare Routine

Acid for the skin? Have we lost our minds? No, not really.

It sounds scary to have acid in your skincare routine but the truth is they are total game changers in terms of giving you radiant, even-toned, glowing skin.

In today’s article, we’ll be walking you through our comprehensive guide to using acid in your skincare routine.

What is ellagic acid? Should you use tranexamic acid with retinol? What about hyaluronic acid? We’ll be talking about all of these AND more… 

1. Ellagic Acid 

This particular acid will help brighten your skin! Ellagic acid is a compound that can be prepared from nuts or fruits such as pomegranates and berries. 

In one study, it was seen that a product with a combination of 0.5% ellagic acid and 0.1% salicylic acid was as effective at brightening the skin as products with hydroquinone. 

Although hydroquinone is considered the best product for getting rid of pigmentation, it may cause side effects such as irritation and dryness as such, ellagic acid can be a great alternative and can be equally effective in reducing pigmentation. 

2. Hyaluronic Acid 

One of the products you consistently see in moisturizers and anti-aging creams is hyaluronic acid this is because hyaluronic acid has properties that can help smooth your skin. 

This is because hyaluronic acid is naturally present in your skin and is key in gathering water from the surroundings in fact, research has shown that hyaluronic acid can retain as much as 1,000 times its weight in water when you apply hyaluronic acid, it works on the outer layer of your skin cells, as a result, your skin will get a good glow, and also, any lines on it will be softened.

3. Mandelic Acid 

Mandelic acid is extracted from bitter almonds this particular acid has exfoliation properties, and is used in skin care products to help give your skin a healthy glow. 

In one study, it was seen that mandelic acid is effective even for sensitive skin and causes a lot less irritation compared with other acids.

As a result, it’s often used as a peel, particularly for skin that is more susceptible to rebound pigmentation. 

Additionally, mandelic acid can reduce the production of sebum and ensure you do not have oily skin it can also be used as an anti-aging product.

In a study among middle-aged adults, it was seen that skin firmness increased by a quarter when mandelic acid is applied two times in a day for four weeks.

4. Azelaic Acid 

If you want to get rid of black spots, the best way to do that is by using products that have azelaic acid.

Azelaic acid is extracted from yeast in one study, it was seen that azelaic acid can also treat melasma, which is a condition that causes dark patches on the skin among pregnant women due to exposure to the sun.

More importantly, azelaic acid can also reduce the activity of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme responsible for producing melanin when melanin production is inhibited, your skin discoloration disappears. 

Azelaic acid is also helpful in treating a condition called rosacea this is because azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can bring down redness and swelling on your skin. 

5. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is extracted from sugarcane, and is present in many skincare products such as moisturizers, cleansers, and serums, among others.

This acid can act as a good exfoliator it can increase the cell turnover after infiltrating the outer skin.

People suffering from acne and skin aging can use glycolic acid, as it deals with both issues.

If you have hyperpigmentation, then glycolic acid can also help with the issue, glycolic acid treats multiple issues with just one product. 

6. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is extracted from fermented milk in a study, it was seen that lactic acid can work as a moisturizer, as well as an exfoliant.  

One of the advantages of using lactic acid is the dual effect is gentle on your skin. 

Lactic acid’s best use is as a body lotion it can get rid of dry skin and flaky feet.

If you have keratosis pilaris, which appears as bumps on your skin, typically on the backside of your arm, lactic acid can help treat the condition.

7. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is effective in treating acne yhis is because it exfoliates your skin’s outer layer.

Considering that salicylic acid is lipid-soluble, it can get deeper into your skin’s pores. 

This way, you’ll be able to remove any debris and buildup in your pores as a result, the chances of breakouts will be a lot less.

So if you want to avoid breakouts, it would be best to use products that have salicylic acid in them at least once every day. 

In higher concentrations, salicylic acid can also be used as a peeler while treating scars related to acne, as well as age spots and damage caused by exposure to the sun, salicylic acid can also be used to remove warts.

8. Ascorbic Acid 

One of the most common ingredients present in skincare products is ascorbic acid or vitamin C, this is because vitamin C is very effective on skin Vitamin C is primarily an antioxidant, which means it can fight off pollutants that usually affect your skin. 

Vitamin C can also make sure there is a reduction in pigment production in your body. This way, you can decrease the chances of dark spots or discoloration on your skin. Vitamin C can also stimulate your collagen production, which decreases your chances of losing elasticity. 

It’s necessary to make sure you use products that formulate ascorbic acid properly this is because it becomes unstable when you expose it to light. 

9. Ferulic Acid

When you see products with ferulic acid, it also comes with vitamin C this is because ferulic acid can help stabilize vitamin C. 

Free radicals are not just found in your body they’re also present in the atmosphere when vitamin C is exposed to UV light, or comes in contact with pollutants, it will immediately oxidize.

So, it would not be of much use without the stabilizing effect of ferulic acid however, ferulic acid is not just used as support.

It’s also responsible for collagen production and ensures your skin does not lose its elasticity according to a study, it’s helpful in removing dark spots, as it reduces pigment production in your body. 

10. Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is extracted from fungus it’s another acid that can help slow the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, as such, kojic acid is used in products that primarily deal with brightening your skin.  

It’s also found in products used to cleanse your skin although kojic acid can be irritating on some skin types, it’s still a very effective ingredient used in skincare products. 

11. Phytic Acid

Phytic acid has antioxidant properties which can help with fighting pollutants and UV rays affecting your skin this particular acid comes from legumes and seeds.

Phytic acid is especially helpful in making sure that your skin becomes smooth again.

12. Tranexamic Acid 

Tranexamic acid is a brightening powerhouse that can fight discoloration it’s perfect for people dealing with acne scarring, melasma, and hyperpigmentation.  

Tranexamic acid comes from the amino acid lysine it fades dark spots, brightens skin, and reduces the appearance of acne scars.

Generally, it’s safe to use for all types of skin if you have super sensitive skin, or are struggling with problems like eczema, do a patch test first. 

Ideally, tranexamic acid products are used twice a day but if you have sensitive skin, start by applying once a day, especially at night it works well with vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid.  

Remember not to use this acid with multiple skin acids this way, you can avoid dryness though tranexamic acid is safe for most skin types, it’s always important to consult your dermatologist before using it.

Especially, if you’re struggling with skin diseases side effects of this acid include flaky skin, dryness, and irritation. 

Skin acids can definitely add glow to your face but they aren’t the only choice you have, you can also use facial oils, yes, you heard that right! Let’s keep