Let's Talk: Acids
Acid! Yay!
Unfortunately, not that acid. The acids we're going to be talking about today, obviously, go on your face and do all sorts of wonderful things for you. There are so, so many different types of acids that have really amazing benefits like mandolin acid that can treat sun damage, azelaic acid that reduces inflammation, kojic acid with helps to balance and brighten skin tone. But I want to talk about my favorites and the ones I've had experience with.
Glycolic Acid
Oh, sweet glycol. The acid that popped my cherry, in terms of face acid. Glycolic acid is an amazing chemical exfoliator that works to get into your pores and clean out those icky dead skin cells that are buried in fine lines and wrinkles. By clearing out those dead skin cells, those pesky wrinkles get a chance to repair themselves which makes us look younger. And I'm trying to look like a 14-year-old with baby smooth skin for as long as possible, so I love.
Mario Badescu makes a Glycolic Acid Toner that I am obsessed with a keep buying every single time it runs out. I also started using a glycolic serum, which is like a treatment that I do two-three times a week when I'm feeling like my face needs a deeper (chemical) scrubbing. The Ordinary also makes a toner that's super potent with the glycol--haven't tried it yet, but I definitely will be. And, Pixi's Glow Tonic--MIRACLE WORKER.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydration! Hydration! Hydration! I'll be addressing the importance of hydration for all skin types (but especially us oily-folk) in a later post, but just know it's like the most important step. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (moisture-binder) and acts the opposite of how most would assume after reading the word acid. This acid works to hydrate your skin while locking in all other layers of moisturizers and creams and oils you slap on top of it.
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel I swear changed my actual life has hyaluronic acid in it and seriously is the best moisturizer I've ever used. It's overpriced for the amount of product, but I can't stop buying it. (But seriously, I go through one jar every week to two weeks. 1 ounce for $20 a pop. It's a scam.) Glossier's serum Super Bounce is packed with this beautiful, moisturizing cleanser and it's currently waiting to be purchased in my shopping cart on Glossier.com
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is amazing. It's reduces inflammation, treats acne (favorite product is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion) and can help reduce melanoma, sun damage and hyper-pigmenation. Currently traveling across the U.S. to my front door is the Glossier Solution, which I am skeptical and excited about. It's got salicylic acid in it, and it will be my first real foray into this ingredient. Stay tuned for my thoughts.
Important to note
Most acids SHOULD NOT be mixed/layered/used on the same days. There are exceptions and different acids you can use together--I don't have those answers so do the research. Healthline.com gave some tips on this article on mixing acids.
"Don’t use salicylic acid with any other acid at the same time. Extreme skin irritation may occur when mixed.
Avoid salicylic acid with products that contain niacinamide.
Don’t use glycolic acid or lactic acid in combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This will cause the ascorbic acid’s benefit to disappear even before it begins to work.
Avoid using AHAs with retinol."
So, make sure to do the research, see what will work for your skin type and do a patch test to make sure you don't have a crazy reaction and avoid face-falling-off syndrome. Best wishes in your journeys with acid!
xLogan