The Best Acids for Your Skin Explained

by NOA DIAMOND. October 25th, 2020

Acids are an amazing addition to any skincare routine. Their main job is speeding up cell turnover which allows your face to produce new skin cells and slough off the dead ones. Even for someone with dry skin, there are so many benefits from incorporating the right acid for you into your routine. However, there is such thing as overdoing it! Always take note of how certain acids react with your skin. Side effects can include irritation and dry skin. Pay attention to what acids you are using because for the most part you don’t want to use more than one in a routine.

Below is a breakdown of the most common acids we love and some products you can find them in.

Glycolic Acid (AHA):

Benefits:

• chemical exfoliant that replenishes the skin
• increases cell turnover
• acne-fighting
• reduces hyperpigmentation and discoloration from sun and acne scars
• reduces the appearance of fine lines (good for anti-aging)

Products to try:

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner $8.70
• Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment $85

Lactic Acid (AHA):

Benefits:

• a gentle chemical exfoliant that sloughs off dead cells from the surface
• stimulates collagen production
• moisturizes
• improves overall texture of skin

Products to try:

• Youth to The People Kombucha +AHA Toner $38
• Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum $62

Hyaluronic Acid (Humectant):

Benefits:

• acts like a magnet for moisture to keep your skin hydrated and plump
• anti-aging
• stimulates collagen production
• very gentle and can be stacked with many other acids

Products to try:

• Glossier Super Bounce $28
• SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel $83

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C):

Benefits:

• anti-aging
• stimulates collagen production
• antioxidant – protects skin from environmental damage

Products to try:

• Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum $19.99
• Sunday Riley C.E.O Vitamin C Brightening Serum $85

Azelaic Acid

Benefits:

• soothes rosacea
• evens complexion
• reduces hyperpigmentation
• works well for darker skin tones

Products to try:

• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension $7.90
• Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster $36

Salicylic Acid (BHA):

Benefits:

• reduces appearance of pores
• acne-fighting
• anti-inflammatory
• exfoliates deep inside the pores

Products to try:

• Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant $10
• Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel $54

Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A):

Benefits:

• minimizes appearance of fine lines
• increases skin elasticity and thickness (good for anti-aging)
• reverse sun damage and lighten brown spots
• improves skin texture and eavenness

Products to try:

• Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum $21.99
• SkinCeuticals Retinol $67

Regardless of what acids you pick, make sure to introduce them gradually into your routine starting twice a week and increasing the frequency from there. It is also incredibly important to wear sunscreen daily when using acids because they make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage than normal.