Regular users of skincare acid products will know they come in many forms. This can include exfoliating toners to peel pads, masks, mists and serums. Generally acids are used to exfoliate the skin, and depending on the acid they can also offer any number of other benefits from pore-clearing to brightening up pigmentation and hydration.
With countless types of skincare acid available, from AHAs to BHAs, and now PHA skincare is trending (some of which aren’t actually even acids, confusingly enough) each one with its own potency levels and effects on the skin, it can get confusing.
That’s why we’ve decided to consulted the experts. And they don't come more expert than Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, an aesthetic doctor, Medical Director of the award-winning Adonia Clinic and honorary guest lecturer on aesthetic medicine at Queen Mary University. In short, Dr Ejikeme really knows her stuff when it comes to the skin.
Read on to discover the five skincare acids worth knowing, the skin type they work best on, and how to exfoliate your face with them. Plus, we reveal our top product pick for each variety, so you can get the most out of acids in your skincare routine.
Which skincare acids should I be using? Dr Ejikeme explains:
Salicylic Acid: For oily and acne-prone skin
"This is made from the same family as aspirin. It exfoliates and reduces excess oil in the skin, helping to reduce acne breakouts." This ability to clear oil out of pores makes salicylic one of the best pore minimizers in acid form.
"Look for products with 2% strength and add to your evening skin regime when cleansing."
Our product pick: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Glycolic Acid: For all skin types
One of the best-known skincare acids, this can be used in professional treatments such as the VI Peel, or at-home formulas. "Coming from sugar cane, this is a really small molecule that penetrates into the skin, exfoliating and brightening.
"It is strong, so only use once a week as an exfoliator on the face with a product at 10% strength. It should also not be used long term, so take a break after a couple of months."
Our product pick: Boots Ingredients Glycolic Acid Toner
Lactic Acid: For dry skin and rosacea
"Coming from cow’s milk, lactic acid is unusual in that it exfoliates but also hydrates the skin, by pulling water into the skin." This gentler acid means that when answering the big question - how often should you exfoliate your face - in this case, you can actually go a little bit more frequently, perhaps three times a week.
Our product pick: REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Mandelic Acid: Great for darker skin
"Glycolic acid is great for skin types 1-3 (very fair to medium-fair with golden undertones) but Mandelic acid is better for darker skin, yet is often overlooked.
"Made from almonds, the modules are larger which makes it good for brightening darker skin types without causing pigmentation." This makes it an excellent gradual hyperpigmentation treatment too.
Our product pick: Garden of Wisdom Mandelic Acid 10% serum
SHOP NOW: Garden of Wisdom Mandelic Acid 10% serum, £10, Victoria Health
Hyaluronic Acid: Not an acid
"This is not an active acid like the others above.
"It is a molecule found naturally in the skin. It acts like a sponge, holding a thousand times itself in water making it a great product to add into your skincare regime after cleansing and before putting on your moisturiser or other daily serums."
Our product pick: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster
Are acid peels god for your skin?
"Get expert advice," says Dr Ejikeme. "With clinics currently closed, there has been an increase in consumers buying at home skin peels that all contain different amounts of the acids above.
"Before applying these peels, it is best to seek medical advice from a skin specialist to ensure you are using the right peels for your skin type. Adonia Medical Clinic are currently offering virtual consultations to help people find the best acids for their skin and to apply them safely."
Feeling inspired to start using skincare acids? Read up on how you can incorporate acids into your night skin care routine, the best hyaluronic acid products to hydrate and plump your skin and discover the skincare ingredients you should never mix together.
As ever when using active ingredients that exfoliate the skin, there is one crucial point you must remember: After any acid treatment always wear a good broad-spectrum facial SPF to protect that lovely fresh skin you have just revealed.
Get ready for the best skin of your life...
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