01/12Find out which skincare acid is the right one for you!

Find out which skincare acid is the right one for you!

Acids are everywhere in skincare products now, and we admit, they can be very intimidating. Perhaps its their long standing association with chemical burn to blame. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that acids are extremely effective in exfoliating all the dead skin layers from your skin to give you the soft, smooth skin of your dreams. So whether it’s discolouration that’s your concern, or clogged pores, or acne and even ageing, there is an acid in the skincare biz for you. You just need to know which acid works perfectly for you. So if you’re hoping take your skincare game up a notch (and a few more) read on. Here’s a list of all the acids in skincare and what they do for your skin!

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02/12Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid

A type of beta-hydroxy acid, salicylic is the second most common acid because of its ubiquity in acne products. As its molecules are larger than glycolic, its treatment percentages are lower. Reach for a product with salicylic acid when you want to get rid of pimples — its anti-inflammatory properties will help dissolve dead-skin buildup.

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03/12Citric acid

Citric acid

You’ll recognise the name from your favourite fruits, but citric acid is also used in many skincare products for gentle exfoliation – it’s why a lot of at-home face peels smell like oranges. Citric acid is also in the alpha-hydroxy acid group.

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04/12Malic acid

Malic acid

Malic acid is probably the least well known of the commonly used skincare ingredients. As an AHA, it also encourages skin cell turnover rate, but is found in many anti-ageing beauty products because it can encourage the production of collagen. Malic acid can also reduce the production of melanin, helping to prevent and improve hyperpigmentation.

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05/12Ferulic Acid

Ferulic Acid

This is another one of those powerful antioxidants to help fix signs of aging caused by sun damage and free radicals. Include ferulic acid in your skincare to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin, and photoaging. Plus, it helps skin rebuild to protect against further damage.

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06/12Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid

Don't get tripped up by the fancy name; ascorbic acid is actually just vitamin C! (Well, technically, vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid.) Vitamin C/ascorbic acid is a wonderful antioxidant that reduces fine lines and fights free-radicals as well as acting as a brightening agent that fades dark spots

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07/12Mandelic Acid

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid has the largest molecule of all the AHAs which allows it to penetrate skin slower and gentler than the others, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

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08/12Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid was discovered in mushrooms native to Japan and remains mostly popular in Asia as a skin lightening agent. Kojic acid works to decrease melanin production in the skin (the stuff that makes dark spots) but is found to be irritating by some.

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09/12Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and is essentially a chemical exfoliator. Think of it like your regular granular scrub, only this one works more gently on the skin but is far more effective. Glycolic acid basically breaks down the dead skin cells stuck on the outer layer of the skin to make skin smoother and brighter. Additionally, it also helps increasing collagen production. So, if you struggle with dull skin, discolouration or clogged pores, look for this acid! You could either use it as a face cleanser or as a toner.

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10/12Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid

Remember when we would use milk for miniaturisation for many a DIYs? Turns out, it wasn’t for moisturisation, but for the presence of lactic acid in it. Much like Lactic acid is also an AHA that chemically exfoliates the skin to remove rough dead skin. However, this one is a little gentler. So if you’re someone with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin or even pregnant who is looking for a liquid exfoliator while hydrating the skin, try out this acid!

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