Know Your Acids

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It is time to get to know your acids! (If you are thinking about the acid that you may have experimented with in the 1970's... then this is the wrong blog for you). Today, acids are extremely common in skin care products and prove to be effective for improving skin and fighting against aging and other skin ailments. It is so important to know your acids before applying them to your skin. However, it can definitely feel overwhelming to see all of these different acids when shopping for skin care products (I mean really, are we shopping or in a high school chemistry class?) So, here is a simple list of the most common acids that you will find in skin care and a brief description of how the acid is beneficial to your skin. Remember, not all acids are the same!


Hyaluronic Acid: dehydrated skin

Salicylic Acid: cleanses and unclogs pores (most commonly used for acne)

Citric Acid: increases collagen production

Glycolic Acid: peels and exfoliates skin - improves appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and scars (commonly found in chemical peels)

Lactic Acid: softens and improves skin's texture

L-ascorbic Acid: reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Retinoic Acid: reduces dullness and clears acne

Kojic Acid: brightens skin

Ferulic Acid: reduces signs of aging

Mandelic Acid: gently exfoliates

Azelaic Acid: reduces redness, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and acne