Scary as it may sound, including acids for exfoliation in your skincare will up your beauty game way more than a notch higher.

Acids work wonders on a number of issues ranging from scars, blemishes, pigmentation, dullness, collagen-boosting and even hydration – the list is endless. Needless to say, you still need caution as they are ultimately ACIDS – going overboard with them may cause your skin to be sensitive, dry and irritated.

With the entire beauty industry going gaga over acids in skincare, here is your guide to the A, B & P’s of it.

The A of it

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – Definitely the most famous in the category and widely known, Alpha-Hydoxry Acids or AHAs as they call it are water-soluble acids that work on the surface of your skin to remove the dead skin cells. They break the bonds between the dead skin cells and dissolve them out, making way for a softer and smoother skin.

It helps re-texturize the skin with reduction of fine lines, acne spots as other few benefits.

Being acidic (duh!) it reduces the pH of your skin, making it more sensitive but this also sends signal to the dermis to speed up cell renewal at the upper layer, leaving your skin look renewed and glowing instantly (yes, by instantly we DO mean in-stant-ly!).

The star in AHAs is Glycolic Acid, you’d find this in almost all best seller exfoliating products. Other examples of AHAs used widely in skincare are Lactic Acid (Remember the milk and curd in every other glowing skin DIY?), Malic Acid and Citric Acid.

The B of it

Beta-Hydroxy Acids – BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate your skin surface and clean out dirt or excess sebum from the pores, reducing oiliness.

If you have an acne prone skin, then you should definitely try including BHA in your skin care routine.

Salicylic Acid is a BHA (yes, the aspirin tablet DIY for acnes makes sense now!) It helps clear out your pores as it works on a deeper level than AHAs, reducing acne or blackheads.

The P of it

Poly-Hydroxy Acids – PHAs are lesser known and not widely used currently. Theyre similar to AHAs in working on the surface but are heavier molecules which causes lesser sensitivity to the skin. Theyre ideal if you have a super sensitive skin.

Look for gluconolactone and lactobionic acid on your product labels.

Let’s talk products:

As AHA works on the surface and BHAs underneath, it is ideal to have a product that contains both to give your skin an overall rejuvenation.

I couldn’t recommend this product enough – the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha-Beta Daily Peel – treatment pads! Having read rave reviews about it all over the internet including by the beauty guru Huda Kattan, I was bound to try it on but skeptical given my sensitive skin.

Last note of warning – If you’re new at using acids, go slow. Start by using it once/twice a week and once your skin gets acclimated to this, you can be more regular. Also, while you’re using these acids it is better to avoid layering of products as a lot of other ingredients sometimes interfere and cause skin problems instead of preventing them. Products containing Vitamin C or Retinols should certainly be avoided.

Written by Jasmine Sharif

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