What are acid exfoliants?
Acid exfoliants can help with the production of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin helping to reduce any signs of ageing
Yes and no, this is really dependant on the type of product you are using that is enriched with an acid exfoliant ingredient. It is said that if you are wanting to see quicker results to the skin then opting for serums, face oils and overnight treatments allow you to have the ingredient on your skin for a longer amount of time meaning it has a larger impact on the skin. Other products, such as face washes and cleansers are the least effective due to how little time they stay on the skin. Acid toners are yet another product that can affect the skin, the potency of the acid is generally quite high in toner formulations and has the most impact on the effectiveness of the rest of your daily skincare routine.
Face Mask = rinse off as instructions describe
Considering the previous points covered in this post, ensuring you are using the correct acid for your skin type must take priority when adding an acid into your routine. You can find out which skin type you have on our blog about the 4 most common skin types. Here are some examples of the best acid exfoliants to use for which skin type;
Sensitive skin types:
PHAs
Please ensure you consult a GP, dermatologist or medical professional for advice on introducing acid to your routine. Perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any products to your skin
Dry skin types:
PHAs
AHAs e.g. Lactic acid
Note the advice above should be applied for dry skin types also.
Combination skin types:
AHAs e.g Lactic, glycolic acid and vitamin C
BHAs e.g salicylic acid
Remember to perform a patch test and to apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to prevent any sun damage from UV exposure
Oily skin types:
BHAs e.g Salicylic acid
AHAs e.g Glycolic and vitamin C
Use a daily SPF and ensure you do not overuse acid exfoliants as this will lead to the skin becoming stripped of oil and introduce an increased production of sebum
Do you wash off exfoliating serum?
You do not need to wash off exfoliating serums or similar skincare products. Serums generally benefit the skin the most when they are remaining on the skin for the longest amount of time. This is why washing off an exfoliating serum will result in it not being effective on the skin and treating any concerns you are wanting to address. Due to acid exfoliants making the skin more prone to sun damage we would also recommend applying an exfoliating serum in your evening routine therefore allowing the ingredients to penetrate the deeper layers without the worry of UV exposure. You may also find the serum is more effective when applied in the evening due to the lack of other free radicals that occur during the day, such as pollution, central heating and environmental aggressors.
What do you do after using acid exfoliants?
After using acid exfoliants you need to keep the skin’s natural barrier balanced and calm to avoid irritation. This is why using a skincare routine containing a cocktail of complimentary ingredients will give you the best results. Applying a gel-like serum enriched in hyaluronic acid or niacinamide will lock in moisture and keep the freshly exfoliated skin soft, supple and hydrated. As we have stressed before, a daily SPF is a must to keep your skin healthy and happy. Applying the occasional skin treatment, such as an overnight face mask or professional facial is great for an added boost in skin rejuvenation and TLC.
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