Acid Trip: Your Essential Guide to Acids in Skincare

Skincare acids are a fast track to radiant, healthy-looking skin. While the idea of ​​applying acid to your complexion may be a little intimidating, these solutions are actually your skincare saviors. With an extensive list of benefits ranging from anti-aging to unclogging pores, these active ingredients can be found in a variety of formulations—from masks and moisturizers to serums and exfoliants.

Both visibly effective and easy to use, skincare acids are an essential part of any beauty routine. Here's a guide to the 4 acids you need to have on your radar...

Glycolic acid
Do you crave a radiant, glowing, and flawless complexion? You need glycolic acid in your beauty cabinet. Praised for its diverse benefits, glycolic acid is the ultimate all-rounder when it comes to exfoliating skincare acids. Think anti-aging and acne-busting properties, combined with the magical ability to stimulate skin cell renewal while preserving natural moisture.

Glycolic acid belongs to the AHA family, which stands for alpha hydroxy acid—a group of acids derived from natural substances such as sugar cane, milk, and fruits. They work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, which can be washed away to reveal radiant, smooth, and supple skin underneath.

Benefits of glycolic acid:

• Improves skin texture and tone
  
• Minimizes breakouts and the appearance of acne scars
  
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  
• Safe for all skin types

Our Deep Cleansing Scrub contains glycolic acid and micro-granules of natural volcanic rhyolite to exfoliate your complexion. Our scrub not only deeply cleanses the face but also actively removes impurities and unclogs pores without stripping your skin of its natural oils. With regular use, the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation will be reduced.

Lactic acid
One of the beauty secrets behind a perfectly radiant and even complexion? Lactic acid. This plant-derived alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in our products gently exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells and leaving a smooth and buttery surface. In addition to its cleansing properties, lactic acid ultimately improves your skin's tone and texture.

Compared to glycolic acid, lactic acid is a milder and gentler treatment, perfect for even the most sensitive skin types. The lactic acid molecule is larger and doesn't penetrate as deeply, meaning it has a stronger effect on the outermost layer of skin. By polishing and firming the skin's surface, lactic acid provides an instant glow for those seeking a youthful appearance.

Benefits of lactic acid:

• Brightens the skin and gives it a new texture
• Improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• Treats skin prone to blemishes
• Suitable for the most sensitive skin types

Our Intense Peel Mask is a double threat—it contains lactic and glycolic acids to effectively exfoliate your complexion and stimulate the production of new skin cells. The collagen-boosting formula is powered by lactic acid to keep skin balanced and refreshed. Simply apply a thin layer of this gel mask to cleansed skin once a week and leave it on for 2-4 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Salicylic acid
If you're looking for a skincare product with excellent anti-blemish benefits, salicylic acid is the ideal ingredient for you. Designed to treat acne, salicylic acid penetrates oily skin, breaks down excess sebum, and unclogs pores to combat stubborn blackheads and pimples. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it exfoliates the skin to improve its overall texture while reducing the visibility of wrinkles.

As a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) found in willow bark, salicylic acid works differently than AHAs. While glycolic and lactic acids target the surface of the skin, sweeping away dead skin cells to reveal the new skin beneath, BHAs work deeper into your pores, dissolving dirt blockages that lead to dreaded breakouts.

Benefits of salicylic acid:

• Clogged pores
  
• Reduces blackheads and skin impurities
  
• Improves skin structure
  
• Reduces the visibility of wrinkles

Our Deep Cleansing Mask, Skin Perfector 2% BHA, and Pore Minimizing Serum are formulated with salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Antibacterial zinc protects your skin from breakout-causing bacteria, helping maintain balance, reduce breakouts, and ward off blemishes.

Hyaluronic acid
Once a beauty secret, hyaluronic acid now enjoys cult status in the beauty arsenal of skincare addicts everywhere. Not only is it the key to smooth, plump, and beautifully hydrated skin, it also boasts important antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect your skin from free radicals—molecules your body naturally produces in response to pollution or other aggressors that cause aging and dark spots.

Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet, helping your cells retain as much moisture as possible, leaving your skin feeling incredibly hydrated and radiant. In fact, just one gram of hyaluronic acid can absorb up to six liters of water.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid:

• Smoothes and plumps the skin
  
• Provides moisture
  
• Protects the skin from pollution
• Reduces wrinkles

Our intensive hyaluronic mask instantly strengthens skin by providing long-lasting hydration. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain your skin's moisture, firmness, and elasticity while giving it a smooth appearance.