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Skin care acids 101

by Aaron|August 26, 2022
Skin care acids 101

The experts from SkinCeuticals are here to break down the benefits of skin care acids.

The world of skin care acids can be confusing at first, but knowledge is power when you’re looking for skin care results. Once you understand these ingredients and their far-reaching benefits for different skin types and concerns, you can incorporate them into your skin care routine and start seeing improvement in the healthy appearance of your skin. Consider this your guide to the most common acids SkinCeuticals turns to, and the products you can find them in.

Glycolic acid

Naturally derived from sugarcane (and commonly synthesized in a lab), glycolic acid is part of the alpha hydroxy acid family and perhaps one of the best-known skin care acids. It is an exfoliating ingredient that weakens the glue that binds dead skin cells together to promote their natural shedding. Glycolic acid helps eliminate the buildup of dead cells, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, dull skin, acne and rough surface texture.

SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel

Find it in: SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel (pictured here) and SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits. This ingredient is especially effective for acne-prone skin because it helps promote the shedding of dead cells on the skin’s surface that can clog pores and result in breakouts. It is also oil-soluble, which means it is able to dissolve oil and sebum found within the pores. The exfoliating effects of salicylic acid can also help improve pore visibility, dullness, rough texture, dark spots and uneven skin tone.

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

Find it in: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF (pictured here) and SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum

L-ascorbic acid

The purest form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid has been extensively researched and proven to provide multiple benefits for the skin. First, it’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage, and SkinCeuticals founding scientist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell was the first to identify the formulation parameters necessary for an effective vitamin C serum. L-ascorbic acid also provides improvement in visible signs of skin aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Find it in: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum (pictured here), SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF and SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid may be a lesser-known skin care acid, but it certainly warrants a place in the spotlight. This ingredient can be naturally derived from wheat, barley and rye (although it is generally synthesized in a lab for skin care purposes), and while it is not an alpha or beta hydroxy acid, it does have exfoliating as well as antioxidant properties. Azelaic acid also offers additional skin benefits, such as improvement in the appearance of skin discoloration, acne scars and overall skin clarity. Plus, it is non-comedogenic, so it will not contribute to clogged pores.

SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment Daily Corrective Moisturizer

Find it in: SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment Daily Corrective Moisturizer

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular (and effective) hydrating ingredients, but it actually isn’t an acid at all. In fact, hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin and plays a role in maintaining hydration by attracting moisture to the skin and helping the skin hold on to it. This ingredient is non-comedogenic, making it ideal for all skin types. A hyaluronic acid serum can be used as a moisturizer on its own, or layered with other creams and lotions for extra hydration.

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier,

Find it in: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier (pictured here), SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel Serum, SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator Exfoliating + Hydrating Serum and SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating & Calming Gel Serum

Looking for a skin care multitasker to add to your regimen? Learn more about SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Hyaluronic Acid Gel Serum.

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About the Author

Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.

Other Posts by Aaron

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