You've probably heard about facial acid skincare routines that involve the use of specific face acids. At first, face acid may sound like a very harsh and harmful thing to apply on your face. Fortunately with the proper use and guidance, it can be an effective way to improve your skin's health.
Jess Beauty is here to help you understand how the most common face acids work and what they can do for you. Keep reading!
The Role of Acids
Face acids work as exfoliants. What does this mean? Exfoliation is a process that helps to remove dead skin easily and quickly. Your skin will naturally renew itself every 30 days or so and that’s when the acids come in, to help our body to complete the process and remove dead cells, giving place to the new ones.
These acids can help make your skin younger, smoother, and brighter. They also help fight acne and prevent issues such as redness, age spots, and wrinkles.
Understanding Acid Exfoliation: Acidic Solutions for Dead Skin
If you want to remove dead skin cells and need a refreshed look, here are two main kinds of acids used for a refreshed and bright look. Choose according to your skin type, sensitivity, and personal preference.
1- Physical Exfoliators
This exfoliation involves manually scrubbing dead skin cells using ingredients like small particles, microbeads, sugar, rice powder, or jojoba seeds. This process helps boost microcirculation and leaves your skin fresh, glowing, and clear.
The physical exfoliation process also involves using a product with a particular texture to scrub away dead skin and debris.
2- Chemical Exfoliator
In contrast, a chemical process works between skin and dead skin cells with specific ingredient levels to dissolve their bonds. There are two other types: AHAs and BHAs.
AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)
AHAs are water-soluble acids like glycolic, lactic, Malic, and Lactic Acids that come from plants like sugarcane, milk, and grapes. They loosen up the glue and remove the dead cells that gunk up the top layer of our skin, revealing fresh new skin cells underneath. AHAs are ideal for dry and normal skin types.
BHAs (beta hydroxy acids)
BHAs are oil-soluble acids such as salicylic acid; they penetrate deeper into your pores than AHAs. Beta-hydroxy acids have many benefits for different skin conditions, including roughness, acne, psoriasis, seborrheic, and more. They are particularly ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, especially whiteheads and blackheads, because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
AHAs and BHAs help remove dead skin, but they also help dissolve sebum, which creates acne.
How To Start Using Face Acid as a Beginner?
Face acids, also known as chemical exfoliants, are the most popular skin care products. However, it can be difficult to use them correctly as a beginner.
Here a some precautions for using face acids as a beginner:
- Start with a low concentration to avoid irritation. Using products that contain 5-10% acid value.
- Select acid according to your skin type. For example, salicylic acid is great for oily skin, and glycolic acid is better for dry skin.
- Before using acid, you must try a patch test on a small area of your skin to make sure your skin doesn’t provoke a reaction!
- Sunscreen is a must while using an acidic skincare routine to prevent sun damage, due to the skin becoming more sensitive while using acid.
- Don't overuse face acids. Just apply once or twice a week, as suitable for you.
- While using an acid skin care routine, be sure to apply a moisturizer to maintain hydrated, smooth skin.
- Don't combine different acids (physical or chemical), choose one and stick to it. At least for one week.
- Patience and consistency is key! It can take approximately a month to see the benefits of using face acid.
How Acid Cleansers Revive Your Skin?
Face acid is best used as a cleanser or serum. Most cleansers serve as exfoliants and can be used in the morning and evening. When it comes to serum, this must be applied after cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser that contains active ingredients.
If you are a newbie using face acid for the first time in your skincare routine, you may experience "skin purging." Purging can mean breakout or a sign of an allergic reaction. However, there is no need to worry, this is normal. Your skin will get used to these changes after some time.
These reactions and changes, means that the products are working, that your skin is working hard to remove dirt from your face, keeping it healthy and clean on the inside and out.
Tip: Take your after and before pictures for seeing the results.
Renew, Refresh, Revitalize: The Acidic Approach
Removing dead skin is an essential step in any skincare routine. It helps to unclog pores and prevents acne. It also enhances the absorption of skincare products.
But remember: exfoliating requires great caution. Some precautions should be taken when removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, as these products can easily damage the skin or cause irritation.
Overnight Exfoliation
Choosing products that are designed to work while you sleep is great for rejuvenating the skin overnight. These products are specially designed for a 8 hours skincare routine and are washed off in the morning.
Night routine with Acids
Face Acid Cleaner: Select a cleanser according to your skin condition. For acne, choose salicylic acid, and for brightening, select a glycolic acid-based cleanser that exfoliates your skin properly.
Serum And Toner: If you don’t use cleanser with acid, you can go for our Shine Bright serum with Tranexamic acid that will illuminate and soften your skin.
Moisturizer: Don’t forget yo nourish and seal your skin with a natural moisturizer, like our C-bomb or Post Workout, this ones will also help you to calm any irritation or redness that the acids may cause.
#JessBeautyTip: Whether you choose chemical or physical exfoliants, it's crucial to select a method that aligns with your skin type and concerns. Remember, we aim to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin.
Removing dead skin from your face through exfoliation is a very effective way. According to your skin type, exfoliating your skin once or twice a week will leave it soft, radiant, and clear.
A range of exfoliants is available, make sure to start with low concentration exfoliants that your skin can handle. Choose Jess Beauty's products and follow up your skin regimen routine with cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
