Acids In Skincare

I feel like I have really upped my skincare game this year and I think this is due to the introduction of acids into my routine. I know how confusing acids are, so I wanted to give a quick run down of all the basics that I've learnt. I thought I'd better give a bit of a disclaimer in that I'm not scientist or anything, but these are the products that I've used and my skin has loved. 

I'd never heard of a chemical exfoliator before I used the Pixi Glow Tonic*, but this toner helped to get rid of my dry patches, made my complexion look brighter and reduced the size of my blemishes too. I first picked this up back in 2015 and it took me a couple of years to understand more about the science behind it, yet I soon discovered that the magical results were due to the gylcolic acid. I then set out on a mission to find a budget version. The Ordinary's offering is one that I've spoken a lot about on my blog, so I won't go on, but it does the job amazingly and is great to use if have a dehydrated complexion that needs  a boost. 

Another form of AHA that I use is lactic acid, but as it's slightly more gentle than glyolic ones it can be used in an exfoliator; the Pixi Peel and Polish being my go-to. It can be used as either a face scrub or a five minute mask to boost radiance and dissolve dead skin cells. 

Another mask I like to use is The Ordinary's Peeling Solution, which is much stronger than anything else I own so to begin with I was scared how my skin would react. Containing AHA's and BHA's, this seriously decongests the pores and gets to work quickly, but it can leave my skin feeling a little sensitive, so I don't use this as much as I used to. A new addition which is super similar to this is the Drunk Elephant Baby Facial which can be used twice a week to exfoliate and brighten. I find this offering actually works amazingly on spots and my skin's texture, which I believe is due to the Niacinamide; known to visibly improve enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. 

If my skin is feeling temperamental and needs calming, I tend to reach for the Azealic Acid, especially for under makeup. I find that over time it will clear the skin and work to fight redness too. 

Hyaluronic acid and I are best friends; I find myself looking for it in skincare ingredients now because I know how great it works for my dehydrated skin. The Fresh Deep Hydration Toner* and Glow Recipe Watermelon Mask* both contain this and you can really tell as it keeps my skin feeling nourished and looking healthy. 

Do you use acids in your skincare routine? What are your go-to products?

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links.