Do you often look in the mirror and feel disappointed by your uneven or rough skin tone? This situation makes people try every possible way but still cannot improve it, and their mood is affected accordingly. Many people have heard of the amazing effects of acid peels, but with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. How can you choose the skin-rejuvenating product that is truly suitable for you? We will help you sort out your doubts and make it easy for you to find the secret weapon to improve your skin!
Quoted from makeup, sun care, and skin care knowledge here!
Do you often look in the mirror and feel disappointed by your uneven or rough skin tone? This situation makes people try every possible way but still cannot improve it, and their mood is affected accordingly. Many people have heard of the amazing effects of acid peels, but with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. How can you choose the skin-rejuvenating product that is truly suitable for you? We will help you sort out your doubts and make it easy for you to find the secret weapon to improve your skin! The practical suggestions in this article are as follows (please continue reading for more details). The following are practical suggestions for "choosing acid-based skin care products" based on the content of the article:
- Understand your needs first, then choose the right acid: When choosing acid-based skin resurfacing products, first, carefully evaluate your skin condition and needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you should choose gentle PHA products instead of more irritating AHA or BHA. If you want to improve acne problems, you can use BHA products containing salicylic acid.
- Take it step by step and slowly build up tolerance: Don’t blindly pursue high concentrations. Start with low-concentration, mild formulas, observe skin reactions, and slowly build up tolerance. For example, you can start with a low concentration (such as 2%) of AHA products and use it once or twice a week. If your skin does not have an allergic reaction, you can gradually increase the frequency and concentration of use.
- Use moisturizing products to reduce irritation: Acid products will make the skin's stratum corneum thinner, which can easily cause dryness and sensitivity. Choose moisturizing products suitable for the skin, such as products containing ingredients such as ceramide and hyaluronic acid. Apply moisturizing products immediately after using acid products to effectively lock in moisture and reduce irritation.
You can refer to How to choose lotion? The Secret to Glowing Skin
How to choose the right acid product?
Acid peels are like a gentle "deep cleansing" for the skin and have been a popular skincare trend in recent years. It can not only effectively remove dead skin cells, but also improve skin texture, brighten skin tone, and even has a significant effect on problems such as acne, enlarged pores, and blackheads. These effects all come from the different acids contained in acid products, such as the common AHA, BHA, PHA, etc. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) mainly comes from fruit and plant extracts, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc. They can effectively exfoliate, promote skin cell renewal, improve fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and other problems, and are suitable for dry and sensitive skin. BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) is represented by salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and can deeply cleanse pores, remove oil and dirt, improve problems such as acne, pimples, and enlarged pores, and is suitable for oily and combination skin. PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids) is a milder acid. It has larger molecules than AHA and BHA and is less likely to irritate the skin. It also has antioxidant and moisturizing effects. It is suitable for sensitive skin or people who are trying acid peels for the first time.
Understand your skin and choose the right products!
Everyone's skin is different, and with so many acid peels on the market, you may be wondering: which one is best for me? Choosing the right product can not only save you a lot of time on trial and error, but also make your skin care more effective.
What is your skin type?
- Dry skin: dry, tight, and prone to peeling, requiring high moisturizing and repairing effects.
- Oily skin: prone to oil production, large pores, and acne, requiring oil control and exfoliation functions.
- Combination skin: Different areas of the face have different skin conditions, such as oily T-zone and dry cheeks, so different skin care products need to be selected for different areas.
- Sensitive skin: prone to redness, stinging and itching, requires mild, low-irritation products.
What is your skin problem?
- Acne and blackheads: You need products containing salicylic acid (BHA), which can penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells and dirt.
- Dull and sallow complexion: You need products containing fruit acid (AHA), which can promote cell renewal and make the skin tone brighter.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Products containing peptides, vitamin C or high-concentration fruit acids are needed to promote collagen production and improve fine lines.
- Large pores: You need products containing salicylic acid (BHA) or mandelic acid (AHA) to shrink the pores.
Here are some common types of acid peels:
- Fruit acid (AHA) : The main function is to remove aging cuticles, promote cell renewal, and improve uneven skin tone, dullness, fine lines and other problems. Common fruit acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc.
- Salicylic acid (BHA) : The main function is to remove dirt and oil from the pores, improve acne, blackheads, enlarged pores and other problems.
- Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) : Compared with AHA and BHA, PHA molecules are larger and less irritating, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
- Other acids: There are other acids like azelaic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, etc. which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
When choosing an acid product, please select the appropriate concentration and ingredients based on your skin condition and needs. For those who are trying acid peels for the first time, it is recommended to start with a low concentration and gradually increase the concentration and frequency of use.
Choosing acid-based skin care products: starting from the needs of the skin
In addition to understanding the properties of acids, you also need to consider your own skin condition, for example: do you have oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or acne-prone skin? Different skin conditions require different acids and concentrations. For example, oily skin can choose a higher concentration of BHA to control oil and remove acne, while sensitive skin needs to choose a low concentration of PHA or a mild AHA to avoid irritation. When choosing an acid product, you can start with a low concentration, slowly observe your skin's reaction, and then gradually increase the concentration. If you experience any skin discomfort such as redness, stinging, dryness, etc., you should stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist.
| Acids | Main Benefits | Common types | Suitable for skin type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) |
|
Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, etc. | More suitable for dry and normal skin, as well as skin that needs to improve roughness, dullness and fine lines. |
| BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) |
|
Salicylic Acid | More suitable for oily and combination skin, as well as skin with acne and blackheads problems. |
| PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids) |
|
Lactobionic Acid, Gluconolactone, etc. | Suitable for sensitive skin, dry skin, and skin that is easily sensitive to AHA or BHA. |
What is your tolerance for acids? When using acid products for the first time , it is recommended to start with a low-concentration, mild formula and use it at a low frequency to observe the skin's reaction. If allergy, redness, etc. occurs, stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist. If you have experience in use , you can choose products of different concentrations according to your skin's tolerance. But be aware that even for high-concentration products, you should gradually increase the frequency of use to avoid over-irritating the skin. Choosing an acid-based exfoliating product is like tailoring a regimen specifically for your skin, and requires a careful assessment of your needs and skin condition. From understanding your skin type and the skin problems you face to assessing your tolerance to acid products, every step is important. Remember to start with a low-concentration, gentle formula, and slowly observe your skin's reaction to find the skin rejuvenating product that's best for you. If you have any questions about the product, consult a dermatologist or professional aesthetician to make your acid peel journey smoother and more effective!
Frequently Asked Questions Quick FAQ
Which acid should I start with?
If you’re new to acids, start with PHAs or lower-concentration AHAs, such as lactic or glycolic acid. They are less irritating and better for sensitive skin. You can start with a low concentration and gradually increase the frequency and concentration of use.
How do I choose the right acid concentration for me?
Choosing the acid concentration depends on your skin condition and tolerance. For the first try, it is recommended to start with a low concentration, slowly observe the skin reaction, and then gradually increase the concentration. If you experience any skin discomfort such as redness, stinging, dryness, etc., you should stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist.
What additional care do I need after using an acid peel?
After using acid-based skin exfoliation products, in addition to daily cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, you can also use some soothing and repairing products, such as aloe vera gel, moisturizing masks, etc., to help the skin restore balance. In addition, you should also pay attention to sun protection, avoid sunlight and prevent pigmentation.