The Best Exfoliating Acids For Each Skin Type
Fun fact: most of us exfoliate, but do it wrong. Whether it is aggressively rubbing a grainy scrub on the face or using the wrong chemical exfoliator for your skin type. Just like all other skincare products, choosing the right exfoliator also depends on your skin type. Here, we’ve covered all bases so that you can avoid any oopsies while selecting the best exfoliating acid for your skin type.
But first…
Why is exfoliation necessary?
Exfoliators are of two types – physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators are the grainy scrubs that buff away surface debris and impurities to give you visibly brighter-looking skin.
Chemical exfoliators are usually acids that work by breaking the bond between dead skin cells, thus revealing healthier and glowing skin.
But, just having the right weapons is not enough. Exfoliation can go horribly wrong if you’re not careful of what’s going on your face. Below, we solve the puzzle.
What are the types of chemical exfoliators?
Broadly divided into 4 categories, each chemical exfoliator has its unique characteristic and benefits to offer.
1. AHAs – Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs are water-soluble and work on the skin’s topmost layer to eliminate impurities, improve texture and brighten skin. Common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and mandelic acid.
2. BHAs – Beta Hydroxy Acids
Salicylic acid is the most popular of this lot. BHAs are oil-soluble, which allows them to go deeper into the skin to unclog pores, control excess sebum, reduce acne and give smoother skin.
3. PHAs – Poly Hydroxy Acids
Very similar to AHAs, these are water-soluble too. The biggest is that they are very mild and can be used by people with sensitive skin too. Plus, they also have hydrating and antioxidant properties.
4. Retinol or Tretinoin
Both these are the two most common derivatives of Vitamin A. Both offer similar benefits – anti-ageing, improve cell turnover, collagen boosting, reduce acne and discoloration, and promote an overall healthy tone and texture. While retinol can be seen in many skincare products, tretinoin is much stronger and is an over the counter medication.
Which chemical exfoliant is the best for your skin type?
Oily skin
Physical exfoliators are the best for oily skin types. Since oil attracts a lot of dirt and impurities, using a gentle scrub will slough off everything within minutes! Be careful not to go overboard – you do not need a scrub with large granules nor do you want to rub it in with force. Use our Yuzu Fine 2-In-1 Vitamin C Scrub And Clay Mask 1-2 times every week for an unbelievably smooth and radiant skin. It has gentle exfoliators like ascorbic acid and apricot seed powder that does not irritate skin and provide a deep cleanse. Plus, you can leave it on as a mask for better results.
Dry skin
You need something that eliminates dead skin cells but also hydrates. Bringing together the best of both worlds is our Mesmerice Ultra Nourishing Cream Mask. A cream + clay mask that exfoliates, hydrates and moisturizes at the same time! Infused with rice powder, glycerin, aloe and kaolin clay, this multi-tasker will take care of your dry skin like no other. Rice water and olive deeply moisturize skin and keep it healthy and supple. Not only that, it also restores the lost glow as well as lightens spots and promotes an even-toned skin. You do not have to worry about dryness or dull skin once you have this baby in your skincare kit.
Acne-prone skin
If acne is your enemy, befriend salicylic acid right away! Being a potent BHA, it can penetrate deeper into skin to unclog pores, reduce excess oil, eliminate acne-causing bacteria and give your skin a healthy glow. Speaking of which, our Birch Please Intense Glow Gel Mask is all things love. Along with salicylic acid, it contains birch juice, passionflower and sea buckthorn that boost skin hydration and elasticity for a visibly brighter-looking skin. It has a unique cooling gel formula infused with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.
Combination Skin
If your skin type is combination, but mostly falls on the normal to dry side, then you’re lucky enough to use literally any type of exfoliator of your choice. You do not have any major skin concerns to worry about and it is not easily irritated to any ingredient. One ‘sneaky’ way to include exfoliating acids in your routine is by using an overnight mask. Our Mon Cherry Overnight Peeling Mask gently exfoliates as well as nourishes skin, so that you wake upto smoother, clearer skin every morning.
If your skin is in the category of normal to oily, then it will love glycolic acid. It is a very gentle BHA that sloughs off dead skin cells, balances oil production and brightens skin. Our Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads has 45 pads pre-soaked in glycolic acid, and natural ingredients like papaya extracts, Korean ginseng and cica that keep your skin bright and fresh.
Sensitive Skin
Even though this skin type is angered and irritated easily, PHAs are your ultimate BFFs. They are super-gentle. Thanks to their large molecule size, they cannot seep into the skin, preventing any risk of irritation. Our Bravocado Pollution Rescue Cream Face Wash has Gluconolactone, a PHA that gently exfoliates and leaves skin brighter. It also has soothing ingredients like avocado, pomegranate and rice water that lead to smoother and dewy skin.
Mature Skin
Mature skin needs special attention, which is delivered by retinol. It improves skin’s elasticity and firmness by speeding up cell regeneration and increasing collagen production. Using it in your PM skincare routine prevents sagging, fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
Note: Be careful to not over-use exfoliating acids.
What is your type and what exfoliating acid are you choosing?
Related Articles:
The Ultimate Guide To Exfoliating The Right Way
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