Continuing from Part 1 of our mini-series on skin acids, we have enlisted the help of our knowledgable BiL Contributor, Olabisi, to shed some light on a few more acids. If you missed part 1 you might want to click here to catch-up. If you are all caught-up, continue reading…
AHAs and BHAs usually come to mind when everyone hears acids but did you know that there are other types of acids which also help you achieve the healthy and supple skin that you deserve. I promise you this is not a chemistry lesson but keep reading to know more about these other acids.
HYALURONIC ACID
photo source: iherb.com
What it does: Quickly gaining popularity and is probably one of my favourite ingredients. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and helps to hold in moisture. As we get older and get exposed to environmental factors, we lose moisture, leading to lacklustre skin. Another form of hyaluronic acid is Sodium Hyaluronate which is derived from hyaluronic acid as well but is more easily absorbed. Add hyaluronic acid to your routine in form of toners, serums, moisturizer or even sheet masks. Some of my favourite products with hyaluronic acid include Medik8 Hydr8 B5, Neutrogena HydroBoost, Cerave Moisturising Lotion and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5
Skin Type: All types. Best for Dry/Acne-Prone Skin in need of oil-free option
| PRODUCT SUGGESTION | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|
| 1. INSTANATURAL HYYALURONIC ACID SERUM 2. PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM 3. WHITE EGRET HYALURONIC ACID DAY SERUM | Allure Beauty Store |
| JORDAN SAMUEL SKIN HYDRATE SERUM | Hilary Says |
| 1. KLAIRS SUPPLE PREPARATION UNSCENTED TONER 2. COSRX ULTIMATE MOISTURISING HONEY OVERNIGHT MASK 3. COSRX BHA BLACKHEAD POWER LIQUID 4. KLAIRS MIDNIGHT BLUE CALMING CREAM 5. COSRX ALOE VERA OIL FREE MOISTURE CREAM | Your Skin's Love |
| 1. RADHA BEAUTY VITAMIN C SERUM WITH HYALRONIC ACID 2. CETAPHIL DAILY HYDRATING FACE LOTION WITH HYALURONIC ACID | Serenite Beauty & Skincare |
CITRIC ACID
photo source: us.memebox.com
What it does: An AHA naturally found in citrus fruits – lemon, limes, oranges, kiwi etc. Helps to exfoliate the skin which is probably why there are DIY tips advising you apply lemon directly on your face – PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. Citric acid helps to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, scars and skin discolouration and is present in most moisturisers.
Skin Type: Hyperpigmented skin with dark spots. NOT suitable for sensitive skin.
| PRODUCT SUGGESTION | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|
| COSRX LOW PH GOOD MORNING CLEANSER | Your Skin's Love |
| 1. The Body Shop Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Lotion 2. The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Sleeping Mask | SK Beauty |
AMINO ACID
photo source: amazon.com
What it does: Known as building blocks of proteins. They play an important role in maintaining hydration in the skin as well as the texture of the skin.They also help to promote cellular repair. One of the major sources of amino acids is animal protein, beans and nuts. Some amino acids also work as antioxidants e.g glutathione. Other amino acids are arginine, lysine and glycine. Some skincare products rich in amino acids include The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factor + HA, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream.
Skin Type: All skintypes
| PRODUCT SUGGESTION | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|
| 1. THE ORDINARY BUFFET + COPPER PEPTIDES 1% 2. THE KLAIRS SUPPLE PREPARATION FACIAL TONER 3. PAULA'S CHOICE SKIN REVOVERY REPLENSHING MOISTURISER 4. CERAVE PEPTIDE NIGHT CREAM | Gebeesq |
| RADIANT GLOW BOTANICAL FACIAL MILK | SK Beauty |
RETINOIC ACID
photo source: skincarerx.com
What it does: Also known as Tretinoin, a metabolite of retinol. It is usually used in the treatment of acne, razor bumps (I personally used it to smoothen out my jaw area post-laser and it worked really well). It kick-starts collagen production to fill out fine lines and cellular turnover to give you a ‘glowy’ complexion. Retinoic acid also lightens up dark spots and helps fight photo-aging from sun exposure and free radicals. It is important to follow instructions given to you by your doctor as Tretinoin is prescription-only, so it is technically a drug and may cause some irritation or dryness.
Skin Type: All skintypes, particularly signs of aging and blemishes.
| PRODUCT SUGGESTION | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|
| 1. INSTANATURAL RETINOL SERUM 2. PURITAN RETINOL CREAM 3. RENTINA 0.5 CREAM | Allure Beauty Store |
| 1. PETER THOMAS ROTH RETINOL FUSION PM (1.5% RETINOL) 2. SKINMEDICA RETINOL COMPLEX (0.5% RETINOL) 3. JORDAN SAMUEL SKIN ETOILE WITH RETINOL (0.2% RETINOL) 4. DIFFEREN ADAPALENE GEL (O.1% RETINOID) | Hilary Says |
| 1. THE ORDINARY GRANACTIVE RETINOID 5% IN SQUALINE 2. THE ORDINARY GRANACTIVE RETINOID 2% IN SQUALINE 3. THE ORDINARY RETINOL 0.5% IN SQUALINE 4. THE ORDINARY RETINOL 1% IN SQUALINE | Gebeesq |
FATTY ACIDS
photo source: stratiaskin.com
What it does: Helps to maintain hydration, strengthen barrier and reduce dryness. Most facial oils contain fatty acids, if you are acne prone, use grapeseed or seabuckthorn oil while other skin types will benefit from almond and olive oil. Two products I love that contain a rich blend of fatty acids are the Stratia Skin Liquid Gold and Fortify
Skin Type: All types, especially dry to very-dry and sensitive skin
| PRODUCT SUGGESTION | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|
| STRATIA LIQUID GOLD | Gebeesq |
