What Is Acid Skincare Routine, How To Do It? Here's Everything You Need To Know

The skincare game today has changed threefold and how. Usually, what trends in foreign countries, catch up with India after 2-3 years and the latest bug is that of different acids and serums. Now when you hear acids, fear seeps in but worry not, there are different kinds of acids that must be layered, and here is a low down on how to go about it.

How To Layer Acids In Your Skincare Routine

Acids are more about exfoliation and if this step is done right, your skin may not face acne again and the skin pores remain smooth and clean. However, if you layer them wrong, it can be blasphemous!

There are two types of exfoliators which are manual and chemical respectively.

Manual ones are your regular scrubs which have taken a backseat with the entry of chemical exfoliators like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Although they still have a valid place in our lives and are very easy to use chemical exfoliants are the schiz off late. They are trickier but can work wonders.

What Are Acids For Skincare

Acids are designed for skin issues like blackheads, whiteheads, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, and blocked pores. The skin-friendly and are further classed into AHAs and BHAs.

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

These are exfoliants for the outer layer of skin. They help in removing dead skin. They are water-soluble so they work well on dry, flaking and ageing skin. This stops the pores from clogging and prevents hyper-pigmentation. This process brightens and clears the skin.

BHAS (Beta Hydroxy Acids)

These are oil solubles and are meant for exfoliation at a deeper level. They protect the skin from breakouts and are excellent for reducing inflammation. Some of the BHAs include salicylic acid and betaine salicylate in Korean Beauty products.

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Using BHAs And AHAs Together

Yes, they can be used together but it also varies from skin to skin. For some, the combination can cause irritation, so if you have dry skin, sensitive skin or are marred by redness, then you must stick to just one.

However, our oily skin beauties can combine the two and it works wonders for them.

The Layering Process

The layering game is all about the pH levels. Begin with the product which has lower pH and the end must be with the one with a higher pH. If you do it vice versa, this will raise your skin’s pH first, and the one with lower pH will have to bring that number down. This will not improve your skin, and therefore not be as effective.

Start with BHA and then use an AHA. BHAs have pH of 3.5 and AHAs have pH of under 4.

Advice: Any sign of redness, excessive dryness and then slow down your acid usage. Do it 2-3 times a week and alternate between acids instead of using them together.

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Using AHA/BHA With Vitamin C

This is a strict No! Vitamin C itself has an exfoliating effect which is why it is not recommended that you mix the two. This can cause irritation and it can inactivate your Vitamin C. If you really want to combine then do it in this sequence: Vitamin C, BHA, and then AHA.

So happy pamper time. Take care of your skin and make a routine.

Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more on skincare and the right products that you must use.