Do you think of the Professor in his laboratory working with scary chemicals and bubbling test tubes while the Powerpuff Girls go about saving the day when you hear the word "acids"? While chemicals and acids may sound scary, when used at the right concentrations, they can actually up your skincare game and work like a miracle. 

 Acids are great to treat acne, wrinkles, age spots, hyper pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. However, ever since the skincare world has shifted its focus on acids and reliable formulations, you'll find many chemicals and products in the market. But, how do you know which ones suit your skin type and where to start? 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

These include a variety of acids, such as glycolic, malic, lactic, tartaric, mandelic, and citric. These acids are great for exfoliation, but many believe that glycolic and lacid acids are the most effective. Citric acid is least used due to its acidic nature.

AHAs dismember the glue that hold dead skin cells to the surface. Eventually, these skin cells build-up, leading to dry, dull skin that loses its youthful glow and smoothness. 

AHAs are great for normal to dry skin types, especially those that show signs of sun damage. However, remember never to use AHAs on sun burnt skin, and always follow up with a sunblock. By regularly using AHAs, you will notice brighter, softer, smoother, firmer, and even toned skin. AHAs can also help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and sun damage. 

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA/ Salicylic acid)

When anyone refers to beta hydroxy acid, you must know that they are talking about salicylic acid. This versatile, multi-tasking ingredient has been part of numerous skincare routines and has been sworn to be incredibly effective. 

With the correct formulation and pH levels for exfoliation, BHA has similar functions to AHAs, that is, to exfoliate the skin and leave it fresh. The key difference is that unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble. They reach the pore lining and help dissolve clogs. Clogs are responsible for bumps, blemishes, nodules, and other types of acne that appear on the skin's surface.

BHA can also calm and hydrate the skin, making it fit to use for those with sensitive skin. It is best for those with normal to oily to combination skin types that often suffer from clogged pores, bumps, and post-acne spots. 

Using BHAs regularly will help with pore size, while reducing bumps and getting rid of clogs. Moreover, it will smoothen out the skin, reducing fine lines, improving skin tone and texture, and boosting hydration. Salicylic acid, like we mentioned before, has numerous benefits. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan. This is just a complicated name for a natural ingredient that promotes youthful for the skin. As we grow older and are exposed to the sun, our skin's natural supply of hyaluronic acid starts to rapidly decrease.

Hyaluronic acid is known for its restorative nature. It can increase the skin's moisture content and is capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps smoothen out skin tone and texture, while preventing water loss. If you are looking for the ultimate hydrator, this is it! Cherry on top- hyaluronic acid is also an antioxidant that helps calm the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is great for all skin types. By using it regularly, you will notice hydrated, plumped skin that shows no signs of any fine lines and wrinkles. What more can one want?

Ascorbic Acid

The purest form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid is found naturally in the skin, as well as different fruits and vegetables. Due to its magical antioxidant qualities, ascorbic acid is known to be a superstar. It helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors, including pollution. These elements can damage the skin's surface in the long run, making it look dull and less youthful. 

Ascorbic acid is great for all skin types. You can also opt for its non-acidic derivatives, including ascorbyl glucoside, tetrahexyldecl ascorbate, and many others. 

With consistent use, ascorbic acid can make the skin look smoother and firmer. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improves the skin tone. Soon, you will notice your skin start to glow as all the dullness fades away.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Since our skin is made of proteins, you can imagine how important these acids are for the skin.

Amino acids function as water-binding agents when used in skincare. In fact, some of them have antioxidant and calming qualities. This acid is great for all skin types.

Since it is a water-binding agent, amino acid make the skin smoother, hydrated, and more supple. 

Retinoic Acid

When applied to the skin, retinol gets converted into retinoic acid- the star anti-aging ingredient. It is a derivative of vitamin A that works well on the skin and helps improve the skin's surface.

This is a brilliant ingredient for those witnessing signs of aging, blemishes, and flareups. Whatever your issue, retinoic acid helps bring the skin back to normal.

40 years of solid research on retinoic acid shows that it helps increase firmness, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Moreover, it treats uneven skin tone, smoothing out the surface of the skin, along with the pores. All in all, retinoic acid makes the skin healthy. 

Did this article help clear up your concerns? Go and update your skincare regimen asap so that your skin can look its best every single day!