Exfoliating acids: how to add AHAs safely to your skincare routine

Exfoliating acids: how to add AHAs safely to your skincare routine

Credit: Brands

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Exfoliating acids: how to add AHAs safely to your skincare routine

By Roberta Lister

4 years ago

With fears surrounding chemical exfoliation fading quicker than our pigmentation, today’s beauty shelves are stacked high with increasingly potent acid treatments. But, in unqualified hands, can these salon-strength products do more harm than good? 

A friend recently revealed she had purchased an unbranded, ‘super-strength’ glycolic acid peel from a non-authorised online retailer. “To erase my acne scars,” she explained. After confiscating the offending acid and replacing it with a bottle of Alpha-H Liquid Gold (the gold standard in acid exfoliation, pardon the pun) it got me thinking, when did ‘the stronger, the better’ become the way we define our skincare regimes?

As we become armed with more knowledge than ever when it comes to effective skincare ingredients, brands are reacting with a slew of increasingly potent at-home acid treatments designed to satisfy our need for instant skin renewal. It seems we are no longer afraid of glycolic acid and laugh in the face of lactic acid. But which of these skin exfoliators should have a place in our at-home arsenal, and which should be left firmly in the hands of the professionals?

What are AHAs and what are the skin benefits?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, have long been hailed as a less abrasive, more effective alternative to traditional, physical exfoliators like face scrubs. Working to ‘dissolve’ dead skin cells, rather than slough them away, these acid-based treatments can renew, brighten, and reduce pigmentation with remarkable results. However, as with all skin treatments, it pays to proceed with caution.

What are the side effects to using an AHA?

“I often see clients with irritation or sensitivity complaints as a result of misusing acid treatments – particularly since the rise of ‘acid’ toners,” says Alicia Falero, head of education at Gazelli House. “In principle, these treatments are great at removing the surface layer of ‘debris’, whether it’s grime from the day or the top layers of the skin, and allowing for effective product absorption. However, for those with reactive, sensitive skin types, daily use of even these so-called gentle acids can be excessive and irritating.”

Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist, agrees. “One of the most common issues I see is skin sensitisation and irritation from harsh topical products including AHAs and retinoids,” she says. 

“I always advise that although these active treatments can help, it is vital to balance them with soothing, hydrating, repairing treatments. If the skin barrier is constantly disrupted it can be left vulnerable to penetration of irritants and increased trans-epidermal water loss. I know studies have shown that AHAs are safe, but the frequency of application and strength of the product must be considered.”

Worryingly, misusing an AHA product can leave you with more than a red face. “AHAs can damage the epidermis by stripping the protective barrier, causing imbalances to the hydrolipidic film (the protective film that covers the entire surface of the skin).

This can lead to dehydration, leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and increasing sensitivity, redness and dryness,” warns Falero. “Excessive use can lead to accelerated cell renewal, which over time can thin the skin, leaving it vulnerable to the environment – particularly to sun damage.”

How do you use AHAs?

With an increasing number of ‘extreme’ acid products launching each week, it can be hard to know where to start. Hextall recommends easing in with a wash-off product, as anything that is left on the skin will continue to work for longer.

“When it comes to leave-on products, always start at a low percentage and choose a reputable brand. Make sure your skin is gently cleansed and properly hydrated to protect the skin barrier.” And the golden rule? Always wear broad-spectrum sun protection, even if you’re staying indoors. “Sun cream is vital as there is some suggestion that AHAs can leave the skin more vulnerable to sun sensitivity. And anyway, a high-factor sun cream is the most important product for anybody trying to keep their skin healthy and protected from photo-ageing.”


The most popular skincare acids, plus the best products

Here, Stylist breaks down the acids to know now, and how best to use them for visible results with none of the scary side effects.

Glycolic Acid

The king of the AHAs. As glycolic acid is the smallest AHA molecule, it penetrates best into the skin and yields the most impressive results. However, while an in-clinic chemical peel may use up to 70% glycolic acid, at-home products should be much less potent. If you’re new to the glycolic game, ease yourself in with a gentle product and slowly build up tolerance – never dive straight in with a high percentage.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

As one of the very first brands to bring glycolic acid out of the salon and into our homes, Alpha-H is a true authority on the subject. Its original Liquid Gold treatment is a staple in many a beauty routine, but it’s the new Liquid Gold Rose – a milder, more fragrant edition – that has us enamoured. 

Shop Alpha-H Liquid Gold at Beauty Bay, £30.25

buy now

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is another popular choice. It’s milder than glycolic, making it a great introduction to chemical exfoliation. High moisturising properties mean it’s ideal for resurfacing dry and dehydrated skin

Youth To The People Kombucha +11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

Youth To The People Kombucha +11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

As well as 8% lactic acid, this clever toner also contains 3% glycolic acid to smooth skin texture. It also contains kombucha black tea, a prebiotic that works to strengthen the skin’s natural microbiome.

Shop Youth To The People Kombucha +11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner at Cult Beauty, £33

buy now

The-Ordinary-AHA-30-and-BHA-2-Peeling-Solution-1

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Lactic acid is blended with a concentrated pineapple enzyme in these clever single-use pads, resulting in brighter, hydrated skin. Excellent for sun damage and hyperpigmentation. 

Shop The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution at Cult Beauty, £6.30

buy now

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is the odd one out – it’s actually a Beta Hydroxy Acid. It’s oil-soluble, so works both on the skin surface and inside the pores, and is especially suited to oily, acne-prone skin. Look for it in spot treatments, in a concentration of 1-2%, but steer clear if you have an aspirin allergy.

glossier-zitstick-uk-launch-where-to-buy

Glossier Zit Stick

Perfect to keep in your handbag, this portable pen contains a blemish treatment created with 2% salicylic acid. Simply scribble it over any areas you want to treat and it’ll work to minimise blemishes. Its translucent formula can be applied over make-up, too.

Shop Glossier Zit Stick at Glossier, £12

buy now

Malin and Goetz Salicylic Acid

Malin + Goetz Salicylic Gel

Matthew Malin, one half of Malin + Goetz, doesn’t formulate anything for his line that his own hyper-sensitive complexion can’t tolerate. This 2% salicylic gel will minimise breakouts and aid skin healing without that dry, flaking feeling. 

Shop Malin + Goetz Salicylic Gel at Space NK, £19

buy now

Mandelic Acid

Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is a lipophilic type of AHA, meaning it will absorb well in oily skin. It has high natural antibacterial properties, and has been shown to control excess oil production over time – a great option for blemish-prone skin. As mandelic acid is milder than glycolic and lactic, you’ll often find it in higher concentrations.

Dr-Dennis-Gross-Alpha-Beta-Ultra-Gentle-Peel-Pads

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel Pads

Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, these pre-soaked pads combine willow bark extract, lactic and mandelic acids to gently remove dead skin cells without upsetting the skin barrier. Plus, the individual packaging makes them ideal for travelling. 

Shop Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel Pads at Cult Beauty, £89

buy now

Malic Acid

Malic acid is another mild AHA, usually used alongside glycolic or lactic in a product. Its brightening properties make it ideal for tackling dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Su-Man Refining Facial Polish

Su-Man Refining Facial Polish

This one is perfect for those who miss the satisfaction of a good physical scrub. It’s packed with watermelon extract, which is one of the highest known sources of malic acid, to gently brighten the complexion.

Shop Su-Man Refining Facial Polish at Su-Man, £38

buy now


Main image: Getty

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