Skin renewal: 20 products with AHA and BHA acids
Last week We talked about how agents with acids help solve various skin problems - from combating acne to pigmentation. Today we understand a wide choice of cosmetics with acids: we divided the products into categories depending on their texture and found several options for different types and problems of the skin.
Separately, we specify: on the market there are many tools with acids for washing. However, as explained by experts from the Paula Runner team, any acid takes time to penetrate the skin and act, and the facial cleansers are on the face in just a couple of minutes. Therefore, we will not recommend skins and gels with acids for washing, but immediately begin with tonics.
Tonic
Tonics with acids are used immediately after washing - on clean skin. There is an opinion that before the subsequent application of the cream you need to wait 20 minutes for the tonic with acids to act. In fact, this is not the case: the action of acids starts from the moment they are applied and lasts all the time that the acids are on the skin. Neutralizing the acid can be by adding alkali, and most creams have a pH level of acidic or close to neutral, so that their application simply can not significantly affect the effectiveness of products with acids.
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator
Tonic Clarins contains glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acids in a low, but tangible concentration - the manufacturer chose not to disclose specific numbers. The tool leaves a very small stickiness, which passes, if given tonic as it should be absorbed. The effect is noticeable after two or three applications, and if applied at night in combination with intensive care - even faster. In addition to excellent exfoliation, Clarins Gentle Exfoliator gives deep hydration, it will suit owners of dry skin.
REN Clarifying Toning Lotion
Soft and gentle tonic from the REN line for problematic skin. Contains glycolic, lactic acid and fruit extracts. Thanks to the gentle action, the remedy can be used by people with any type of skin. With constant use of tonic effect makes itself felt in a couple of weeks. After applying the product, a slight sensation of skin tightness may appear, but it is easily eliminated by subsequent moisturizing care - the main thing is not to neglect this item.
Stridex Soft Touch Pads
Alcohol-free exfoliating agent in the form of discs soaked in salicylic acid. Available in concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2%. It is convenient to use discs on the body, including for combating ingrown hair after epilation. Please note that Stridex is an aggressive remedy: use it with care, only on problem areas of the skin and be sure to moisturize them afterwards. By the way, with black dots and small pimples disks cope literally for two applications.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
One of the most popular in the West, acidic tonics, which in Russia is sold only in specialized stores. Contains a mixture of AHA-acids and salicylic acid. It smoothes small wrinkles, cleanses the pores, smoothes the skin and makes it radiant - in general, all that is usually expected from acid products. It may cause slight redness, but it passes quickly. For sensitive skin it may be too aggressive, because it contains alcohol as a preservative.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Solution
Acne and rashes are commonly associated with teenage skin, but the professional brand SkinCeuticals is well aware that even mature skin is prone to acne. This tonic with an impressive volume of 250 ml contains glycolic acid for moisturizing and salicylic - to combat rashes. It acts very gently and does not dry the skin, so that you can safely use the product several times a day.
Emulsions and lotions
Emulsions and lotions are characterized by a fluid and slightly viscous texture, often for a long time they leave a not very pleasant sticky feeling on the face. Exactly therefore it is most comfortable to use such products for the night, well, or in the morning, if you have enough time for the lotion to be completely absorbed. Like tonics, lotions and emulsions are applied on clean skin, and on top - their usual care. Acids can be used with almost any creams, oils and serums, except those that contain vitamin C. "Acids neutralize vitamin C, and it loses its antioxidant properties," explains cosmetologist Sali Qardava.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
A key product of its own brand Paula Runner, which is recommended for all skin types and conditions as a daily exfoliant. Funds for problem skin are often prone to draining it, but this lotion, on the contrary, retains water in the epidermis. It also cleans the pores, reduces post-acne traces, evens out skin tone and texture. The product does not contain alcohol, which is not so common in salicylic lotions. Paul herself recommends using it every day or even twice a day.
Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion
The lotion contains only salicylic acid in an almost imperceptible concentration and acts very gently but effectively. Unlike all other tonic Clinique, does not contain alcohol and is perfect for owners of problem, but sensitive skin. With constant use it reduces the number of black spots, small inflammations and makes the skin smoother. It is not as sticky as the rest of the lotions, and therefore is well suited for use in the morning.
Noreva Exfoliac AHA BHA Lotion
Acid line Exfoliac French pharmacy brand Noreva is designed specifically for skin prone to acne. This lotion contains salicylic and glycolic acid in a concentration of 12%. It can also be used by people with hassle-free skin, who periodically need powerful exfoliation, the main thing is to act carefully, listen to the reaction of the body and, at the slightest fear, put the product aside. It is recommended to use this lotion no more than once or twice a week, as it has a really powerful effect and it is easy to overdo it.
Holy Land Alpha Complex Face Lotion
The Israeli brand Holy Land specializes in cosmetics for problem skin, and this is not the only acidic product that is in its range. The lotion is recommended for dry skin with uneven tone and texture. The tool perfectly exfoliates, refreshes and moisturizes, and also allows the rest of the care to act more efficiently.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
This powerful exfoliating agent with glycolic acid at one time caused a sensation in the West, and for good reason: the lotion is effective against wrinkles and pigmentation. It is especially recommended for owners of mature skin - to increase its elasticity and elasticity. The manufacturer strictly warns: you can use the lotion only for the night and not more than three times a week, otherwise there is a great risk of increasing the sensitivity of the skin, peeling and inflammation.
Creams
Most day creams contain acids in low concentrations that do not peel off, but help retain water in the skin. For exfoliating acid creams you should contact first of all the pharmacy brands, each of which has an acid line for problem skin. We repeat again - you can use them, even if you have absolutely clean skin that just needs a good peeling. Most of these creams have a difficult to apply texture, strong color or smell, because of which it is most convenient to apply them at night.
Reviva Labs 10% Glycolic Acid Cream
One of the most popular and inexpensive creams with glycolic acid is available in concentrations of 5 and 10%. It is recommended to use it overnight, the manufacturer advises to start with a concentration of 5%, so as not to overdo it with peeling. At first, the skin can pinch quite hard, with constant use, the cream removes post-acne.
Avène Cleanance K Cream-Gel
A light gel-cream that contains glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids and perfectly copes with the roughness of the skin, black dots, and also has a seboregulatory action. The tool leaves a strong sticky feeling, so it is better to leave it for use before bedtime. The cream can dry the skin a little, so we advise you to pay special attention to moisturizing care.
Derma E Overnight Peel
It is recommended to apply this peeling cream on clean skin overnight. It contains only the ANA-acid, which means it is perfect for owners of dry and mature skin. Maybe a little tingling, but for acidic products, this is absolutely normal. The concentration of acids is rather low - 5%, pH - 3.5, which the manufacturer responsibly informs directly on the package. You can even use this cream for beginners, but it is better to start one or two times a week, gradually increasing the frequency to the necessary.
Filorga Sleep and Peel
Night exfoliating cream for all skin types, which the manufacturer recommends to apply on a clean face and not to use with it any care products. The tool aligns the tone and texture of the skin, removes fine wrinkles and age spots - the result is noticeable literally after a couple of applications. In addition to exfoliation, the cream provides good moisturizing, which is sometimes very lacking in peels.
Vichy Normaderm Total Mat
Matting cream that visually reduces pore size. This is one of the few acid creams that have a light texture and can serve as an excellent makeup base for oily and combination skin. It keeps the skin matte for a long time and at the same time heals the pores. Contains salicylic acid in a concentration of 0.5%, which is quite suitable for daily use.
Masks
Exfoliating masks - a simple way to get an instant effect, as well as get acquainted with acids and understand which one is right for you and how often it should be used. Many acidic masks act gently, and it is acceptable to use them every day, but we still strongly recommend that you first follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and after acid masks, use regenerating to soothe the skin and provide it with deep hydration and nourishment.
Natura Siberica Face Peeling
It is still very difficult to find products with acids in the mass market, but the Natura Siberica brand went a little further than the other manufacturers and released several products with glycolic and salicylic acids. This mask has both AHA- and BHA-acids, and with its tenderness and softness it is very effective - and it gives the effect almost immediately. The skin becomes soft, smooth and moisturized. Due to the dense texture, the mask is difficult to wash off, but its low price and high efficiency justify this slight inconvenience.
Avène Cleanance Mask
Soft clay mask with glycolic and salicylic acids is especially shown to owners of oily and problem skin. Instantly evens out the tone and brightens the black spots, and with constant use helps to keep the skin smooth and radiant. The composition also has abrasive particles, which should provide additional exfoliation, but in fact they are practically useless, as the mask itself provides a very good peeling effect.
"Bark" cream mask with fruit acids
One of the most popular in the Russian market of acid masks of the domestic manufacturer of pharmacy cosmetics, which was so successful at its low price that it is still difficult (but possible) to find on sale. Due to the high concentration of acids in the remedy, the face can pinch strongly, so one should not be surprised at the reddening. We recommend using a mask no more than once or twice a week, and the owners of sensitive skin should bypass it altogether.
Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
Very soft mask has a delicate whipped consistency, does not pinch at all, does not tighten the skin and moisturizes well. The effect of the update will not be as obvious as from other masks, but for sensitive and thin skin it is even more likely a plus.
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
Organic brand REN should fall in love at least for their packaging: airtight and functional. The peeling itself is bright orange with an orange smell and has a pleasant texture. This renewing mask contains glycolic and lactic acids, with constant use it smoothes wrinkles and makes the face shining.
Photo: Clarins, Mecca, eBay, Meadow Aesthetics, SkinCeuticals, Paula's Choice, Parapharmacie Prado Mermoz, Holy Land, Parfümerie Douglas, Beautyloops, Derma E, Urodama, Kutiz Cosméticos, Natura Siberica, KOPA, Sephora