You are probably already familiar with the most common type of acid recommended for acne sufferers: Salicylic Acid. But just because it’s a common product doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the best type of acid for your skin and your specific type of acne.
In this post, we’ll share with you why acids are so good in the fight against acne, the different kinds of acids we offer, and what they will do to help your skin get clear.
First off, why acid?
The word ‘acid’ may have you immediately thinking of a laboratory and scary chemical burns. But when used in the right concentrations, acids are actually some of the most beneficial ingredients available in skincare.
Everyone has at least heard of salicylic acid, but what is it actually? Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can help treat acne by exfoliating the skin and helping to dislodge dead skin cells that can clog pores. It's available at Skintherapy in a concentration of 7%.
The cells in the lining of the hair follicles of people with acne tend to multiply quickly, and stick to one another. Acids work by dissolving the cement that holds those sticky cells together in the clogged pores.
Don’t forget, it's also important to use products that help moisturize, protect from sun damage, and don’t include pore-clogging ingredients to help maintain the skin's natural barrier function and improve the overall health of your skin.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a crystalline compound that occurs in sugarcane, unripe grapes, and beets. This acid is often used to assist with scarring, skin discoloration, and even signs of aging. It does this by effectively removing the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, resulting in brighter, fresher skin. Acne results from pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells. Glycolic acid combats this by “ungluing” those dead skin cells from each other, smoothing the skin and helping reduce acne.
This chemical is low is pH which means that it is higher in acid. The result of this is that it may not be the best for sensitive skin types or those with rosacea. However, for those who don’t have either of those types of skin, it can work wonders! Here at Skintherapy, we offer this product in a 10% concentration, helpful for those suffering from blackheads and clogged pores.
What is Retinyl Propionate?
Retinyl propionate, or vitamin A, helps prevent and assist with damage caused by the sun. It is a compound that stimulates the production of new blood vessels which in turn helps your skin’s natural regeneration process to repair damaged cells. This chemical, when used topically reduces dark spots and congested pores by stimulating collagen growth which is great for fine lines and wrinkles as well as breaking down dead skin cells in clogged pores.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, but is more gentle. It works to accelerate cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin on the surface that can lead to dull complexions. It also strengthens collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin’s support network that gives it firmness.
Malesma is a common skin condition in which light to dark brown or greyish pigmentation develops on the face. Mandelic acid has been shown to reduce melasma by as much as 50% in four weeks, resulting in a more evenly colored complexion. Mandelic acid’s antibacterial properties are extremely helpful in treating acne. It also helps to regulate sebum production and in turn decrease the occurrence of breakouts. Mandelic acid has even been shown to benefit those who suffer from cystic acne or keratosis pilaris and we offer it in concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%.
Although benzoyl peroxide is not an acid, it does work to destroy acne-causing bacteria in your pores. Also known as BPO, it works primarily as an exfoliating agent by increasing the turnover of the skin and removes the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells from the pores. It comes in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations that are to be used for those suffering from moderate to severe acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that is effective against all kinds of acne lesions (blackheads, whiteheads, and big red pimples). It is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, rather than simply slowing down their growth. It also works very quickly and is a great first line treatment for acne.
What We Recommend
We offer an assortment of products with these crucial ingredients for aiding acne prone skin. To start, we always recommend that you book an appointment so that we can offer you the most beneficial products for your specific type of acne. As you can see, there are many different options and it’s vital that you use what works best for you and your skin regularly.
To learn more, visit our Education Page or give us a call at 801-800-6602.
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