The 6 Acids You Need in Your Skin Care Routine

The word “acid” can sound intimidating and bring to mind destructive ones, but there are actually many acids that are productive and good for your body. At the Harley Institute, we like to focus on natural remedies and strengthen the body’s natural abilities. While we can sit here and propose a long list of products for you to use, we want to get to the foundation and instead suggest some of the basic building blocks that make those products great. Here are six acids that you should add to your skin care routine.

Glycolic Acid

Generally derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is a common ingredient found in many skin care products in brands like Chanel, Mario Badescu, and Glossier. In fact, it is one of the most popular and most studied alpha-hydroxy acid. As an extremely small molecule, glycolic acid easily penetrates and exfoliates the skin, ungluing dead cells from each other. Yes, those same dead skin cells that stick together and clog your pores, causing severe acne. 

Retinoic Acid

Retinoids are a dermatologist favorite because of the vast amount of science behind them. They have been in the market since the 1970s and have been used to treat psoriasis, warts, wrinkles, and blotchy skin cause by sun exposure and aged skin. They slow down the breakdown of collagen and thicken the skin in deeper layers where wrinkles generally start. They generally take 3 to 6 months of use to notice a difference, but the effects are smoother, more even-toned skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

A clear, gooey substance naturally produced by your body, hyaluronic acid’s main function is retaining water to keep your skin lubricated and plump. The natural aging process as well as sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can decrease its production. Doses of 120-240 mg per day can show signs of increased skin moisture and reduced dry skin in a month’s time. Other benefits of hyaluronic acid include relieving dry eye, preserving bone strength, soothing acid reflux symptoms, and relieving joint pain by lubricating bones.

Oleic Acid

Want to lubricate your skin without clogging pores? Oleic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is hydrating and a remedy for parched skin. It is regenerative to the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid like glycolic acid, but in a milder form. It is naturally found in milk and many skin care products. Lactic acid is used to exfoliate skin, lighten dark spots, and soften fine lines and wrinkles. It works by dissolving the bonds between dull cells on the skin’s top layers. By speeding up cell turnover, lactic acid stimulates cell renewal, giving you a brighter complexion and smoother, softer skin.

Salicylic Acid

If you are experiencing skin breakouts and have oily and acne-filled skin, then consider salicylic acid. This anti-inflammatory acid breaks down what is clogging up your pores. Remember that salicylic acid can dry your skin, so if your skin is generally dry, then use moisturizer along with this acid.

If you have any questions or concerns about these acids, then feel free to call or visit the Harley Institute. Our professionals are more than happy to help revitalize your skin!