Which Skincare Acids Can Help You Achieve That Flawless Look?

Which Skincare Acids Can Help You Achieve That Flawless Look?

The two-staple skincare acids that we rely on here at SAE Skincare to achieve skin perfection are:

1. Glycolic Acid
2. Salicylic Acid

Each of these active ingredients promise various benefits, and in fact each ingredient can deliver that promised benefit to our skin, yes yours and mine and everyone else’s. However, what is key to achieving that flawless glow is being able to have your skincare customised and adjusted according to your skin type and concerns. At SAE Skincare we customise and personalise formulations according to the information we receive from yourselves in your online consultation.  What we do promise is our ingredients are guaranteed to work and address your skin concerns!!!! Why because science says so, and studies have shown the respective benefits claimed are achieved. Real gains you say…read on

 

Lots of active ingredient or just one?

We always encourage you to begin using products containing only one active ingredient per product, this ensures that you are able to evaluate what that particular ingredient is doing for your skin when it is being applied, and it allows you to assess and work towards building up your skin’s tolerance for that particular ingredient. Let’s be clear about one thing, ‘real’ skincare is always capable of causing you some irritation, which is why it is imperative to follow the instructions related to frequency of usage etc..

 

What can Glycolic Acid do for you?

Dermatologists have been using Glycolic Acid for years, and it will continue to be a skincare staple for years to come due to the overwhelming research showing the benefits that it lends to our skin. It exfoliates the outer layer of skin, unclogs pores, and is a humectant that serves to hydrate the skin. Glycolic Acid has also been clinically proven to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis, promising you healthy plump skin for years to come. Additionally, Glycolic acid is considered fundamental in treating hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, rough skin, acne, and keratosis. It also said that Glycolic acid has the capability to mimic a mild face lift effect when used over a consecutive 6-week course.

Glycolic acid is fruit derived from sugar cane, it is easily absorbed into the skin due to its small molecule structure. It is no doubt a powerful active ingredient, and can cause stinging or a mild burning sensation, it is optimum for the skin to keep these side effects to a minimum, and hence we do not recommend any Glycolic acid home skincare product to have more than a 10% strength.  Over usage can cause a little dryness and irritation, so once again working out the optimum strength and usage for your skin is key to your success with Glycolic acid.

 

What can Salicylic acid do for you?

Salicylic acid is originally derived from willow bark, it can be a god send for those who suffer from acne. Not only can it clear and reduce your acne it can also promise you smoother clearer skin, and freedom from those hated blackheads.  It is an excellent pore cleanser and tightener, an anti-inflammatory with convincing anti-wrinkle and anti-acne properties. This active ingredient works very well with mild/moderate acne, in fact it also works well at reducing severe acne for those who do not wish to begin treatment with other medications. Salicylic acid is unique in that that it can penetrate deep into the oil glands, it is well known to reduce facial oil considerably and clear pores out as it is able to dissolve and consume grime and oil.

The downside to this ingredient is that it can cause some skin types to become a little dry and flaky, nevertheless I advocate persevering and finding the optimum dose for your skin as it is definitely worth having in your skincare regime.

 

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid combined?

I hear you, ‘great actives, why shouldn’t we combine them into one product? that’s what the AHA BHA lotion is right?’

At lower strengths these two ingredients can be combined into one product and used effectively, however I do not advise doing this if it is your first time using acids at low ph’s, as when combined the acids amplify one another and are more likely to cause irritation to your skin. If you are specifically looking to treat a condition say for example scarring, acne, wrinkles once again I would still advise beginning with one active ingredient per product. After using the products individually for say 3 months and having established your skins tolerance for the ingredient and a frequency of usage, I would only then consider going for a merged customised product combining the two acids into one optimum product for your skin. For example, a product containing 0.5% Salicylic combined with 3% Glycolic is likely to be well received by most average skin types say 3-4 times a week. But the strength would need to be adjusted for someone with say oily skin, or with acne prone skin, hyper-pigmentation, or sensitive skin. The combinations are endless and can involve much tweaking as well as introducing milder acids for example lactic acid. [There will be more on Lactic acid, in an upcoming blog on skincare for sensitive skin]

 

 

Sarah Saleem

SAE Skincare