The Acid Trip Your Skin Needs
Lately, it seems like you can’t browse skincare aisles or scroll through Instagram without running into acids. And if you trust beauty influencers, they’re practically screaming, “Get acids on your face!”.
But let’s be real. The words “acid” and “face” in the same sentence sound less like a skincare routine and more like the start of a horror movie. Flashbacks to childhood chemical mishaps, anyone?
Yet here we are. Acids — specifically AHA, BHA, and PHA — are now staples in everything from budget-friendly drugstore products to luxury skincare lines.
What are they, what do they do, and should you be slathering them all over your face? Let’s break it down.
zap blackheads, reduce inflammation,
and even out skin texture.
At the molecular level, acids are like little skin bulldozers, breaking down bonds between dead skin cells so they can pack their bags and leave.
The result? Brighter, smoother, softer skin that practically glows. Acids exfoliate, cleanse, zap blackheads, reduce inflammation, and even out skin texture.
But fair warning: acids also make your skin more sensitive, which means SPF is non-negotiable. No sunscreen? No glow for you.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): AHA, aka fruit acids, include glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acids. They’ve been used to treat skin issues for ages, but their rise in cosmetics is relatively recent.
What they do:
- Gently exfoliate
- Brighten dull skin
- Fade pigmentation spots
- Smooth fine lines
- Boost collagen production
AHA and sunscreen are BFFs. Don’t use AHA during the day unless you want your skin to hate you. Stick to nighttime routines or grab a high-SPF sunscreen.
My experience:
I’ve been using a night cream with 20% AHA and a lactic acid cleanser for a while, and let me tell you — game. changer. My forehead breakouts disappeared, my skin feels smoother, and even redness and flakiness are a thing of the past.
Verdict: Absolutely essential for your routine.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids): BHA is basically code for salicylic acid. You’ve seen it in every acne product ever, from budget-friendly spot treatments to fancy serums.
What they do:
- Dissolve oil plugs
- Deep-clean pores of gunk and bacteria
- Exfoliate and regulate sebum production
BHA’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a go-to for acne and blackhead-prone skin.
My experience:
Let me just say it — BHA and I don’t vibe. I’ve tried every salicylic acid product under the sun, from toners to gels, and nada. Zits didn’t heal faster, inflammation didn’t budge, and my skin was like, “Nice try.”
Maybe it’s just me, but BHA feels like the underachieving cousin of the acid family.
PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids): PHA is the new kid on the block. These acids (like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid) work similarly to AHA but with a softer touch, making them perfect for sensitive skin.
What they do:
- Super gentle exfoliation
- Gradually even out skin texture
- Boost hydration
- Smooth fine lines
PHA doesn’t make your skin more sun-sensitive, so you can skip the SPF panic.
My experience:
I haven’t personally tried PHA, mostly because it’s like AHA’s gentler twin, and my skin can handle the original. But I’d bet it works just as well for those with delicate skin.
The Bottom Line
Acids are skincare superheroes, delivering real, visible results without requiring a PhD in beauty science. Whether you choose AHA, BHA, or PHA depends on your skin type and goals.
Pro tips:
- Do your homework: Ingredients > price tags.
- Start slow: Nobody needs an acid overdose.
- SPF is life: Don’t skip it unless you want regrets.
So yeah, girls (and boys!), acid it up. Quality skincare is the secret to staying fabulous — especially as the years roll by. Cheers to that!
