No matter if you’re an expert on using chemical exfoliators like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in your facial routine; or have no idea what I’m talking about… It’s easier than you think to incorporate them into your new year glow-up programme and instantly see great results.
Even better: they’re not just for your face. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are also the secret to smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin all over. From softening rough patches (like your elbows) and hydrating dry areas (think your chest), to fading dark spots and clearing back acne, these ingredients are powerful beauty multitaskers.
Simply swap in a cleanser, toner or body wash that contains one of these acids, and watch your skin transform into its smoothest self. Ready to glow from head-to -toe? Let’s get into it!
THE (ACID) BREAKDOWN
Acids in skincare may sound intense, but they’re your skin’s best friend when it comes to tackling everything from uneven skin-tone to stubborn body breakouts. Chemical exfoliators fall into three main categories: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) but today we’re focusing on the first two – AHAs and BHAs – because they’re widely used, highly effective, and are likely to already be on your radar or in your bathroom cupboard.
Within these two categories are powerhouse ingredients you’ve probably heard of: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and mandelic acid. Each of these acids brings unique benefits to your routine but they all work to effectively remove dead skin cells, stimulate collagen and have antibacterial qualities.
THE ACIDS TO REACH FOR WHEN …
YOUR SKIN’S PLAYING HARD TO GLOW
Swipe right on a glycolic acid toner—the glow-getter and skin firmer that fades pigmentation and evens things out. Perfect for knees, elbows, and TikTokers swear it works wonders when used on discoloured underarms.
A #jeannieous find: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
BODY BREAKOUTS GET YOU DOWN
Meet a salicylic acid cleanser, the pore-clearing queen that kicks bacne and chest breakouts to the curb.
A #jeannieous find: Lamelle Clarity Active Body Spray
YOUR SKIN’S FEELING A LITTLE SANDPAPERY
Say hello to a lactic acid serum, your hydrating hero that polishes and plumps for that lit-from-within look.
A #jeannieous find: REN Radiance AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
YOU FIND BUMPS (Keratosis Pilaris) ON YOUR ARMS
Tag team the problem with a cleanser containing a small percentage of salicylic acid with a tonic with mandelic acid to help skin turnover faster. Dream duo, unlocked.
A #jeannious duo: Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser and Beaut™ Power Potion
BEAUTY ED’S AFTERCARE NOTES
- DON’T OVERDO IT: Start slow and keep the acid percentage low, use a chemical acid only twice a week to avoid irritation.
- MAKE TIME TO MOISTURISE: Acids can make skin more prone to dryness, so always follow up with a good body moisturiser, like Eucerin Dry Skin Relief 10% Urea Lotion
- ALWAYS WEAR SPF: Exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun, so protect it with a high factor sunscreen every day, like Heliocare Advanced Body Spray SPF 50
