The Lowdown | Acids for Skins

Acids to most can seem quite scary - we all remember the days of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) at school, and the horrible tales of acid burns, and even battery acid - so it can seem a little odd to many that acids can now be used safely, and with positive results on the skin. To be quite honest, many acids are already found within the body, and others are generally derived from nature. So, let's start a little acid lesson!

Amino Acids are the building blocks of your body. They link together to create the proteins that build both collagen and elastin, providing support to the skin. Ageing, plus environmental factors that include pollution, UV rays and bad diet tend to lessen the levels of both, so by using products that contain amino acids, we add in vital building blocks for firm, youthful skin.

Citric Acid is the most common acid that we tend to just have lying around: found in citrus fruits, and those that are high in vitamin C, citric acid is a natural antioxidant that aids in the turnover of skin and further stimulates the production of collagen.

Hyaluronic Acid is actually a sugar found naturally within the body, that can hold up to 1000 times its own weight! Of course, this is a wonderful ingredient when it comes to both imparting and then retaining moisture within the skin. Again, age and environment lessen its presence within the body, so by re-introducing it topically we can have the appearance of plump, rehydrated skin. For a dose of Hyaluronic acid, try our DD Cream, Our Bee Venom range and our Lip Plump.

Glycolic Acid is quite literally where it all began for me personally. Found naturally mainly in sugar cane, but also within grapes, glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, which in the most simple term loosens the "glue" that holds dead skin cells on the complexion. Essentially, a newer layer of skin is revealed, leaving skin looking refreshed and unclogged. Whether you are a glycolic acid beginner or intermediate, try out our Rapid Facial - a perfect, quick-fix mask that does wonders for your skin! One of my personal must-haves.

Lactic Acid is one that we all should have heard of. I bet you're scratching your head now! Cleopatra was the purveyor of this wonderful skin-loving products - milk. Much like Glycolic acid, Lactic gently exfoliates the skin chemically, and is a gentler option than many other acids.

Salicylic Acid come from the bark of a willow tree. It acts to open clogged pores, thereby removing excess oil, as well as any skin stuck to the surface of the face. These properties mean that Salicylic acid is often found in treatments for both acne and spots.

I hope you now have a much clearer understanding of what roles acids play within the skin, and also how you can use them!

Any question, please ask - and make sure to patch test!

Much Love, the sC Team