The TRUTH about Acids in Skincare: Are Acids Good for my Skin?

THE ACID TEST

If you have heard people talk about Acids used in skincare, your first reaction might be to cringe and think, "How in the world can acids be GOOD for my skin?" 

You might actually be surprised just how many acids we eat and are in the skincare you use on a daily basis.  For example, Vitamin C is an acid we must consume to stay healthy and it is also amazing at brightening skin. 

However, we are trained to think that the word "Acid" is a bad thing. This misconception comes from the confusion with acids that are used in chemicals to clean.  However, there are many acids that are derived from Natural sources, like plants and fruits, used at varying degrees in skincare to help with an assortment of skin issues.  Depending on the percentage of the acid in the skincare you use, you will get different results. 

So let's debunk the Myths on ACIDS being bad!

MYTH #!:  I have very sensitive skin, so no acids are good for my skin.

The TRUTH!  There are many "acids" that are very gentle and can be used by the most sensitive of skin types.

ACIDS FOR HYDRATION

Yes you read that correctly...  there are acids that actually are essential for hydrating your skin! These powerhouse, naturally occuring acids help your skin retain moisture at a higher degree because they are naturally in your skin already.

1. HYALURONIC ACID: You may have seen this Acid on skincare and wondered why it is used in serums.  

 Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water, helping your skin to retain moisture and help keep skin supple.  Our Radiant Sunflower Serum Retinol Cream has Hyaluronic acid to hydrate along with Peptides, and Retinol, with Vitamin C to repair, renew and rejuvenate skin. 

MYTH #2:  Exfoliating your skin with 'acids' can only be done by an esthetician.

The TRUTH:  There are many wonderful Face Masks, serums and even toners that use a small percentage (1-2%) of an acid that is approved by the FDA for at home use by those who are not estheticians.  These smaller amounts of the acids are still very effective, yet much more gentle and can be used by nearly all skin types.  Of course, if you are unsure, try a small test spot before using it all over to make sure your skin doesn't react.  However, our formulas have been used for years and no complaints!

ACIDS FOR EXFOLIATING SKIN

1. GLYCOLIC ACID: Derived from Sugar cane, this acid is very popular in face masks and even toners to help speed skin cell turnover, get rid of dead skin cells and speed collagen production (aka, giving you new, fresh skin) to reduce the appearance of dark pigmentation, scars, lines and wrinkles.  Like our Pumpkin Pie Enzyme Mask with 1-2% glycolic acid. It is very gently, yet highly effective at exfoliating skin to reveal fresh, soft skin.

2. LACTIC ACID: Derived from a variety of sources,  check to make sure it is Vegan if you are Vegan. 

Lactic acid is a hydrating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly derived from milk, but there are alternative vegan sources, like fermented corn starch, beets, and other sugar-rich foods. Synthetic forms of this ingredient are often found in peels and serums. Helps to hydrate, increase cellular turnover, decrease lines, wrinkles and helps to firm skin. 

Both Glycolic Acid and Vegan Lactic Acid are in our NEW Blueberry Coco Charcoal Mask!  

ACIDS FOR KILLING BACTERIA/ACNE

1. SALICYLIC ACID: Also referred to as White Willow Bark / Beta Hydroxy Acid. BHA) Derived from the bark of the White Willow tree.  This acid is common in Acne and Oily skin formulas as it has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.  It can help heal acne flare ups and reduce oily skin too.  Our Cristal Sea Mineral Toner with real gems contains White Willow Bark and Witch Hazel along with Hyaluronic acid to hydrate while killing bacteria. 

ACIDS FOR BRIGHTENING SKIN

1. ASCORBIC ACID (aka. Vitamin C):  Vitamin C from ascorbic acid is one of the most potent forms of Vitamin C for skin care.  It helps to brighten skin by lightening, deliver this powerful antioxidant on a cellular level so it is absorbed more effectively.  Our Brighten Vitamin C Cream has ascorbic acid and a host of natural ingredients to soften, hydrate and brighten skin. 

And there are so many more acids used in skincare that help skin to rejuvenate, repair and stay healthy!  

Thank you for reading and if you have any questions, please email us at info@bellavidasb.com to talk to our staff esthetician, Niki Pollastrini, for a consultation or to get your skin care answers! 

Blessings,  Erin Schmidt, Founder BVSB