The killer question: Which skincare acid should you use?
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:22
This week Dr Malini from Singapore’s AesCure Medical & Aesthetic Clinic gives us the lowdown on which acids are right for your skin.
We’re pretty sure the word ‘acid’ in itself either reminds you of a certain psychedelic drug or sounds like the title to a horror movie but lo and behold, when incorporated into skincare products, they become magical potions. However, most of us don’t know the difference between Ferulic acids and Hyaluronic acids and thus avoid these potent ingredients altogether.
Hence to up your skincare game, we have Dr Malini Munisamy, Medical Director from Singapore’s Aescure Medical and Aesthetic Clinic to give us the essential notes on acids.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA):
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) such as glycolic acid and Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid are the usual components of chemical peels. They are also found in lower concentrations in facial cleansers and toners for regular use at home. Chemical peels are acid solutions that stimulate cell renewal by removing the dead skin cells. They can be customized to treat specific skin concerns for example glycolic acid for dull looking skin, pigmented acne scars and melasma, salicylic acid can be used for oily, acne prone skin, lactic acid for hydration and brightening etc. Brands I would recommend for cleansers and toners include Proactive, Neostrata, Dr Murad etc.
Hyaluronic acid (HA):
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural gel-like substance found within the connective tissue of our skin which holds water. It is not an acid by the way but more a complex sugar. Hyaluronic acid levels decline in our skin as we grow older and therefore skin becomes dry with the aging process. We can replenish the HA in our skin by using HA containing moisturisers or using dermal fillers. I would recommend SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel, and Pure Moist as part of the Hydrafacial Essential Kit (should be available in clinics offering Hydrafacial)
Ferulic acid:
Ferulic acid is a potent plant-derived antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our skin from damage caused by UV rays. It can be found in skincare products. SkinCeuticals carries a range of Vitamin C serums of diffferent concentrations combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid (helps to stabilise the product). Alpha Lipoic acid is an anti oxidant produced naturally in our body. It can be found in supplements as well.
Dr Malini Munisamy founded AesCure Medical & Aesthetic Clinic, where she focuses on treating various textural and pigmentation problems faced by individuals of any skin tone together with the more common aesthetic procedures.
Tarandip Kaur
Read more from Dr Malini:
The killer question: How to reduce pigmentation marks and blemishes?
