A deep dive into the Holy Trinity of skincare acids. If you’re a skincare novice, we totally understand if you did a double take when you first came across the...
A deep dive into the Holy Trinity of skincare acids.
If you’re a skincare novice, we totally understand if you did a double take when you first came across the term ‘acid’ on a label. Even seasoned skincare enthusiasts tend to find these tricky-sounding ingredients daunting all thanks to several first-hand accounts on Instagram that showed us what overusing exfoliating acids can do to the skin (read: irritation, burning, peeling, redness and increased sensitivity). But we truly mean it when we tell you that skincare acids when used correctly can be absolute game-changers—especially when they are naturally derived and formulated with other soothing ingredients. In fact, when used appropriately ingredients like glycolic, salicylic and hyaluronic acid can help you achieve clear, radiant and youthful-looking skin. So read on if you’d like to learn more about the benefits of these acids, and the many ways you can load up on them naturally…
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that is derived from sugarcane. Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of effective and reliable exfoliating ingredients that are typically derived from fruits. Of all the AHAs, including lactic acid and malic acid, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight. This means that it is able to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Glycolic acid is most notably found in sugarcane, however, other natural sources include sugar beets, pineapple, apples and various citrus foods. While consuming these foods does help, it is most effective when made a part of your skincare routine. Some of our products that make the most of the exfoliating benefits of sugarcane include the Superpowered Sugarcane Slurpie Skin Cleanser, Skinny On Soy Moisturiser and the Calendula Acne-Control Body Wash. These products are formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, boost cell turnover and tackle blemishes.
Hyaluronic acid is a group of sugar molecules and is found naturally in the body—particularly in the joints and skin. Essentially, hyaluronic acid is a hydration-attracting ingredient (humectant) that can bind and hold nearly 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it a wonder ingredient for dry, flaky and dehydrated skin.
Hyaluronic acid is not found naturally in fruits and vegetables, however, there are several food items you can incorporate into your diet that will help trigger the production of hyaluronic acid in your body. Some of these items include tofu, edamame, tempeh, sweet potato, turnips, nuts and seeds, citrus fruits, bell peppers and greens like spinach, lettuce, kale, broccoli and okra.
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliating BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that is derived naturally from willow tree bark. It is also found in fruits like blueberries, figs, apples, dates, kiwis, grapes, plums, prunes, peaches, grapefruit and raspberries to name a few. Salicylic acid sheds dead cells from the topmost layer of the skin and because it is oil-soluble, it can even penetrate through the lipid layers and work at a deeper level.
This acne-zapping ingredient is found naturally in a variety of fruits. Our Mighty Figgin’ Good Moisturizer employs fig extracts, while our Blueberry Body Wash is enriched with blueberry extracts—both rich in salicylic acid to gently slough away dead skin build-up and tackle pimples and body acne at the root.
Now that you know how skincare acids can benefit the skin, don’t hesitate to experiment based on your skin concerns or goals. However, always remember to choose natural actives over the synthetic kinds and conduct a patch test before incorporating products directly into your skincare routine.
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