Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist - Written by Nancy Agrahari (Journalist) on 04th Mar 2021
Choose Face acids Based on Your Skin Type
TThe world of fashion and skincare has changed drastically over the years. With the introduction of acids and the Korean skincare routine, one can't stay away from the glam world. If you are both excited and confused about skincare products and don't know where to get started, you have arrived at the right place
Skincare is the term we have heard since our teenage years, and we have been both excited yet confused about it, most of the time. For the lucky ones blessed with a crystal clear complexion and no zits (thanks to periods), skincare for them is washing their faces twice a day, and voila, happy skin every time!
But for 90% of the world, blessed with different kinds of skin types, and we mean all kinds, the term skincare means taking care of your skin and applying sunscreens. We understand that taking proper care of your skin comes with being hygienic and consistent about your skincare routine.
If we go about it from the scientific perspective, then the skin is the largest organ in your body, and you have to take care of it regularly. If you are interested in the conversation and now want to find the easiest yet authentic way of taking care of your skin, then we are right here for you. This blog will guide you through the right way of taking care of your skin and first identify your skin type to get lost in the jungle again.
How To Identify Your Skin Type
Trust us when we say this, nobody can understand your skin type better than you. You know what consistency of creams or moisturizers works for you and what makes you look a mess. To further ease the process, you can identify your skin type by testing it out. The first step is to know that there are several skin types, so your skin may fall in the category of normal, dry, dehydrated, oily, or acne-prone.
You can identify your skin type by:
Step 1-
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Step 2-
Pat dry your face & don't apply any cream for 40-45 minutes.
Step 3-
After 40 min, examine your face in the mirror to check your skin type. We suggest you try not to apply any cream or moisturizer as it will help you understand your skin's texture. If it forms an oily barrier, then you know your skin is oily. Deciding between dry & dehydrated skin can be tricky. Dry skin is like any other skin type, like oily or normal, where your complexion lacks moisture or other lipids. Therefore it takes on a more flaky appearance. Simultaneously, dehydrated skin is a skin condition that occurs when there is a lack of water or moisture in your skin.
Once you understand your skin type, it is easier to find just the right skincare routine to get glowy, healthy-looking skin. Since the glamour world is now talking about face acids, it is imperative to know what face acid does and what you should use depending on your skin type to make the right decision.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acid is derived from sugarcane. It is one of the most popular face acids used in skincare products around the world. If you love your face scrubber for its gentle cleansing, chances are it has glycolic acid in it.
Glycolic acid is one of the most effective face acids due to its smallest molecular weight compared to other face acids. The smallest molecular weight helps the face acid penetrate the skin, even at a very low concentration.
Though glycolic acid works for every skin type, we recommend a patch test 24 hours before actually applying it on your face. Glycolic acid will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles to give you glowy, clear skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
If you wish to have that glow from within look every time to look at the actresses, you will love the Hyaluronic Acid. Interestingly, Hyaluronic acid or Hyaluronan is a natural structure found within our bodies. It is like a gooey substance found in our connective tissues, but its largest concentration is in the skin. Hyaluronic acid has several functions in our body, from lubricating our tissues to keeping our skin young. But when it comes to keeping our skin radiant and tight, Ha plays a vital role.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a key molecule in anti-aging that attracts and locks moisture in our skin, reducing transepidermal loss. It is a great choice if you want the dewy glow from within skin texture.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid or SA is the face acid from the Beta Hydroxy Acid family. It is one of the best acids that visibly reduces pore size and tightens them. They work well when it comes to unclogging pores and effectively treats blackheads and whiteheads.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, we suggest you look for salicylic acid in your face cleansers or go for Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% and use it regularly to clean your pores and a cleaner, younger-looking skin.
Azelaic Acid
Though azelaic acid is not a commonly found face acid, it works wonders if you have sensitive skin. Unlike other acids, azelaic acid is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help to prevent your skin from pimples or zits. You can use a lesser concentrated azelaic acid and start to use it for your skin if you are confused about choosing. Since it is filled with anti-inflammatory properties, it is perfect for sensitive skin types. Other skin types can also use it, though, for clear skin.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is another alpha-hydroxy acid, one that is not popular in the beauty world. Like glycolic acid, it's an exfoliating skin agent valuable for forestalling skin breakouts, treating sunburn and pigmentation.
Nonetheless, because of its bigger molecules, it doesn't enter the skin as profoundly as glycolic acid, so it's less irritating on the skin and more preferred. Therefore, when choosing peels for skin, mandelic acid is a better choice than glycolic acid, especially for sensitive skin.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is created by microbes utilized in the fermentation of rice for the creation of purpose. It's a mainstream fix in Asian skin health management because it is brightening and hostile to maturing properties.
It's found in chemicals and serums at 1 to 4 percent fixations. Sadly, it's extremely disturbing to the skin, but on the other hand, it's exceptionally successful.
How To Start With Face Acids
We know how overwhelming the world of face acids can be if you are someone who has never tried them yet. We suggest since you are just trying them, you go with the easy way. Choose the products with low concentration and anti-inflammatory properties so that your face is not overwhelmed with the new products. If you have sensitive skin, use the products gradually, maybe once or twice a week, to use your skin to the change.
Since these acids are pretty strong, they may make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, therefore applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or more in the daytime is non-negotiable.
We also/even suggest you do a patch test before directly applying any face acids on your skin.
How to choose the right formulation?
The world is bombarded with new products every day, and it gets challenging to choose just the right one for your skin type. Beauty brands have many types of formulations that they offer depending on the range of the particular product.
To understand what works well, look at the percentage of the acid's concentration, its characteristics, and whether it suits your face type. We also suggest you check the product's packaging as it is an important factor while choosing the right face acid for your skin type.
