Don’t be scared, chemical exfoliators may be your skin’s secret weapon

Acid trip...
Getty Images
25 October 2018

Acids, or chemical exfoliants, are a fast-track to smooth, clear skin.

And while the name sounds frightening, there’s no need for alarm — the latest formulas blend different acid types at lower concentrations for powerful results that are gentle on even sensitive skins. ‘Chemical exfoliants and peels can give an instant glow,’ says facialist Teresa Tarmey. ‘They effectively dissolve dead skin cells and grime, as opposed to scrubbing with physical exfoliators, which can be harsh on your skin.’

Swot up on the acid alphabet:

A is for... AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, which work primarily on the skin’s surface, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be swept away to reveal smoother, softer skin. AHA’s minimise the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and dark spots. Examples include glycolic acid and lactic acid.

B is for... BHA, or beta hydroxy acid. There is only one BHA and it is commonly known as salicylic acid. Used widely in skincare, it has powerful anti-microbial and exfoliating properties.

P is for PHAs... which are polyhydroxy acids. These are a gentler class of exfoliant than AHAs and BHAs. Made from larger molecules, they penetrate the skin less deeply, making them easier on sensitive skin. Examples include gluconolactone and lactobionic acid.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in