The Best Acids For Combination Skin
This week’s skincare Q&A was put to us by one of our lovely Instagram followers, who asked whether combination skin can use an AHA / BHA Toner.
It’s a great question, especially because combination skin is characterised by different parts of the face having different skin concerns (often an oily T-Zone and dry cheeks).
Best Acids For Combination Skin
Today, we’re running through the best acids for combination skin, including products that combine multiple acids.
AHAs
AHAs address the skin’s surface only, making them a great choice to take care of wrinkles and flaky dry skin. It also makes them a good choice for combination skin. The key acids to look out for include:
Glycolic acid is a natural AHA and chemical exfoliant with proven results for different skin types, including combination skin. Glycolic acid also has a lot of research behind it.
Malic acid is another type of AHA that can work well for combination skin types. Often found in fruits, such as apples and pears, malic acid serves as a gentle exfoliant that also adds hydration back into the skin. Additionally, it can help with hyper pigmentation.
Lactic Acids are a less aggressive types of AHA than glyolic acid – they have bigger molecules so they penetrate the skin slower. Lactic acid works by breaking down and dissolving the structure of dead skin cells. Lactic acids stimulate the exfoliation of skin cells by interfering with the bond that hold the cells together, causing them to become loosened and fall away.
BHAs
BHAs work at the surface of the skin and within the pores to help “degunk” the skin. They get rid of excess dry skin cells and also leave skin hydrated. Among their other benefits, BHAs exfoliate skin, reduce redness, stimulate collagen production and provide a mild anti-bacterial function.
Using Products That Combine Acids
Products that combine acids, particularly AHAs and BHAs, are ideal for combination skin, as they target both the skin’s outer layer (to take care of flaky skin) and the deeper layers (to get rid of deep-set dirt, oil and sebum). Our top picks for combination skin are:
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner – This hydrating toner is packed with beneficial aloe and salicylic acid. Instead of purified water, it uses Aloe BHA leaf water with BHA and snail secretion filtrate to help prevent skin damage from irritants and stress.
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner – this is an exfoliating toner that eliminates dead skin cells, working to prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads before they cause problems. Infused with natural acne-fighting acids, it controls excess oil and sebum while nourishing and hydrating skin.
Mary & May Vegan CICA AHA PHA Toner- has a gentle, low pH formula that helps to maintain a healthy skin balance. This vegan formulated toner gently exfoliates the skin and removes dirt and impurities, in addition to promoting the appearance of brighter, healthy skin.
Visit our chemical exfoliant collection here.
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