Do Acid Peels Help To Treat Acne-Prone Skin?

 

Acid peels – the skincare trend that is here to stay. 

When we think of acids, we think of dangerous chemicals that burn and sting the skin. However, in the right concentration, acids can be a friend instead of a foe. From targeting aging, dull to acne-prone skin, acid peels have been growing in popularity among skincare beginners and gurus alike. In this article, learn what acid peels are, get to know the most popular skincare acids and find out whether they work for your acne-prone skin.

 

What Are Acid Peels?

The skin is constantly renewing itself by replacing old skin cells with new ones through a process called skin cell turnover, what happens is that the skin shed off the outermost layer of the skin cells that are damaged or dead, while new skin cells are created in the basal layer of the skin and rise to the epidermis layer on top. This process repeats roughly every once a month.

When dead skin cells are not removed thoroughly and get left behind, they can mix with oil produced by our sebaceous glands and end up congesting the pores which can trigger breakouts. This is where over-the-counter acid peels come into play when battling acne. Acid peels help to slough off excess skin cells to prevent its build-up and acne occurrences.

 

5 Skincare Acids To Get On Your Radar

1. Glycolic Acid

A good starter ingredient for acid peel newbies, Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is extracted from sugarcane. It works by breaking down the bonds between the top most layer of skin cells, creating an exfoliating effect. When the gunk from our skin is removed, our skin appears smoother and more radiant.

Glycolic Acid has one of the smallest molecule sizes amongst all skincare acids which enables them to penetrate the skin deeply and therefore users can experience quicker improvements to their skin. It also helps to retain our skin’s natural moisture instead of stripping it which makes it an ideal complement to anti-acne treatments that can be drying. Moreover, a study has shown that the compound has an anti-bacterial effect against P. Acnes bacteria.

 

2. Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is another well-known exfoliating AHA. It functions similarly to Glycolic Acid in which it helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells resulting in a peeling effect. However, its molecules are bigger than Glycolic Acid so it does not penetrate the skin as deeply. If you have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate Glycolic Acid well, then Lactic Acid may be a more suitable alternative.

 

3. Citric Acid

While Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid get most of the attention in the world of AHAs, Citirc Acid is not one to be underestimated. Extracted from citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, the acid not only exfoliates but is also a good source of antioxidants that can combat oxidative stress caused by external factors such as sun damage. The compound is also a natural astringent that can remove the excess oil on your skin, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores.

 

4. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Ascorbic Acid, or more commonly known as Vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals and stimulates collagen production. If you have more severe forms of acne, such as cystic acne, Ascorbic Acid can minimise the formation of scars due to its collagen boosting effect. Its anti-inflammatory property can also help wounds to heal quicker as well.  

 

5. Salicylic Acid

A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) harvested from tree barks, Salicylic Acid is a potent acne-fighting ingredient formulated in many anti-blemish skincare products. Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, BHAs are oil soluble which means they are more effective in penetrating oil-filled pores to reduce the build-up of dead skin cells. This is why the ingredient is a fan-favourite among acne battlers who more often than not have an oily skin type. Moreover, Salicylic Acid’s anti-inflammatory property helps to minimise the negative effects of bacteria and it is also known to minimise the appearance of large pores.

 

With many skincare acids available at our disposal, your search for the best fit can be narrowed by considering your skin type, needs and acne severity. With all potent skincare products, it is important to do a patch test before introducing a new product to your skincare routine. Piling on too much intensive skincare treatments can end up irritating the skin and aggravate acne. Always remember that a little goes a long way!

 

Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!

 

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