The Best Acids For Acne-Prone Sensitive Skin
Dealing with the combination of acne-prone and sensitive skin can be a nightmare when nothing seems to work for you. One wrong product or ingredient can unleash problems like breakouts, redness and scarring. Well, acne is caused when your pores get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells. When your pores are not clean, the blockages sprout on your skin in the form of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. So, to find a solution, you need something that works on its root cause i.e. the clogged pores. Dermatologists believe facial acids can help manage acne-prone sensitive skin, significantly, by exfoliating and unclogging pores. However, not all acids are the same, and hence, it's crucial to choose the right one. Here is a guide on the best facial acids and how to use them for your skin.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is the mildest acid for acne and works perfectly for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin. It is one of the most common Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin cells and improves skin tone. It is derived from the sugars in milk and is known to be a light peeling agent. Lactic acids help eliminate acne-causing bacteria and increase cell turnover. Its mild nature makes it suitable for beginners without the risk of getting irritation and allergies. You can incorporate lactic acid with serums or toners for your skin once or twice a week. However, since it exfoliates and sloughs away the outer layer of your skin, you must ensure to use sunscreen after using lactic acid.
Salicylic acid
The staple ingredient in most anti-acne products, salicylic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog your pores. They are a type of Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) that breaks down the oil and debris collected in your pores and are an effective treatment for early acne like blackheads and whiteheads. You can use salicylic acid in toners to soothe the inflammation, in facial cleansers to eliminate acne-causing germs or opt for it in gel formulation, as a spot treatment. It is advised against using salicylic acid in large quantities as BHAs can make your skin drier or flare up sensitive or eczema-prone skin. One of the best and easiest ways to keep pimples and acne away is to use anti-pimple serum sheet masks that are enriched with ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil has been considered the go-to acid for oily and acne-prone skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe your skin and prevent breakouts. It also contains microbial effects that help neutralise acne-causing germs and reduce pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Helping you tackle mild to moderate breakouts; tea tree oil brings minimal side-effects along with it. However, it's always the best practise to patch test any product, diluted or not, before adding it to your skincare routine.
Retinol
Formally an anti-ageing ingredient, retinol works efficiently at tackling acne. It is a form of vitamin A that helps promote cell turnover and boost collagen production while clearing excess sebum and exfoliating dead skin. Based on your skin and age, you can use retinol in the form of creams, gels and serums. However, it can increase sun sensitivity, and cause dryness and allergic reactions. Therefore, start slow with retinol, using it only once a week in the beginning. You can start with wrinkle lift anti-ageing creams that contain facial acids like retinol, citric acid and salicylic acid. These creams work to tighten your skin and give a youthful glow. Ensure that you patch-test the product to check its suitability and always use sunscreen. If your skin often gets weighed down by sun protection, you can use sunscreen serums or mist sunscreens.
Caution: Pregnant and lactating women are advised against using retinol.
Things to keep in mind while using acids for acne
- Be consistent and patient while using actives for your skin. They can take time to show results.
- Do not use more than the prescribed quantity or large concentration of acids, as they can often cause side effects like dryness, peeling, irritation and redness. It is advised to use acids in lower concentrations and use them in moderation only a few times a week.
- Avoid using acids 2-3 days before any facial treatments.
Facial acids can significantly help you manage your acne-prone skin and give you a brighter and even-toned complexion. However, before you start using acids for acne-prone skin in your routine, ensure that you know how to apply them correctly and consult your dermatologist to know it's safe for use. Moreover, do not forget to nourish your skin with the right skincare products. Additionally, use serum sheet masks that give an instant boost of hydration and make your skin supple and soft. To learn everything there is about tackling acne-prone skin, read these tips and how-tos from Garnier India.