Beauty

What Are Skincare Acids and How Do They Work?

The ultimate guide on popular and effective actives such as glycolic and mandelic acids.

16.0K

At this point in your skincare journey, you have a decent grasp on the concept of serums, cleansers and moisturizers, how they work and what they do. However, confusion starts to arise when acids, also known as actives are brought into the conversation.

Acids are what fancy skin experts mean when they talk about active skin ingredients that cause a physiologic change in the skin layers that can be measured scientifically and visually. AHAs (Alpha hydroxy acids) are by far the most common things we use in our skin routines to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and to help with overall textural issues. The best part about incorporating acids into your skincare lineup is that they instantly affect your skin and provide results reasonably quickly.

Still curious? Keep reading on for the perfect breakdown of how acids and the skin types they’re best used for.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is made for all skin types except for sensitive skin. The acid is designed to brighten the skin, lighten hyperpigmentation, dissolve dead skin cells, smooth texture, and boost collagen production.

Lactic Acid

Made for dry and sensitive skin, lactic acid smooths fine lines and rough skin texture while lightly hydrating and plumping the skin.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is geared toward sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. The active softens and blurs pigment left from acne and regulates oil production.

Malic Acid

All skin types except for sensitive skin can handle the use of malic acid. The active helps to retrain hydration, treat acne and also works to smooth the skin’s texture.

Salicylic Acid

All skin types except for sensitive skin can handle the use of malic acid. The active helps to retrain hydration, treat acne and also works to smooth the skin’s texture.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

Pheromone Perfumes Promise Seduction, but Do They Really Work?
Beauty

Pheromone Perfumes Promise Seduction, but Do They Really Work?

From fact to fiction, here’s everything you need to know about the science (and marketing) of olfactory attraction.

AI Can Do Everything, but Does It Really Work For Skincare Treatments?
Beauty

AI Can Do Everything, but Does It Really Work For Skincare Treatments?

We spoke to the experts to understand the benefits, limitations and the future of the tool in the skincare industry.

How to Switch Up Your Skincare for Winter, According to the Experts
Beauty

How to Switch Up Your Skincare for Winter, According to the Experts

We break down what to skip, what to add and common mistakes to avoid.


Après-Ski Meets Après-Beauty: ILIA and Halfdays Drop Skincare-Inspired Ski Suit
Beauty

Après-Ski Meets Après-Beauty: ILIA and Halfdays Drop Skincare-Inspired Ski Suit

Alongside the brand’s new “Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream.”

The Hottest Bottega Veneta Bags Dropping Next Season
Fashion

The Hottest Bottega Veneta Bags Dropping Next Season

Meet the next generation of icons.

EYTYS FW22 Denim Collection Makes Your Femme Fatale Dreams Come True
Fashion

EYTYS FW22 Denim Collection Makes Your Femme Fatale Dreams Come True

Introducing “The Day After” denim campaign, lensed by Jacqueline Landvik.

How TF Is the "Half-Your-Age-Plus-Seven" Rule Even Real?
Sex & Dating

How TF Is the "Half-Your-Age-Plus-Seven" Rule Even Real?

Is it legit? Or just a pawn of the patriarchy?

Kendall Miles' Holiday 2022 Is Giving Rich Auntie Vibes
Footwear

Kendall Miles' Holiday 2022 Is Giving Rich Auntie Vibes

It’s giving boss b–ch.

The "Turtleneck" Bob Is the Hairstyle Committed To Giving You Main Character Energy
Beauty

The "Turtleneck" Bob Is the Hairstyle Committed To Giving You Main Character Energy

Yes, there is a such thing as holiday hair.

'Big Mouth' Fans Are So Over This Horny Character
Sex & Dating

'Big Mouth' Fans Are So Over This Horny Character

Surprised?

Rowing Blazers x Luke Edward Hall FW22 Travels Back in Time
Fashion

Rowing Blazers x Luke Edward Hall FW22 Travels Back in Time

It’s time for a history lesson.

How Timothée Chalamet Manages to Make Cannibalism Relatable in 'Bones and All'
Film & TV

How Timothée Chalamet Manages to Make Cannibalism Relatable in 'Bones and All'

The film hits theaters everywhere on November 23.

Noah Cyrus and Her "Naked Brows" Are Having a Moment
Beauty

Noah Cyrus and Her "Naked Brows" Are Having a Moment

If we’re being honest, this chick is eating the trend up.

Lizzo Keeps It Soft and Sexy With YITTY's Plush Collection
Fashion

Lizzo Keeps It Soft and Sexy With YITTY's Plush Collection

Run, don’t walk.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.