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Every year, there’s a new trendy ingredient that takes the skincare world by storm, but sometimes we can’t help coming back to our timeless skin actives; exfoliating acids are definitely one of them.

For those of you curious to try exfoliating acids and want to know exactly what they are, their benefits and which is the right one for you, read down below:

Exfoliating acids, or sometimes called “chemical exfoliants” are acids that work to get rid of dead skin cells that robs your skin of its natural glow and luminosity. Dead skin sits on top of the newer skin, creating a barrier and often times, when mixed with oil and dirt can accumulate and clog your pores, causing acne, blackheads and whiteheads (yikes.)

How do they differ from physical exfoliants?

While acids chemically remove the outer layers of the skin, physical exfoliants do so manually.

Physical exfoliants may come in the form of facial scrubs, brushes, and towels but that might be a little too harsh for people with sensitive skin or other conditions like rosacea.

Acids also work deep in the skin to remove and unclog oil and debris, while physical exfoliants, as the saying goes, can only “scratch the surface”

Exfoliating acids are multi-taskers, and its great for improving your overall complexion as it helps with discoloration, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, texture irregularities, visible blackheads and acne.

What types of Exfoliating Acids are there and which one is the right one for me?

There are many times of exfoliating acids in the market, namely AHA, BHA and their less popular but just as good sister; the PHA.

AHAs include the likes of glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acid. They tend to come from fruits, but can also be produced synthetically. They have the ability to dissolve in water, and can work on the surface on the skin to improve its texture—Glycolic and Lactic Acid are commonly used.

BHAs are oil-soluble, so they can penetrate your pores, as well as work on the skin’s surface. These deep-working acids not only benefits skin’s texture, but it also unclogs the build up of sebum that causes enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and acne—Examples of BHAs include salicylic acid and tropic acid.

PHAs work in a similar way to AHAs. The difference is that PHA molecules are larger, so they cannot penetrate as deeply. PHAs are viewed as less irritating and its perfect for people starting out on exfoliating acids, or those with incredibly sensitive skin. Although they don’t go as deep, PHAs — like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid — have additional hydrating and antioxidant benefits.

Which Exfoliating Acid is the right one for me?

AHAs are often used to improve skin tone and mild areas of discoloration.

BHAs, on the other hand, are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin due to their pore-unclogging properties. If you have highly sensitive skin, a less intrusive PHA exfoliant may be your best shot.

You may sometimes find AHA and BHA in one product, or sometimes all three with PHA. However, its worth noting before starting out that exfoliating acids, like all other skincare actives should be incorporated to your skincare routine slowly and allow your skin some time to adjust.

With patience comes care, and with care comes amazingly beautiful skin!

What’s our go to Exfoliating Acid Products? We’re obsessed with CV Skin’s AHA Gel and CV Skin BHA Gel. These mild but potent concentration of exfoliants, formulated with natural botanical extracts and moisturizers works deep within your skin. Apply it after cleansing and applying your favorite toner, and then follow with your trusted moisturizer (we recommend the CV Skin Eternal Youth Soft Cream) and your skin will definitely thank you. You can use them both at the same time, morning and evening or you can use them separately or alternately.