Do You Wash Off Acid Exfoliants?

Do You Wash Off Acid Exfoliants?

It’s true, acid exfoliants are a big deal in the beauty world. Nowadays you wouldn’t find a skincare product without one of the much-loved members of the AHA and BHA extended family. Having said this, acids are not to be used lightly and without caution, choose the wrong one for your skin type and it could provoke all manner of skin irritation. This is why we always suggest consulting a GP or dermatologist when considering adding an acid into your routine. Once you have found the right formula you will find your skin will be smoother, clearer and brighter.

There is no denying that acid exfoliants are confusing, especially when they come in a variety of skincare products. Which is why today we are going to clear things up a little and help you get a better understanding and in no time, you will be confident about using an acid exfoliant to your daily skincare routine.

What are acid exfoliants?

Acid exfoliants are potent chemical skin ingredients that work on the skin by loosening dead skin cells by removing the bonds in between skin cells. They work at sloughing away the build-up revealing brighter, healthy skin. There are two main types of acid exfoliants, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) Both of which work in similar ways on the skin and provide results that combat signs of ageing, congestion, blemishes, dull and uneven skin tone to name just a few. The large collection of acids in this family mean there is almost an acid for every skin type, from lactic acid for dry skin, to salicylic for the more blemish-prone skin type.

With the increase of their popularity over recent years you can expect to find these active ingredients to be blended into a huge number of skincare products, such as face wash, toners and serums. It is generally understood that if you are wanting your entire skincare routine to deliver the best results, then including an acid exfoliant will help optimal skin penetration to any nourishing serums, face oils and other treatments.

If you are wanting to learn more about the most frequently used acid exfoliants you can check out our dedicated guide about the skincare benefits of AHAs and BHAs over on our blog. Of course, not forgetting those of you with a sensitive skin type. Polyhydroxy Acids will help you combat any skin concerns without the known side effects of their more potent cousins, you can find out more about their skincare benefits in one of our most recent blog posts too.

How do acid exfoliants work on the skin?

The way acid exfoliants work on the skin is their ability to slough away the build-up of dead skin cells that can cause some skin concerns, such as spots, flaky patches of skin and a lacklustre complexion. Here are some examples of the main benefits of acid exfoliants;

Acid exfoliants combat against a build-up of dead skin cells that can cause the skin to look dull and lacklustre

Acid exfoliants slough away cells allowing other skincare products to have optimal skin penetration resulting in them working more effectively

Acid exfoliants contain antioxidants giving the skin barrier extra protection from any free radical damage caused by daily environmental aggressors

Acid exfoliants help with the cell renewal of the skin allowing it to remain brighter and more youthful looking

Acid exfoliants combat congested and blocked pores, removing all traces of bacteria and debris that can lead to uneven texture and blemishes such as blackheads

Acid exfoliants can help with the production of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin helping to reduce any signs of ageing

Some acid exfoliants are humectants meaning they are able to lock in moisture from surrounding air and keep the skin hydrated

There you have an overall view of the benefits you can expect to see when using acid exfoliants, we understand how daunting it may feel using skincare products containing acid ingredients. Which is why we will be sharing with you some advise on the correct way of using these products now.

Do you wash off chemical exfoliant?

Yes and no, this is really dependant on the type of product you are using that is enriched with an acid exfoliant ingredient. It is said that if you are wanting to see quicker results to the skin then opting for serums, face oils and overnight treatments allow you to have the ingredient on your skin for a longer amount of time meaning it has a larger impact on the skin. Other products, such as face washes and cleansers are the least effective due to how little time they stay on the skin. Acid toners are yet another product that can affect the skin, the potency of the acid is generally quite high in toner formulations and has the most impact on the effectiveness of the rest of your daily skincare routine.

Face Wash = rinse off

Face cleanser = rinse off

Acid toner = leave on

Face serum = leave on to absorb

Face oil = leave on to absorb

Overnight treatment = rinse off the following morning

Face Mask = rinse off as instructions describe

Considering the previous points covered in this post, ensuring you are using the correct acid for your skin type must take priority when adding an acid into your routine. You can find out which skin type you have on our blog about the 4 most common skin types. Here are some examples of the best acid exfoliants to use for which skin type;

Sensitive skin types:

PHAs
Please ensure you consult a GP, dermatologist or medical professional for advice on introducing acid to your routine. Perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any products to your skin

Dry skin types:

PHAs
AHAs e.g. Lactic acid
Note the advice above should be applied for dry skin types also.

Combination skin types:

AHAs e.g Lactic, glycolic acid and vitamin C
BHAs e.g salicylic acid
Remember to perform a patch test and to apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to prevent any sun damage from UV exposure

Oily skin types:

BHAs e.g Salicylic acid
AHAs e.g Glycolic and vitamin C
Use a daily SPF and ensure you do not overuse acid exfoliants as this will lead to the skin becoming stripped of oil and introduce an increased production of sebum

Do you wash off exfoliating serum?

You do not need to wash off exfoliating serums or similar skincare products. Serums generally benefit the skin the most when they are remaining on the skin for the longest amount of time. This is why washing off an exfoliating serum will result in it not being effective on the skin and treating any concerns you are wanting to address. Due to acid exfoliants making the skin more prone to sun damage we would also recommend applying an exfoliating serum in your evening routine therefore allowing the ingredients to penetrate the deeper layers without the worry of UV exposure. You may also find the serum is more effective when applied in the evening due to the lack of other free radicals that occur during the day, such as pollution, central heating and environmental aggressors.

What do you do after using acid exfoliants?

After using acid exfoliants you need to keep the skin’s natural barrier balanced and calm to avoid irritation. This is why using a skincare routine containing a cocktail of complimentary ingredients will give you the best results. Applying a gel-like serum enriched in hyaluronic acid or niacinamide will lock in moisture and keep the freshly exfoliated skin soft, supple and hydrated. As we have stressed before, a daily SPF is a must to keep your skin healthy and happy. Applying the occasional skin treatment, such as an overnight face mask or professional facial is great for an added boost in skin rejuvenation and TLC.

If you have any questions about acid exfoliants please contact us over on our Instagram. Don’t miss out on more skincare tips and expert advice over on our YouTube channel! Come and find us on The Green Sofa by hitting the subscribe button, you won’t regret it!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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