Pairing Skincare Acids, The Dos and Dont’s

by Mi Kyong | Mar 6, 2020

There are a lot of skincare terms that are thrown around carelessly without the deep insightful knowledge. Words like active ingredients, acidic properties, and much more are used more for their acceptance than for their meaning. 

Today, we are deep-diving into one such term known as skincare acid and decide how well they pair together. 

Let’s start with the basic- What is skincare acids?

Whenever the word acid comes up, we imagine a chemistry lab with coloured liquids bubbling over test tubes. But let’s not get scared. Skincare acids are mild, safe, and curated for making the skin goals a reality. It is “an ingredient that causes physiologic changes in one of the skin layers that is measurable both scientifically and visually.”

This means that these acids are what make the difference between a good product and an ineffective one. 

 Mixing Acids

Skincare acids and their path should be tread with carefulness. A beneficial ingredient can be turned into the worst nightmare if mixed with the wrong one. So let’s see which acids works well when coupled with another and which ones don’t. 

AHA and BHA are the most known skincare acids. Part of their popularity is owed to the Some by Mi 30 Days Miracle Toner and partly too many skincare brands using their name in the product name.

AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin to brighten and enhance the dull, tired skin. On the other hand, BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate deep into the skin to battle skin concerns like acne.

These acids are an umbrella which constitutes other acids like glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA).

Also Read: AHA, BHA, PHA: Know Korean Skin Care Exfoliating Acids 

Hyaluronic Acid and Retinoic Acid- DO

Hyaluronic acid is a gooey, clear, naturally-occurring substance that is present in our skin. It retains the moisture in the skin to keep the skin connective tissue well lubricated and moist.

On the other hand, Retinoic Acid is a form of Retinol, the famous skincare ingredient. Retinol is accoladed for handling skin issues like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, scars, ageing skin, etc.

Retinol makes the skin dry or inflames the sensitive skin, combining the product with the soothing and hydrating hyaluronic acid works extremely well. 

Read More: Everything You Need to know About Hyaluronic Acid 

AHA/BHAs with Hyaluronic Acid- DO

As stated in the above point, hyaluronic is a moisture-locking skincare ingredient that is mild and soothing on the skin. It is naturally present in the skin cells making it a skin-friendly ingredient. In fact, it is not really an acid as it does not have any exfoliating properties.

Meanwhile, AHA and BHA are strong exfoliating acid which may rip the skin off its essential oil or lead to irritation if they are used in high concentration. Clubbing the two acids gives us the best of both the worlds. 

Our Recommendation: CosRx- One step moisture up pad

Hydroxy Acids and Retinoic Acid: DON’T

It is never a good idea to pair two powerful Acids. 

Hydroxy Acids are AHA, BHA, and PHAs that are powerful exfoliating acids. They work on the surface of the skin as well as penetrate deep into the skin to do their job.

Similarly, Retinoic Acid is quite strong in displaying its properties. Combining the two can cause serious irritation and harm to the skin. 

Both of these Acids can be used separately during different routines of the day. For example, you can use retinoic Acid in the morning routine while the Hydroxy acids can find their place in the night routine. 

It is also recommended to stay clear of using these acids with ascorbic acids like Vitamin C.

Acne Treating Acid- DON’T

Acids like Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are praised for acne-treating properties but should not be clubbed together. When combined, they can be extremely dry and irritating for the skin. You may find them together is a few products but do not use them before consulting your dermatologist. 

It is recommended not to use benzoyl peroxide with retinol until given the green light by the dermatologist.

This concludes the mixing of skincare acids. If you’re hesitant or experience any skin condition after using a recommended combination, please seek professional help. 

If you’ve any doubts or queries, feel free to drop it in the comment section below. 

Till then, keep following us!