BY DEANNA PAI
PH
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OS
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BEAUTY SOLUTIONS
22 | December 2019
TAKE
TWO
Considering
a blend?
“There are
synergistic
effects between
acids. A combo
of glycolic
and salicylic
acids, for
instance, offers
anti-aging and
acne-fighting
benefits,”
says cosmetic
chemist
Al-Nisa Ward.
One caveat:
The increased
potency means
more potential
for irritation
and sun
sensitivity, so
start by using
two to three
times a week
and be sure
to wear
SPF. One to
try: Murad
Replenishing
Multi-Acid
Peel ($65;
murad.com). ■
■WHAT IT DOES
Our bodies naturally
produce hyaluronic
acid, a humectant
that helps the skin
retain moisture. But as
we age, the amount
in the epidermis (the
outer skin) falls, Howe
says. That causes
skin to look dull and
dry. “Replenishing the
levels reverses this.
And hyaluronic acid is
good for people who
have very sensitive
skin because it’s not
irritating,” he says.
■HOW TO USE IT
For dry skin, top the
hyaluronic acid with
your moisturizer or use
a formula containing
an emollient like
glycerin to seal it in.
If your skin is oily,
hyaluronic serum
alone delivers enough
hydration, Howe says.
■OUR PICK Alba
Botanica Hydration
Sensation Gel Cream,
$20 ; target.com
[HYDRATING]
HYALURONIC
ACID
spotlight on
ACIDS
■HOW IT WORKS
“Salicylic acid
penetrates hair
follicles really well and
exfoliates within the
pore,” Howe says.
The acid helps clear
out and eliminate the
keratin plugs that form
acne, so it’s often
used in products for
oily and breakout-
prone skin.
■HOW TO USE IT
Choose either a
cleanser or a spot
treatment (not both)
to use once
a day. If your skin
gets dry, flaky, or
red, switch to every
other day, Howe says.
■OUR PICK
Neutrogena
Oil-Free Acne Wash
Pink Grapefruit
Facial Cleanser,
$8; neutrogena.com
[ACNE-FIGHTING]
SALICYLIC
ACID
■HOW IT WORKS
Cleopatra was on to
something with her
legendary milk baths:
Lactic acid (found in
milk) is an effective
body exfoliant. “It
can handle rough
skin and stubborn
dryness and boost
hydration,” Howe says.
This acid is best at
softening the buildup
of thick skin (like on
elbows, knees, and
heels) and smoothing
bumpy patches
associated with dry-
skin conditions like
keratosis pilaris.
■HOW TO USE IT
Once or twice daily,
apply a lactic acid-
infused body lotion.
■OUR PICK AmLactin
Daily Moisturizing
Body Lotion, $16;
dermstore.com
[BODY-SMOOTHING]
LACTIC
ACID
■WHAT IT DOES
Glycolic acid, derived
from sugarcane, is one
of the most popular
alpha hydroxy acids,
a class of acids known
for exfoliation. This
multitasker sloughs
off dead cells, boosts
collagen growth,
and lightens dark
spots, so it’s ideal
for treating signs of
aging, says Kenneth
Howe, M.D., at Wexler
Dermatology in NYC.
■HOW TO USE IT
Use a serum or pad
with 10–15 percent
glycolic acid two to
three times a week
at night. This is your
exfoliation step, so
skip any other scrubs.
■OUR PICK L’Oréal
Paris Revitalift
Derm Intensives 10%
Pure Glycolic Acid
Serum containing
soothing aloe, $30;
lorealparisusa.com
[ANTI-AGING]
GLYCOLIC
ACID
Have you noticed all the cleansers, serums, and lotions
touting acids? Best known for their exfoliating power, these
surprisingly versatile ingredients can hydrate, clean
pores, and more. Find the right one for your skin.
