All About Acids

June 11, 2019

The best natural acids and what they do for your skin

Take a walk down the beauty aisle and you’ll see a never-ending array of products that claim to turn back the clock on aging skin and fix everything from acne to dark spots. Most of those products rely on some form of natural acid to achieve the claimed results.  The truth is, no matter what your skincare need is, there’s likely a product with a natural acid component you could add into your skincare regimen to achieve better-desired results. Here’s a rundown of a few of the most common natural acids and what they can do for your skin.

Ascorbic Acid

More commonly known as vitamin C,  this is a must-have ingredient according to most skincare experts. It’s considered the most powerful antioxidant on the market and can reduce dark spots, fight free-radical damage, and firm fine lines. The only issue? It’s highly unstable and can break down when exposed to too much air, light, heat, or just naturally over time. Additionally, it’s less effective when not formulated properly, stored improperly, or layered on the skin with other products. So how do you make sure you’re getting the most effective options? Look for products formulated with vitamin E, ferulic acid, or both, which help with stability and pay attention to how you store it, never in sunlight or exposed to air (keep those lids on tight!) 

Tevenere refining facial peeling and vitamin c serum both contain ascorbic acid formulated with organic Hemp seed for a gentle, yet skin rejuvenating product.

Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid & Tartaric Acids

These three are commonly known as the other AHAs  (alpha hydroxy acids). They are slightly larger molecules so are therefore slower to penetrate.  You won’t get as strong of a reaction, as ascorbic acid but these are good natural complements to other active ingredients and are often within other formulations.

Tevenere’s refining facial peeling is a good example of s natural, organic product that contains both vitamin c (ascorbic acid) and mandelic acid for a more effective, well-rounded formulation.

Lactic Acid

As the name implies, lactic acid is derived from milk, so it’s gentler on the skin than some of the other acids on this list. Its moisturizing properties make it a good choice for people with sensitive skin who want to even out their skin tone and reduce fine lines. Products with this acid in their formula are perfect for those who want to exfoliate but can’t tolerate anything too aggressive. It’s also suitable for those who can tolerate a more powerful exfoliant but want a nice glow-inducing boost without drying out the skin. It falls into the alpha-hydroxy acid family and exfoliates by breaking down the bonds that hold skin cells together and increasing cell turnover resulting in a brighter, more youthful complexion. But what makes lactic acid so special, and different from other AHAs, is it actually improves your skin’s moisture barrier. For people with dehydrating lifestyles, like if you live in a dry desert climate or are a frequent traveler on planes, you can benefit the most from this.

Hyaluronic Acid

While most acids have a drying effect on the skin, hyaluronic acid actually hydrates. There’s not one person who can’t benefit from this ingredient. This acid has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, deeply moisturizing skin while plumping and filling in fine lines and wrinkles. It works by helping skin bind and retain moisture. Usage tip:  it’s best applied while skin is damp, for example, right after washing so it can trap and hold the water already on your skin. e smaller strain can penetrate deeper, while the largest sits on the surface to keep in water.

Tevenere firming eye serum and rejuvenating night cream both contain hyaluronic acid to help keep moisture in and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Retinoic acid

Retinoids are the superheroes of the skincare world. These vitamin A derivatives can do everything from minimizing fine lines and wrinkles to reversing sun damage to increasing skin elasticity. While prescription formulas yield the best solutions, over-the-counter products containing retinol can still give noticeable results. The finer products on the market contain 

Retinyl Palmitate, an ester of Vitamin A that’s converted to retinoic acid once absorbed by the skin. When used on skin, your skin’s natural enzymes convert Retinyl Palmitate to retinol, which is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that treats wrinkles by encouraging the growth of new skin cells. Retinyl Palmitate is an ingredient that will help improve any skin tone.

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