Going to share some knowledge on chemical exfoliants today

AHAs and BHAs or as they are more commonly know chemical exfoliants are acids that help remove dead skin cells and excess oils, helping the skin to look brighter, less dull, prevent breakouts and remove blemishes.

AHAs:
Glycolic acid - deeply exfoliates, can minimise appearance of pores, helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and also helps to remove hyperpigmentation, dark marks and even out skin tone. Can be drying so use with hydrating products - 1/2 times a week

As Glycolic acid can be drying and can also cause irritation as it penetrates so deeply into the skin, so it’s best for those with oily/breakout prone, normal and combination skin and not those with dry or sensitive skin.

Lactic Acid - Does all the same things as glycolic acid but is more gentle as it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply. It can also cause irritation so may not be the best if you have sensitive or dry skin. Use with hydrating products - 2/3 times a week

Mandelic Acid - The most gentle of them all. This is the best for darker skin tones and the least drying and irritating of all the AHAs. Suited to almost all skin types and has antibacterial properties so can help with acne. Use with hydrating products - Can be used daily

Just need to add that it is very important to use hydrating products and SPF30+ after using any chemical exfoliants as they increase the skins sensitivity to the sun, which can cause damage to the skin, burns or peeling.

BHAs:

Salicylic Acid - Exfoliates the skin, helps minimise the appearance of pores, antibacterial & anti-inflammatory. Good for helping to prevent acne & breakouts so best for oily and combo skin. Very drying, can cause irritation so defo hydrate - start off with 2/3 days a week

If you’re applying AHAs and BHAs at home it’s always best to use very low concentrations and then build up, but if you want to go above like 20% I would always recommend going to a professional to get a peel so you can avoid burning yourself.

And also over time as your skin gets used to the acid, you can start using it more times in a week but as they can be drying and cause irritation it’s best to not exfoliate more than 2/3 times a week, your skin normally won’t need more than that.

Overall, after using chemical exfoliants your skin should appear brighter, more radiant, even and blemish free. Many @TheGlowPot products contain AHAs that are naturally derived so help to exfoliate and brighten your skin gently.

Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary also have AHAs in low concentrations that work well, and you can have a look on Beauty Bay for some other good ones that you can use at home. Hydrating your skin after using them and wearing SPF are a must!!

A bit more info for you guys:
https://twitter.com/theglowmuva/status/1248237745237102594?s=21 https://twitter.com/theglowmuva/status/1248237745237102594