The Best Resurfacing Acid Serums - Find Your Skin Saviour
Acid serums have become an integral part of many skincare routines, thanks to their versatility. These serums are formulated with various types of naturally occurring acids that work to resurface the skin, improve texture, and reduce the appearance of common skin concerns such as dullness, fine lines, and unevenness. Discover the benefits of acid serums and highlight some of the best resurfacing serums available for your skin type and goal complexion.
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Discover the clearing, smoothing and rejuvenating benefits of skincare acids
We highlight our favourite acid actives and their unique benefits
What are the benefits of acid serums?
Acid serums gently exfoliate to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which helps to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. Additionally, acids stimulate collagen production, improve skin tone, and strengthen the skin barrier. The active ingredient in acid serums varies depending on the type of acid used, each with its unique benefits for the skin. The key benefits include:
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Exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells - even gentle acids help loosen old skin cells, revealing youthful skin underneath. Acids can break the bonds securing old cells to the surface. Using them regularly can help improve overall skin texture, tone and suppleness
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Stimulating collagen production - gentle acids such as glycolic acid can stimulate collagen helping to increase skin firmness and reduce the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.
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Brightening and evening out skin tone - the right pH can stimulate exfoliation without causing dehydration or irritation, this can help give your skin a radiant glow and reduce uneven texture and discolouration. Acids such as vitamin C also help to prevent the formation of dark spots and photodamage.
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Treating acne and blemishes - acids such as salicylic acid fight acne-causing bacteria and also help renew the skin, buff away blemishes and reduce pigmentation with regular use.
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Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - hydrating acids and exfoliating factors help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by plumping, stimulating collagen production and helping to loosen and remove dead skin cells.
Which are the best skincare acids?
Glycolic Acid Serum for Deep Exfoliation
Glycolic acid is well-known for its deep exfoliation properties. Glycolic acid serums effectively remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover for a smoother skin texture. Glycolic acid serums can be quickly absorbed into the skin and penetrate deeper levels helping to stimulate collagen production, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. These serums are particularly beneficial for those with oily or combination skin types as they can help regulate oil production and unclog pores.
Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
Salicylic acid is a widely recognised ingredient for treating acne. Like many other skincare acids, salicylic acid serums work by exfoliating the skin's surface, unclogging pores and preventing the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples; it also helps fight acne-causing bacteria. Regular use of salicylic acid serums can help clear the skin, reduce the occurrence of breakouts, and promote a healthier complexion. If you struggle with acne-prone skin, incorporating a salicylic acid serum into your skincare routine can help you maintain blemish-free skin. Try the Caudalie Blemish-fighting Salicylic Acid Serum for clearer skin after 1 week.
Lactic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin
Lactic acid serums are a great option for individuals with sensitive skin. Lactic acid is a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin without causing irritation. These serums have a lightweight and gentle formula, making them suitable for daily use. Lactic acid serums work by gently exfoliating the skin's surface, promoting cell turnover, and improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. Additionally, lactic acid helps hydrate, soothe and reinforce the skin barrier. If you have sensitive skin and are looking to incorporate an acid serum into your skincare routine, lactic acid serums are an excellent choice.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Intense Hydration
Hyaluronic acid serums are a go-to for intense hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for drawing and locking in moisture. Incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine is a simple yet effective way to achieve and maintain skin hydration. Moreover, hyaluronic acid plumps and stimulates collagen production which helps to fight wrinkles and fine lines. Try the Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Serum for Brightening
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a powerhouse ingredient for brightening the skin. Vitamin C serums have potent antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. These serums also work to brighten the complexion, fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Regular use of vitamin C serums can result in a more radiant, glowing complexion. If you are looking to achieve a radiant, smooth and even skin tone try an acid serum containing this ingredient such as the Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Vitamin C Serum.
Mandelic Acid Serum for Mature Skin
Mandelic acid serums are an excellent option for oily, acne-prone skin because they help to absorb excess oil, fight bacteria and gently resurface the skin. Due to the higher molecular size, it's a much more gentle exfoliation making it suitable for reducing blemishes and hyperpigmentation in all skin types, including mature, dry and sensitive skin. Moreover, mandelic acid can also help to stimulate collagen production helping to maintain a youthful appearance. It’s a staple in any blemish-fighting, anti-ageing skincare routine.
Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness and Pigmentation
Transform your skin with Azelaic Acid Serum, a beneficial ingredient for targeting redness and pigmentation. This serum not only reduces inflammation and irritation but also evens out skin tone, giving you a radiant complexion. Perfect for those struggling with skin discoloration, azelaic acid inhibits melanin production, fading dark spots over time. Say goodbye to redness and hello to a more even skin tone with this gentle acid.
Ferulic Acid Serum for Antioxidant Protection
Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant serum that helps protect the skin from damaging free radicals caused by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. By neutralising possible damage, ferulic acid serum can prevent premature ageing and maintain skin health. This powerful ingredient enhances the effectiveness of other antioxidant serums like vitamin C and vitamin E, providing a comprehensive shield for your skin. Try the Nanaia Nourishing Radiance Serum to feel the antioxidant benefits.
Kojic Acid Serum for Dark Spots and Even Skin Tone
Kojic acid serum is particularly helpful for diminishing dark spots and promoting an even skin tone. Its brightening properties work effectively to reduce hyperpigmentation, giving you a more uniform complexion. By inhibiting melanin production, this ingredient helps fade discolouration and enhance skin radiance and youthful glow. Incorporating kojic acid into your skincare routine can visibly improve the appearance of stubborn dark spots, leaving your bright and balanced.
Which is the best acid serum for you?
With the broad number of acids and serums available, choosing the perfect one can be challenging. That’s why we’ve picked out our favourite serums based on your skin’s unique requirements. Explore our curated list according to which needs best suit you.
Which resurfacing acid peel is best for glowing skin?
If you want to reveal the most youthful, radiant glow, you may want to choose a gentle peeling serum which can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, and buff away away impurities and dullness.
Our go-to is the Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate 15ml. This game-changing serum combines potent vitamin C, AHA and BHAs to fight dark spots, discolouration and act as a gentle peel for smoothing skin texture. This concentrated wonder serum fights acne, scars and marks, as well as enhancing natural skin glow.
Price: €31.00
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Best skincare acid serum for fine lines & wrinkles
Acid serums are useful for refreshing the skin, plumping wrinkles and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Our favourite product, formulated for mature skin, is the SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum. This serum is acid-based and helps target fine lines by revealing deeper layers of the skin. Although acid-based, this serum carefully buffs away impurities without drying out more mature skin. Moreover, this serum is effective on even darker skin tones.
Price: €114.00
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Best acid treatment for sensitive skin
Because of their powerful resurfacing effect, acid serums can cause peeling, drying and irritation if you have particularly sensitive skin. Avene prioritises sensitive skincare and their AHA exfoliating serum is no different. With only ten ingredients and 99% natural origins, you can’t go wrong with the Clearance AHA Exfoliating Serum. The triple acid complex gently lifts dead skin cells and balances them with thermal spring water.
Price: €40.00
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Which is the best clearance serum for oily skin
If you have oily skin, an acid serum is going to be your holy grail. Many acids, like salicylic acid, mandelic acid or azelaic acid help to control oiliness and unclog pores. Mattify super oily skin with the Neostrata Clarify Mandelic Mattifying Serum.
Price: €44.95
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Best for dark spots and pigmentation
When it comes to dark spot correction, the most powerful serum is the Neostrata Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector. Vitamin C, Kojic acid, AHAs, PHA and liquorice root extract work together to prevent melanin accumulation and encourage skin cell turnover. You can use this powerful formula on your dark spots and pigmentation or over in your trouble areas. Another honourable mention is the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum which helps to prevent the formation of dark spots and pigmentation, boost collagen production and smooth skin texture.
Price: €24.95
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What is the best clarifying serum for acne?
Acids are your best friend for acne-prone skin because they help to fight oil and sebum build-up, unclog pores and reveal a more even skin texture. Moreover, some acids, like salicylic acid fight acne-causing bacteria, reducing the number of breakouts you have. Our top pick for acne-prone skin is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum. This concentrate contains three acids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and LHA which tackle oil, gently lift impurities and fight acne scars and marks. Niacinamide serums help diminish pores and excess sebum. Finally, thermal spring water maintains skin balance, preventing tightness, irritation and dryness from the acid treatment.
Price: €40.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can acid serums be used daily?
Yes, acid serums can be used daily, but it is important to consider your skin's tolerance and the concentration level of the serum. It is best to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as tolerated. Long-term daily use can give you the best results, but it is always important to respond to your skin’s reaction and adjust your routine accordingly.
How long does it take to see results from using acid serums?
The timeline to see results from an acid serum varies depending on individual skin conditions and the specific serum used. However, visible results can be seen with consistent use over a period of several weeks.
Are there any acids to avoid mixing in my skincare routine?
While many acid serums can be used together, avoid mixing certain acids in your skincare routine. For example, mixing retinol and skincare acids can cause skin irritation and sensitivity to the sun. It is best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential adverse reactions.
