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Buying skincare products is like heading into chemistry class – acids of all sorts line the shelves, each one seemingly more dangerous than the next. But when used properly, they are among the best tools for fighting fine lines, pigmentation, acne scarring and other conditions. We take you through the most common types and how to use them.

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha- hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s derived from sugar cane. One of the most widely used AHAs, it’s most commonly employed as a chemical exfoliant in cleansers, toners and peels, often partnered with salicylic acid, another common substance used to exfoliate the skin and clear acne scars. Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is one of the brand’s best-sellers and gentle enough to be used nightly. Remember to lather on the sunscreen in the morning though, as its use can increase your skin's sensitivity to sun.

Gluconolactone is a poly-hydroxy acid (PHA), which are perhaps less well-known than AHAs or beta-hydroxy ones (BHAs). Nonetheless, it’s still an effective skincare ingredient and as it’s gentler than other acids it’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Wildsmith’s Dual-Action Exfoliating Treatment contains this PHA, which penetrates the skin slowly and gently to aid the removal of dead skin cells while providing deep hydration.

Hyaluronic acid is absolutely an essential for dry skin types. Its powerful anti-ageing properties work for every skin type and it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping lock moisture in the skin to keep it hydrated and soft. Hyaluronic acid also has the ability to protect the skin from environmental damage and block out the sun’s UVB rays. French favourite Caudalíe’s Vinsource-Hydra SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum is a great choice, as is local clean-beauty brand Skin Need’s 100 percent Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum, with the added benefit of anti- inflammatory properties found in the pro-vitamin.

Ferulic acid is an ingredient that’s mostly used in conjunction with vitamins C and E in serums, and has antioxidant properties. Pixi’s Vitamin-C Remedy Mask helps brighten and tone the skin with its energising and hydrating blend of citrus, green tea, ferric acid and ginseng. When used with Vitamins C and E, it can also protect the skin from free radicals. It is a great product for more mature skin and for pigmentation problems.

Lactic acid is the second-best- researched AHA after glycolic acid and is a great option, again for sensitive skin. Teresa Tarmey’s Lactic Acid Treatment, available at Net-a-Porter, is a light exfoliating peel that leaves the skin more radiant. Because it’s more gentle, it’s suitable for all skin types.

Phytic acid is a milder AHA that can effectively help to improve skin tone when used alongside a glycolic acid. Made from plant extracts, it is more nourishing on the skin and is one of the ingredients in Augustinus Bader’s Essence (along with salicylic, gluconolacctone and hyaluronic acid) to mildly exfoliate surface skin cells and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

The post Beauty Tips: Different Types of Acids and How to Use Them appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Ever since it launched in 2004, the Synactif collection sits at the pinnacle of Clé de Peau Beauté as a holistic regime that is subliminally effective.

Inspired by detoxifying spa experiences and backed by extensive research, the Synactif collection targets skin’s natural processes of removing impurities and supports skin’s self-beautifying system for a regenerated, radiant and sculpted beauty.

Protecting the skin from impurities is vital for it to stay in optimal condition, and the newly reformulated Synactif regimen has been designed to work synergistically to achieve this. Beginning with the Synactif soap, each step that follows after enhances skin’s ability to regenerate its beauty. The enhanced, higher-density foam effectively washes off sebum and pore-clogging impurities, and the new formula includes an abundance of moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and create a feeling of softness and moisture after cleansing.

What’s special about this new line, however, is their new purifying beautifier, which is an innovative complex exclusive to Synactif. A potent blend of botanical ingredients, this complex helps to enhance skin’s self-beautifying system, improving the skin’s condition and appearance to become more youthful.

After the soap, follow with the Clé de Peau synactif lotion to replenish the skin with rich, dewy moisture. Newly formulated with rose extract to lock in moisture, the intensive brightening ingredients in the lotion also help to eliminate dullness and enhance the skin’s clarity. With continuous use, skin becomes plumper and more resilient over time. The Synactif line also has two moisturisers that are designed specifically with the skin’s daytime and night-time rhythms in mind, while their eye cream has an advanced formula that delivers the feeling of rapid, deep absorption with a lightweight texture specifically designed for the delicate eye area.

Last but not least, the Synactif cream powerfully revitalises the skin. Newly formulated with neem leaf extract, the upgraded cream helps to fortify skin’s firmness for well-defined contours. To top it off, the entire line is infused with an award-winning rose fragrance in order to relax and purify those who use it.

The post Clé de Peau’s Upgraded Synactif Series Will Revolutionise Your Skin appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.