LAYER IT ON!

In a world overwhelmed with AHA’s, BHA’s and acids ranging all across the alphabet, wondering which to layer on and use for optimal skincare results can be puzzling. So to make the struggle for healthy skin a bit easier, we’ve compiled an easy guide for layering and pairing your acids for flawlessly smooth skin

- Alisha Azuddin

The idea of putting an acid on your face may sound alarming and not particularly safe, but it’s really not as scary as it sounds! Basically, the chemical compounds loosens and gets rid of the unwanted gunk like sebum and dead skin that have been lingering on your face. And when done correctly, it’ll help to clear pores, prevent acne, and keep your skin even and smooth.

However, with so many options and types out on the market, finding the perfect pairing or layering your products in the correct sequence may be puzzling. So here’s a run down on some of our pivotal acid do’s and dont’s.

Order of Events

When creating your own layering cocktail, it’s important to consider layering order. A good rule of thumb to live by is whether or not the acid is water or oil based. Water ingredients should generally go on before those with oil based ingredients for the best chance of absorption. Acids like Niacinamide, L-ascorbic acid and most AHA’s are water base, whilst retinols, Vitamin E and Ceramides are oil based.