The Essential Skincare Acids Guide

The essential skincare acids guide

type of acids sheet

Salicylic Acid – Best for oily and acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the pores, unclogs blackheads and whiteheads, controls excess oil, and prevents breakouts.

Glycolic Acid – Ideal for normal to oily skin. It exfoliates the top layer, brightens the skin, improves texture, and reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Lactic Acid – Suitable for dry and sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates while providing hydration, making it great for dullness and rough texture without irritation.

Mandelic Acid – Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It helps with uneven skin tone, reduces breakouts, and provides mild exfoliation without irritation.

Azelaic Acid – Works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, treats acne, and calms rosacea.

Kojic Acid – Best for hyperpigmented and sun-damaged skin. It helps lighten dark spots, melasma, and discoloration caused by acne scars or sun exposure.

Tranexamic Acid – Ideal for all skin types struggling with stubborn pigmentation. It effectively reduces melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and sunspots.

Hyaluronic Acid – Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin. It deeply hydrates, plumps fine lines, and retains moisture for a youthful look.

Polyglutamic Acid – Great for dry and dehydrated skin. It locks in moisture, provides long-lasting hydration, and enhances the skin’s elasticity.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) – Best for dull, uneven, and aging skin. It brightens, reduces pigmentation, fights free radicals, and boosts collagen production.

Ferulic Acid – Works for all skin types, particularly those using Vitamin C. It enhances the antioxidant power of Vitamin C and E, preventing premature aging.

Ceramides (Fatty Acids) – Essential for dry and sensitive skin. They repair and strengthen the skin barrier, preventing water loss and irritation.

Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 Fatty Acid) – Ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. It reduces clogged pores, balances oil production, and supports a healthy skin barrier.

Ellagic Acid – Good for sun-damaged and aging skin. It protects against UV damage, brightens skin, and provides antioxidant benefits.

Cinnamic Acid – Suitable for all skin types. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against environmental damage.

Succinic Acid – Best for oily and acne-prone skin. It controls sebum production, fights acne-causing bacteria, and soothes inflammation.

How to choose the right skincare acid for ur skin type

Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Salicylic Acid (BHA): Penetrates deep into pores to remove excess oil and prevent breakouts.

Azelaic Acid: Reduces acne, fades dark spots, and calms redness.

Succinic Acid: A gentle anti-inflammatory that helps control breakouts.

Dry & Dehydrated Skin

Lactic Acid (AHA): Exfoliates while hydrating the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid: Retains moisture and plumps the skin.

Mandelic Acid: A mild exfoliant that improves texture without drying.

Combination Skin

Glycolic Acid (AHA): Brightens skin and smooths texture.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) (my bff🦅) : Controls oil production in the T-zone.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates dry areas while balancing oil.

Sensitive Skin

Mandelic Acid: A gentle AHA that exfoliates with minimal irritation.

Azelaic Acid: Soothes inflammation and reduces redness.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids): Provides mild exfoliation while boosting hydration.

Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots

Kojic Acid: Brightens skin and reduces discoloration.

Tranexamic Acid: Fades stubborn dark spots and melasma.

Glycolic Acid (AHA): Speeds up cell turnover for an even skin tone.

Aging & Wrinkles

Glycolic Acid (AHA): Stimulates collagen production and smooths fine lines.

Ferulic Acid: Enhances antioxidant protection and stabilizes vitamin C.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Brightens skin and fights free radical damage.

Common Mistakes When Using Skincare Acids

Using skincare acids can transform your skin, but when used incorrectly, they can cause irritation, sensitivity, or even worsen skin concerns. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Over-Exfoliating

Many people think using glycolic or salicylic acid daily will give them faster results, but excessive exfoliation weakens the skin barrier. This can lead to redness, peeling, breakouts, and sensitivity. (especially for oily skin)

Solution: Use exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) 2-3 times per week and always listen to your skin. If it feels irritated, take a break pleaaase

2. Skipping Sunscreen

Acids like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Without SPF, you risk sunburn, premature aging, and even worsening of dark spots.

Solution: Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily when using serums with those acids.

3. Mixing the Wrong Acids

Not all acids work well together. Using too many active ingredients in one routine can cause irritation.

🔴 Examples of bad combinations:

Vitamin C + AHAs/BHAs → Can cause irritation and weaken Vitamin C’s effectiveness.

Retinol + AHAs/BHAs → Too harsh on the skin, leading to peeling and sensitivity. (by experience 💁🏻‍♀️)

Niacinamide + Vitamin C (unless properly formulated) → Can cause flushing or reduce effectiveness.

Solution: Use exfoliating acids on alternate days and simplify your routine to avoid irritation.

4. Not Hydrating Properly

Exfoliating acids remove dead skin cells but can also strip away moisture. Without proper hydration, the skin can feel tight, dry, or irritated.

Solution: After using acids, apply thick a moisturizer to maintain balance especially if the acids dry ur skin so fast

@bloomzone

More Posts from Isis-of-the-moon and Others

isis-of-the-moon

7 months ago

10K notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

7 months ago

7K notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

1 month ago

✧ Smoothies That Taste Like Vacation & Heal Your Hormones

Here are 5 pleasure-first, hormone-healing, hot girl rituals disguised as tropical treats. Think: sipping something that tastes like a mango mojito while actually balancing your blood sugar and boosting your glow from the inside out.

Whether you’re syncing your cycle, easing bloat, or just want to feel that girl energy before a date, these 5 smoothies are your new go-to.

✧ 1. Coconut Rose Glow

for glowing skin, reduced PMS, and main character softness

Tastes like: Coconut gelato kissed by a rose garden Best time to sip: Afternoon slump or post-workout chill

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk

½ frozen banana

1 tbsp flax seeds (estrogen balancing baddie)

1 scoop collagen peptides

1 tsp rose water

Dash of vanilla extract

Handful of frozen raspberries

Ice to thicken

Flax = hormone harmony. Rose = nervous system chill. Collagen = dewy energy.

✧ 2. Mango Maca Mojito

for libido, energy, and turning heads

Tastes like: A flirty mango mojito with zero regrets Best time to sip: Pre-date or pre-revenge glow-up

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup frozen mango

½ frozen banana

1 tsp maca powder (a literal hormone-adaptogen legend)

Juice of ½ lime

A few mint leaves

Honey or a Medjool date to sweeten

Ice

Maca helps balance cortisol, boost libido, and stabilize mood. Plus mango makes you feel like a goddess on a yacht.

✧ 3. Tropical Moon Milk

for calming cortisol + better sleep = better hormones

Tastes like: Warm vacation air and dreams under palm trees Best time to sip: After dinner or during your wind-down glow-up

Ingredients:

1 cup warm almond milk (or oat milk if you’re fancy)

1 scoop vanilla protein

½ frozen pineapple

½ tsp ashwagandha (stress relief superstar)

Dash of cinnamon

A drizzle of honey

Optional: 1 tsp coconut oil for healthy fat & extra creamy vibes

Ashwagandha regulates stress hormones, and stress is public enemy #1 for hormonal imbalance.

✧ 4. Papaya Peach Goddess

for digestion, clear skin, and “that girl” gut health

Tastes like: Breakfast at a luxury wellness retreat in Bali Best time to sip: Morning or post-salty meal detox moment

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut water

1 cup chopped papaya

½ cup frozen peach

Juice of ½ lemon

1 tbsp chia seeds

Fresh ginger (just a lil' knob, babe)

Optional: probiotic powder or aloe vera juice

Papaya is rich in enzymes that help digestion, which helps hormones clear properly. Gut love = glow love.

✧ 5. Cacao Tahini Sunset

for cycle syncing, PMS cravings, and divine feminine energy

Tastes like: A dark chocolate-dipped date in Morocco Best time to sip: During luteal phase (aka when your body wants chocolate and cuddles)

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk

1 frozen banana

1 tbsp raw cacao powder (magnesium = hormone gold)

1 tbsp tahini (healthy fat, fiber, hormone magic)

1 Medjool date

Pinch of sea salt

Optional: dash of cinnamon or cardamom

Cacao = magnesium for mood + cramps. Tahini = sesame seed phytoestrogens + glow fats. It’s sexy science.

182 notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

1 month ago

6K notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

2 months ago

Random Beauty Big Sister Advice 💐💋🪩

Here are my random big sister beauty advice! Enjoy!!!

Fix your posture

Some of you did not get pinched in the shoulder blades when you were slouching growing up and it shows

Every time you sit or stand up take the time to roll your shoulders back. Just do it as a little reminder everyday (multiple times) and your posture will improve.

If you can’t hold it without it becoming uncomfortable or tiring you need to do some core workout (a lot of inner core specifically) because that means you muscles aren’t strong enough to keep your spine strong. Which also means you can be more susceptible to injuries.

As much as you hate it healthy is 100x prettier than unhealthy.

Almost all the beauty standards are based on your health.

Proper diet and exercise will make your skin glow and your hair shiny.

Under eating or eating junk shows on your face and hair.

Muscles are sexy

I swear to you there is no way for you to become “bulky” by picking up weights.

You need to strengthen train for that toned look.

In order for your muscles to get really bulky you have to be in a pretty heavy calorie surplus be hitting a very high protein level. You also have to have the gene to build bulky muscles and the bone structure which is not as common in women. You can’t really do it on accident.

Even women who can put on muscles really fast are not bulky they are built. It’s giving she hulk and it’s hot.

To look put together you have to do the 2/3rds rule.

Only one part of your outfit can you neglect. Either your hair, makeup, or outfit. But it should never be your hair.

Learn to do really quick easy hairstyles and you will never have bad hair. I am almost always in Dutch braids because they are simple and I can do them quickly.

Also adding jewelry always gives your outfit more flare.

Learn how to alter clothes always have cute clothes.

You can find really simple tutorials to turn that body tank top into a fitted tank so easily.

Usually you just need a needle thread and scissors but if you have a machine you can do so much.

Do your nails

If you don’t like color or fake nails make sure they are always filled and clean.

Nails can be extremely cheap or extremely expensive you just gotta find what works for you.

Get a good nail oil as well for extra care.

Your body is not the problem you just don’t know how to dress and compliment her.

Stop looking at girls whose body is nothing like yours for outfit inspo.

Depending on your proportions things can look vastly different on different people.

Figure out your body type and shopping gets so much easier.

That’s all for now I might continue this series slowly but I just ended my spring break and classes have started so if I disappear don’t worry I’m just being an academic weapon.

Xoxo💋

422 notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

2 months ago

1K notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

7 months ago

“don’t lie, don’t cheat, and don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

— Unknown

2K notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

11 months ago

workouts for when you don’t want to workout

40 minute yoga workout by lena snow: https://youtu.be/mSpUQMyXYoI?si=n5HB4UeAK2N2joJZ

20 minute slow full body workout by madfit: https://youtu.be/GB5uPT4W6p8?si=7OtK425XUASyOnBS

15 minute slow full body workout by madfit: https://youtu.be/M6m_t10WlfU?si=U_bi7zfbA9zugdUV

15 minute upper body by oppserve: https://youtu.be/3XRzNhPwstg?si=fgEflM6SBysNDaeo

10 minute anti-bloating cardio by blogilates: https://youtu.be/lQDrPsPodA0?si=YelVW1qHeY3Skmie

30 minute pilates for when you are sick by livaligned pilates: https://youtu.be/GZ-6qjHfH14?si=l-mwldr6FyQSAm9p

literally anything by growwithjo (her workouts are a major serotonin boost!)

4K notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

1 year ago

~summer bucket list~

🌷 Hi my lovess, here is my digital 2024 summer bucket list. These are all things that I want to try out this summer to make the most of it! I will continuously add more if I think of more ideas. <3

🦢Drive with loud music and windows down

🦢Go to the fair

🦢Ride a ferris wheel

🦢Try pottery

🦢Go to a water park

🦢Go on a early morning hike to go see the sunrise

🦢Go to the beach

🦢Beach camping

🦢Go fishing and cook what you catch

🦢Eat at fresh restaurants

🦢Walk around the city and shop/window shop

🦢Watch the sunset

🦢Watch firework shows

🦢Go ziplining

🦢Go to a creek

🦢Plant flowers/fruits/vegetables

🦢Have a picnic with family

🦢Self dates

🦢Daily runs

🦢Follow a Bob Ross routine

🦢Make bracelets

🦢Go to a concert/music event

🦢Try new recipes

🦢Go to six flags

🦢Rent a bike to ride around

🦢Polaroid/digital camera photo shoots

🦢Manicures/Pedicures

🦢Try out new makeup styles

🦢Try out new hair styles

🦢Game nights with family

🦢Make lots of bingsu

🦢Staying at the mall until it closes

🦢Going to the zoo

🦢Karaoke nights

🦢Back to school shopping

🦢Make a time capsule

🦢Write letters to my future self

🦢Take summer classes

🦢Take pilate/yoga classes

🦢Try out tennis or other sports

🦢Get a new piercing

🦢Take a color analysis

36 notes View Post

isis-of-the-moon

11 months ago

be busy. busy not checking messages. busy reading those books you never started or finished. busy having a good night of sleep. busy taking care of yourself and your skin. busy moving your body. busy helping your community. busy reflecting on your life and what you can improve. busy doing things aside from the capitalistic viewpoint of “productivity.” busy slowing down.