The Best Acids to Use in Every Decade of Your Life

In your 20s

The number one skin complaint we often get is from20-something clients is about acne, it's not only limited to teenagers.

• Salicylic acid: "When used to treat acne, this acid will dry up blemishes.  As an antibacterial, the acid will work as an exfoliator to remove discoloured and damaged skin cells to improve skin tone. At high concentrations, it can be used as a chemical peel that can help clear major breakouts in no time." Salicylic acid being fat soluble dissolves the sebum which is clogging the pores causing breakouts.
• We recommend Ultraceuticals Treatment Lotion.

In your 30s

Many women begin to notice subtle signs of aging in their 30s like fine lines and wrinkles. Things like hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots also might appear. 

• Retinoic acid: "Derived from vitamin A, retinoic acid is well known as an anti-aging powerhouse. This acid causes skin cell turnover and provides benefits of increased collagen production, clean pores, accelerated skin cell shedding, and evened out skin tone. Your skin may take a short time to adjust to this acid, and you might experience skin flaking."
• We recommend Cosmedix Serum 16 or 24.

In your 40s

"At this point, exposure to environmental pollutants starts to take a toll on the skin, and antioxidants are very important. In addition, some women develop more sensitivity to skincare products.

• Lactic acid: "Gentle and effective, lactic acid will benefit those with sensitive skin. It exfoliates and softens lines and wrinkles in a much less irritating way than other acids." 
• Ascorbic acid: "This is the synthetic version of vitamin C and is known to have antioxidant benefits as well as the ability to brighten skin and increase collagen.
• We recommend Ultraceuticals Even Skintone serum and Skin Medica Vitamin C & E serum.

In your 50s

Physiological changes slow skin cell turnover, and as a result, you may notice significant skin dryness and loss of elasticity. Expression lines may become etched into your skin, and you may also notice rough, scaly, precancerous lesions developing.

• Hyaluronic acid: "This acid is a moisture booster and can add volume when injected. A key in many moisturisers and fillers, hyaluronic acid is synthetically made to replicate a natural structural component of skin. When used as a cream or serum, hyaluronic acid ensures skin will feel softer, and you will notice improvement in the appearance of fine lines."
• We recommend Skin Medica HA5.