Mira Kapoor says ‘acids’ have made her skin ‘fantastic’; know more about these chemical exfoliants

Even with multiple skincare products galore, keeping your skincare practice extremely simple and fuss-free can help your skin feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Talking about one skincare change that has worked fantastically for her is skincare enthusiast Mira Kapoor. Mira in a conversation with yoga expert and author Vasudha Rai spoke about how using skincare ‘acids’ has worked for her. “When I was in my early 20s, I don’t think I even heard about acids. I didn’t know what it was. I never had been to a dermatologist till two years ago. But when I used acids, my skin took to it. I have congestion-prone skin. My skin gets aggravated with makeup. I feel it is very gunky. Acids changed the way I looked at my skin. I started to understand more about AHAs and BHAs (hydroxy acids),” said Mira, as part of the first episode of Skin and Within series on her YouTube channel.

Do you use skincare acids? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Mira also addressed the need for intuitive skincare, and skin fasting as continuous practices for glowing, healthy skin. Let’s understand more about how acids as chemical exfoliants work for the skin. Chemical exfoliants or acid toners, experts suggest “go deep inside to make skin fresh and radiant”. These acids, Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Shareefa’s Skin Care Clinic, said help remove the built-up layer of dead skin cells and treat issues like hyperpigmentation, blemishes, texture, and dullness. There are two types of hydroxy acids Notably, hydroxy acids are a class of medicine, that are used widely for cosmetic and therapeutic formulations for the benefit of our skin and hair, said Dr Chause. AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) are glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid. “These are organic acids with one hydroxyl group attached to the alpha position of the acid. They have numerous formulations like creams, peels facewash etc. “They are primarily used as depigmenting agents like in hyperpigmentation, melasma, post-acne scars, etc, but there are certain adverse effects of hydroxy acids if the person is not using properly like irritation, dryness, and redness, so you need to be regular with moisturiser and sunscreen if they are into your routine,” said Dr Chause. BHA (beta hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid is similar to alpha hydroxy acids. “But they are lipid soluble as compared to the water solubility of AHAs, and because of that, they penetrate the skin through sebaceous follicles,” said Dr Chause. According to Dr Chause, BHAs are mostly used for acne, eczema, and dandruff (for removal of scales). “As compared to AHAs, they cause lesser irritation but still you need to add sunscreen and moisturiser after using BHA,” said Dr Chause.

However, Dr Chause pointed out that it is always best to consult a certified dermatologist before starting any of the products as these are recommended according to one’s skin type.