Vitamin C Serium

How to incorporate an exfoliating acid into your skincare routine

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are excellent ingredient to help you achieve your skincare goals. They can help improve skin texture, appearance, and overall complexion. Our hero product, Oathology’s TBH serum was named because it contains THREE alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid. Here’s how you can effectively use AHAs to exfoliate your skin:

  1. Choose the right one for your skin, or ideally use a combination product: Common AHAs used in skincare include glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), mandelic acid (from bitter almonds), citric acid (from citrus fruits), and others. Glycolic acid is the most common and has the smallest molecule size, making it penetrate the skin effectively. Lactic acid is gentler and moisturizing, making it suitable for sensitive skin as is mandelic acid.
  2. Choose the Right Formulation: AHAs come in various forms such as toners, serums, creams, and masks. Choose a formulation that suits your skin type and preference. For example, masks are more intense and typically used weekly versus serums which could be used daily depending on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend using the Oathology TBH serum as a mask instead, it is not as strong as a traditional mask but allows one to develop a tolerance for it. If hoping to achieve stronger results, we often say this is like applying a safe chemical peel at home, while saving you from the traditional peel pads.
  3. Patch Test: Before applying any new AHA product to your face, it is often a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin (like the inside of your forearm) to check for any adverse reactions or allergies.
  4. Incorporate into Your Skincare Routine:
    • Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to clean your face thoroughly.
    • Apply Oathology TBH serum: Or use your chosen AHA product according to its instructions.
    • Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin barrier.
  5. Sun Protection: AHAs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s crucial to apply sunscreen daily, even if you’re indoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. We recommend pairing our Oathology TBH Serum with our sold out 6x viral Oathology Inzincable sunscreen.
  6. Frequency:
    • Beginners: Start with using AHAs 2-3 times per week and gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerates it.
    • Experienced Users: You can use AHAs daily or every other day, depending on your skin’s needs and tolerance.
  7. Monitor Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin responds. If you experience redness, irritation, or excessive dryness, reduce the frequency of AHA use or switch to a lower concentration.
  8. Consult a Dermatologist: If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, consult a dermatologist before starting an AHA regimen to ensure it’s suitable for your skin type.

By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate AHAs into your skincare routine to exfoliate your skin and achieve a smoother, brighter complexion over time.

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