We get it. Somehow you ended up with 5 different Cosrx acid products. Because if one acid is good, then two or three acids are better, right? Potentially, that is if you know how to mix acids correctly. Layering too many acids can leave your skin red and irritated, exactly the opposite of what properly layering acids can give you, i.e., the smooth, glowing skin of your dreams. So how do you mix acids properly? Don’t worry, we’ve broken it all down for you. Here's the easiest, most effective way to use Cosrx acids per your skin type.
BUT FIRST…
Here’s a quick refresher on the 3 different types of acids, plus 4 crucial tips to keep in mind before you start layering acids.
AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acid
The thing to remember about AHAs is that they work on the surface of the skin, blurring marks left by acne or pigmentation while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and large pores. AHAs are perfect for those dealing with minor breakouts, whiteheads, dry and aging skin.
BHA - Beta Hydroxy Acid
BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can actually penetrate beneath the skin’s surface into the oil glands, making BHAs an ideal choice for those who deal with oily skin and blocked pores. NOTE: BHAs are NOT recommended for pregnant or nursing mamas.
PHA - Polyhydroxy Acid
PHAs work essentially the same way as AHAs but the difference is in molecular size. PHAs are larger, meaning they can’t penetrate as deep and therefore cause less irritation than AHAs or BHAs. If you suffer from sensitive skin, including eczema or rosacea, PHAs are a perfect choice.
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MIXING COSRX ACIDS TIPS
# 1 // Concentrations Matter
The higher the concentration of active ingredient the more likely it is to cause irritation. Treatments typically contain the highest concentrations, like Cosrx AHA Liquid and BHA Liquid. Never use both of these acids all over your skin at the same time. However some treatments, like the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid, which we recommend for all skin types, has a low concentration of BHA, so it can safely be mixed with all other Cosrx acid products. The same is true of the One Step Original Clear Pads. Just remember to read the label and when in doubt, use caution.
# 2 // Alternate Acids
If your skin could benefit from both AHA and BHA, simply alternate days and routines, or spot treat. For example use BHA for T-zone and AHA for cheeks. If you do use both acids in the same routine, Cosrx recommends using the AHA first and then BHA after 20 minutes of wait time. We also recommend alternating nights when using the Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser.
# 3 // Go Gently
Especially if you’re new to acids, go gently and slowly. PHAs are a great way to test out acids and are perfect for those with sensitive skin. Cosrx PHA Set, which contains a cream and a mist, is safe to use daily in the same routine. Plus the mist can be used as a toner and a makeup fixer. If you decide you want something more aggressive, the PHA set is compatible with high concentration acid products including AHA, BHA, vitamin C and retinol products.
# 4 // Hydrate and Protect
When using exfoliating acids your skin is prone to dryness which is why it’s so important to keep skin properly hydrated. Luckily Cosrx also makes some great hydrating essences. And lastly, wear SPF! While we always recommend wearing sunscreen, it’s especially crucial to wear sunscreen when using acid products. Acids make your skin more sensitive to UV rays so don’t forget your sunscreen to keep your new flawless complexion just that.
Example Routines Per Skin Type
Dry Skin
Just because your skin feels dry doesn’t mean you need to pile on heavy oils and creams. First make sure your skin is properly cleansed, gently exfoliated and then well moisturized. Here’s a great example routine using the Cosrx acid products to prep and treat dry skin.
AM ROUTINE
- Gently cleanse with the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or simply skip cleanser every other morning. A good rinse with water will do.
- Use AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid to keep dry skin clear and smooth.
- Next use the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid to reduce the appearance of pores.
- Follow with a hydrating essence to treat and moisturize, like the Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence. TIP: When needed layer on your favorite cream or oil.
- Finish with Aloe Soothing Sun Cream which protects skin against UV rays while moisturizing.
PM ROUTINE
- Double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser; the Cosrx Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel is our new favorite.Then use a water-based cleanser, like the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
- Next use AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid to gentle exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing glowing new skin.
- Follow with the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid to minimize the appearance of pores.
- Add moisture with a hydrating essence; the Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence is ideal for dry skin.
- Finish with Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream or another hydrating cream. TIP: When needed add your favorite sleep mask or facial oil.
Oily Skin
With oily or acne-prone skin it’s easy to focus on drying out all the extra oil from your skin. But, your skin still needs ample hydration while controlling oil production. With oily skin it’s all about using the right acids to help keep skin clear, while also keeping skin properly hydrated. Here’s an example routine featuring Cosrx acid products.
AM ROUTINE
- Start with a gentle cleanser, the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is perfect.
- Use the One Step Original Clear Pads formulated with BHA to keep skin clear and toned.
- Follow with the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid to reduce the appearance of large pores.
- Next use the Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap for lightweight, balanced hydration.
- Finish with Aloe Soothing Sun Cream to protect skin against UV rays while also soothing.
PM ROUTINE
- Double cleanse. Start with the Cosrx Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel which is gentle yet effective. Follow with a water-based cleanser. TIP: For oily skin alternate between the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser and the Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser.
- Treat skin with BHA Blackhead Power Liquid which deeply cleanses pores.
- Follow with the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid to reduce the appearance of large pores.
- When needed, use a hydrating essence.The Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is perfect for balancing oily skin.
- Finish with a lightweight moisturizer. The Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap is our favorite for oily skin.
Normal to Combination Skin
Undoubtedly the most common skin type, combination skin includes dry portions as well as oily portions, typically dry on the cheeks with oily t-zone. Finding the optimal balance of oil and water ratio in your skin is key. Here’s a great example routine using Cosrx acid products to help maintain balanced skin.
AM ROUTINE
- Cleanse with the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser which is perfect for all skin types.
- Next use the Low pH PHA Barrier Mist to maintain skin’s optimal pH level.
- Follow with the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid to reduce the appearance of pores.
- Then hydrate and repair skin with the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. TIP: When needed follow with Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap for lightweight, balanced hydration.
- Apply SPF. The Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is one of our favorites.
PM ROUTINE
- Double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser. The Cosrx Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel is perfect. Follow with a water-based cleanser like the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
- Treat with the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid to keep skin clear and bright.
- Follow with the Two in One Poreless Power Liquid to help tighten freshly cleansed pores.
- Next use a hydrating essence, like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.
- Finish with a moisturizer. TIP: Alternative between the Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap and the PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream.
Remember
Your skin is unique, so while the above routines are a good starting point for mixing acids, they might need some tweaking depending on your skin’s specific needs.Still have questions? We’re here to help! Shoot us an email at hello@ohlolly.com.
