I've read about alguronic acid (which I believe is just a trade name for some type of algae), but don't have any experience with it.
Acids in general are, for me, indispensable. While they sound truly harsh, they're often much more gentle, and far more effective than mechanical exfoliation (ie - scrubbing). Generally speaking, there are 2 - glycolic (AHA); and salicylic (BHA). Salicylic acid is generally preferred for those with oilier skin as it's oil soluble, while glycolic is preferred for dryer skins, but in practice, that's not always the case. I have oily skin, and I tend to do well with both, alternating.
Glygolic is works best at concentrations of between 8-10%, at a ph of around 3.5. Salicylic acid works best at concentrations of 1-2% at a ph of about 3.6. pH levels at lower levels will make the acids more effective at exfoliating (sometimes too much so), and at higher levels they'll eventually lose all effectiveness.
I won't get into at-home-peels because they can be dangerous, so I'm only really describing toners, moiturizers and whatnot above. Make sure the products you buy say what the pH is or you're wasting your money.
Acids in general are, for me, indispensable. While they sound truly harsh, they're often much more gentle, and far more effective than mechanical exfoliation (ie - scrubbing). Generally speaking, there are 2 - glycolic (AHA); and salicylic (BHA). Salicylic acid is generally preferred for those with oilier skin as it's oil soluble, while glycolic is preferred for dryer skins, but in practice, that's not always the case. I have oily skin, and I tend to do well with both, alternating.
Glygolic is works best at concentrations of between 8-10%, at a ph of around 3.5. Salicylic acid works best at concentrations of 1-2% at a ph of about 3.6. pH levels at lower levels will make the acids more effective at exfoliating (sometimes too much so), and at higher levels they'll eventually lose all effectiveness.
I won't get into at-home-peels because they can be dangerous, so I'm only really describing toners, moiturizers and whatnot above. Make sure the products you buy say what the pH is or you're wasting your money.
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