Direct Acids

Explore the range at Medik8 to bring your skin to life. Whether you prefer a fluid tonic that melts into your skin, leave-on products that work through the night or convenient exfoliating pads that help you maintain your skin while travelling, you can lend your skin innovative exfoliating acid complexes that revitalise your skin from the inside out.

Illuminate your skin with our deep penetrating acid-based chemical exfoliators and prep your skin to receive your treatment serums for an added boost in efficacy. Add your favourites to your shopping cart today and enjoy free nationwide delivery on all orders over $150. If you need help layering active products, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to assist.

FAQs

What are exfoliating acids, and how do they work?

Using acids in various concentrations to break down the bonds of dead skin cells and decongest pores, exfoliating acids offer an intense unabrasive treatment that stimulates your skin to shed sebum, dead skin and other impurities more easily. With a deep clarifying action, you can address the appearance of pigmentation, manage breakouts and slough away debris to improve skin texture, even out skin tone and reveal brighter, younger-looking skin.

Harnessing the power of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, AHAs like lactic, mandelic and glycolic acids are water-soluble compounds used to break the intercellular bonds of dead skin cells on the topmost layer of the skin. With smoother skin in minutes, they’re an exceptional express treatment for general skin maintenance and prepping for an event.

Beta hydroxy acid, like salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble acid-based exfoliator that works deep below the skin to help loosen trapped dirt, sebum and dead skin that clog pores and contribute to breakouts.

Polyhydroxy acid (PHA), such as gluconolactone is water-soluble and made up of larger molecules, they work on the the top layer of the skin. 

What skin concerns can exfoliating acids help with?

Acid-based exfoliators target your skin at various levels to treat your skin concerns, including pigmentation, blemish-prone skin, skin texture, evening out skin tone and skin brightening.

Are exfoliating acids suitable for all skin types?

Acid-based exfoliators are exceptional solutions for managing your skin concerns but can be too intense if your skin is especially sensitive. To help your skin adjust to its potent ingredients, we suggest limiting your exfoliation step to once a week, layering hydrating and skin repair products to buffer the active ingredients. Or, consider our Press and Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic that utilises polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that works on the outermost layer of skin and offers a milder clarifying action than traditional AHA.

How often should I use exfoliating acids in my skincare routine?

Overuse of high-strength AHAs, BHAs and PHAs everyday can leave the skin barrier impaired, leading to sensitised and dry skin. If you want to introduce an everyday, twice-a-day exfoliating acid to your routine, we recommend our clinically proven PHA toner, Press & Glow. Its carefully-curated ingredients boast hydrating and barrier-supporting qualities, a far cry from the common downsides of traditional exfoliating acids.

Can exfoliating acids cause skin irritation or sensitivity?

Yes, AHA and BHA acid-based exfoliators can potentially dry out your skin and increase photosensitivity, making you more vulnerable to UV damage. However, these are easily addressed with broad-spectrum sunscreen and formulations fortified with hydrating ingredients.

Are there any specific ingredients I should avoid using with exfoliating acids?

At Medik8, we advise against layering acids in a single routine. If you use too many exfoliating acids, your skin can become irritated and stripped of its natural moisture and oils. When layering your skincare, start with one exfoliating acid - either daily or every other day, depending on how sensitive your skin is.