Menu
The Acid Test
If the previous year has taught us anything, it's that acids have become a major buzzword in the beauty industry. With so many of them doing so many different things, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Here's our no-nonsense guide to the ones making the biggest impact on skin.The Basics
Our skin has a thin, protective layer on its surface, referred to as the acid mantle. The pH level of our skin refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. On a scale of 1 - 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline, 7 would be considered neutral for your skin. When it comes to acid-bases products, they will be working at levels closer to 3 and 3.5, so it's important to do your research.
Ascorbic Acid (aka vitamin C)
Vitamin C is not made in the body, so it's something that can only be taken in by the body, or applied topically. It's huge news in the beauty community right now, because it literally helps form our tissues, bones, blood vessels and of course, skin. It's also a powerful antioxidant, making it a winner in serums and creams that can be layered during the day or night. Soon after adding Vitamin C to a skincare regime, skin is brighter, more even and feels firmer.
Capital Buy
Pharmagel Eye Firmé Eye Gel. Give the delicate under-eye area a firming Collagen boost while keeping it protected with soothing Allantoin and anti-inflammatory Echinacea.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid molecules are able to carry 1,000 times their weight in water - which is why products containing the 'miracle' ingredient have bombarded the high street over the past five years. There are numerous Hyaluronic serums on the market, and they are most often used after cleansing, and before moisturising, so as to boost the moisturisers' hydrating properties and keep skin softer and smoother for longer. Often described as a 'smart' nutrient, Hyaluronic Acid adjusts its moisture absorption rate based on humidity, resulting in perfectly balanced and hydrated skin, wherever you are.
Capital Buy
BeautyPro Thermotherapy Warming Goil Foil Mask with Hyaluronic Acid & Q10. Use this when a major boost of hydration is needed. The self-warming properties of this 20-minute mask enable the ingredients to penetrate more easily into the skin, leaving it hydrated and smooth. Also, a very similar, man-friendly version is Barber Pro's Skin Renewing Foil Mask.
Retinol (aka vitamin A)
Retinol is what keeps skin looking youthful and plump and comes highly recommended by cosmetic doctors. Put simply, if you were to recommend one addition to your clients' skincare, it would be Retinol.
Increasing the production of collagen - the primary component of the body's connective tissue - and elastin - the component that literally allows our skin to stretch and bounce - Retinol is also brilliant at fighting signs of ageing and sun damage. Known for being very fast-acting, it's important to look at the strength of the Retinol in the products you're recommending. It's definitely something that will require a layer of moisture on top when applied overnight, as it can cause dramatic dryness all over the face, particularly in already dry areas.
Capital Buy
HOF Retinol Vitamin A Night Cream. It's light, non-greasy and penetrates immediately. Or, add a few drops of HOF Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil to your existing moisturiser to boost it's effectiveness.
No clue about the differences between Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)? Read on.
The most common AHAs?
Glycolic Acid: Celebrity facialist Caroline Hirons calls Glycolic 'a beast of an acid' and it's easy to understand why. The molecules are tine, meaning the ingredient can penetrate far deeper - which also means it can cause more irritation if you overdo it. Glycolic Acid gets right into the pores, decongesting them, getting rid of dead skin cells and repairing the look of skin that has been affected by ageing and sun damage. However, Glycolic Acid isn't always recommended when treating darker skins - instead you might be better working with Mandelic or Lactic Acid-based products.
Lactic Acid: A milk-derived acid, and a bigger molecule, Lactic Acid is more gentle as it sits on the surface of the skin. It's known for leaving skin feeling smoother, softer, refreshed and ready to absorb any products that follow. Great for those with rosacea or sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid: This is the one to recommend for those with acne because it's anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It has the largest molecule of all the AHAs, meaning it's ideal for using over a longer period.
So, what's the fuss with BHAs?
When it comes to skincare, if you see BHA on a product, it will be Salicylic Acid, something that has long been a go-to for those with problem skin, thanks to its ability to exfoliate without causing irritation, redness or dryness. It's a great ingredient to use little and often, as its effects build up over time. While AHAs loosen the bonds that hold debris in your skin, BHAs actively penetrate the pores to remove whatever junk is there. In short, BHAs are often recommended for oily and acne-prone skin as they are oil-soluble, while AHAs are water-soluble and recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin. When it comes to applying either, they always come after cleansing and toning but before serums and moisturisers.
Capital Buy
Pharmagel Beta-C Dual Action Moisturiser. Perfect for normal/oily skin this is a luxe cream formulated with Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Vitamin C to erase and repair sun damage and signs of ageing.
For a full range of skincare: https://www.capitalhairandbeauty.co.uk/beauty/skincare
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Top trending
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SAVE £2
MORE OPTIONS
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
MULTI BUY
Back to Posts
Tags
- 2024
- acne
- allergies
- apps
- autumn
- awards
- balayage
- blonde
- braids
- bridal
- brows
- business
- capital & me
- care
- career
- celebrities
- christmas
- chrome
- clean
- collection
- color wow
- colour
- colours
- conditioner
- covid-19
- crazy color
- curls
- facial
- fanola
- fashion
- festival
- finance
- floral
- freelance
- gel
- gellux
- get the look
- halloween
- indola
- interview
- k18
- lashes
- lob
- loreal
- loyalty
- make up
- manicure
- marketing
- mens
- mental health
- microblading
- milk_shake
- nail art
- nailart
- nails
- new years
- nioxin
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- party
- pedicure
- ponytail
- pulp riot
- redken
- retail
- revlon
- salon revamp
- salon system
- schwarzkopf
- self-employed
- shampoo
- skincare
- smoothing
- social media
- split-ends
- spring
- step by step
- summer
- sustainability
- tanning
- the manicure company
- the met gala
- tigi
- tiktok
- toner
- toning
- top knot
- trends
- tutorial
- updo
- valentines
- veganuary
- wahl
- waxing
- wella
- wellbeing
- winter
Latest Posts
- Why We’re Falling for Pumpkin Spice Hair Color
- London Fashion Week SS25 Show Report
- Nail the Magic: OPI X Wicked
- Beetlejuice Nails
- milk_shake: icy blond & silver shine
- milk_shake: make my day
- milk_shake: deep detox shampoo
- milk_shake: Flower Power!
- Indola Returns to London Fashion Week
- Introducing NEW Matrix Super Sync
Related Posts
Why We’re Falling for Pumpkin Spice Hair Color
Fall for autumn’s hottest trend: punchy pumpkin spice hair color. Wella Professionals tells you how to find the perfect shade with these expert tips…
London Fashion Week SS25 Show Report
Come backstage with us for London Fashion Week SS25 and find out what’s next when it comes to the hair trends your clients will be booking in for.
Nail the Magic: OPI X Wicked
Cast with spellbinding shades and glow-in-the-dark effects, it’s the most wicked-ly beautiful nail polish collection of the season.
Beetlejuice Nails
Need some Halloween nail inspo? Create a bold Beetlejuice vibe with this step by step guide from nail artist Emma @secondhand.nailart
milk_shake: icy blond & silver shine
If your clients are seeking a radiant blonde free of stubborn warm tones, it’s time to implement a personalised maintenance routine. The milk_shake silver shine and milk_shake icy blond are the toner ranges designed to revive your desired blonde shade and amplify your hair's natural shine.
milk_shake: make my day
Start Your Day the Right Way! With make my day, your client’s hair care routine becomes more than just another habit, it’s a moment of indulgence. Make their hair care routine a treat with milk_shake make my day!
milk_shake: deep detox shampoo
Introducing milk_shake deep detox shampoo – the ultimate defence against harmful metal build-up and daily pollutants.
milk_shake: Flower Power!
Looking for high-performance haircare that's vegan-friendly? Meet milk_shake Flower Power, the first 100% vegan range from milk_shake! Designed with plant-based ingredients, this collection delivers luxurious care while keeping colour-treated hair vibrant, nourished, and protected. Plus, it has an irresistible floral scent that your clients will love!