Azelaic acid, AHAs and PHAs at higher concentrations appear to diminish hyperpigmentation. In summary, salicylic acid is an aromatic hydroxy acid, and AHAs, PHAs and ABAs are aliphatic. Hydroxyacids. At present, only vitamin A and aliphatic hydroxy acids have been shown to be topically effective for photoaging skin.

Microneedling falls under a process called collagen induction therapy, or CIT, which relies on skin’s natural ability to repair itself after an injury. You might find microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) and that without radiofrequency (RF). Unlike typical exfoliation treatments, RF microneedling penetrates past the stratum corneum and brings heat into the sub-dermis, stimulating and remodeling the collagen within. Think of it as a non-surgical facelift! There are many microneedling machines and devices now which you will find based on which med spa you go to.

Many ingredients combined can make a heavenly skin recipe – others just don’t belong together. Mixing certain active ingredients can compromise the skin barrier and lead you down an uncomfortable path of inflammation, irritation and dehydration. But how do you know what does and doesn’t make the perfect skincare partner? Here we give you the lowdown on the art of skincare match-making.