The best skincare acids can deliver you the long-lasting radiance and glow that you have been waiting for. And just when you believed that you have done out with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), salicylic acids to mandelic acids, there’s a new skincare acid that is coming up the grades. A relatively new beauty ingredient, succinic acid is making waves in the beauty industry. There is a lot that this multi-tasking acid can do for the skin from fading fine lines, boosting hydration, offering antioxidants and anti-inflammatory traits and many more.

Also Read: Ferulic Acid: Uses, Benefits And Side Effects Of This Amazing Skin Healing Ingredient

What Is Succinic Acid?

Succinic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in sugar cane, amber and some living microorganism. It is obtained through a process of fermentation. Potent antimicrobial properties of succinic acid have been used as a key ingredient in European beauty regimens for many years and are also used for medicinal purposes to combat skin woes. It works quite similar to popular salicylic acid but offers gentler exfoliation relatively.

Laden with skin-softening and bacteria-inhibiting actions succinic acids aid to control sebum, thus removing greasiness which can lead to acne breakouts. It also restores the skin’s pH balance and reverses the signs of ageing. Succinic acid is highly recommended for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin, as it doesn’t cause any irritation, or redness as other strong AHAs do.

Read on to find out why this super ingredient is a true game changer for your beauty regimen.

Potential Health Benefits Of Succinic Acid

Fades Away Lines

Succinic acid works incredibly well to trigger cellular skin renewal, and functioning. The potent antioxidant actions of succinic acids helps to counteract oxidative stress in the skin and shield the skin from damage. Thus, promoting skin rejuvenation, toning, and firming skin complexion and making the skin look bright and youthful.

Combats Acne

Succinic acid is helpful in regulating sebum oil production and fights acne-causing bacteria. Regular use of products containing succinic acid removes greasiness, unclogs pores and makes the skin blemish-free.

Eliminates Blackheads

Blessed with effective anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial traits succinic acids helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Thus, serving as a great ingredient for blemishes, blackheads, and inflammatory lesions. Additionally, using succinic acid helps to maintain the skin’s barrier function and optimises skin health.

Also Read: Skin Barrier Role And Function: 5 Effective Ways To Shield This Protective Layer

Improves Hydration

Succinic acid helps to lock moisture in the skin deeper from the inside, as its structure is like that of the skin’s own lipids. It helps to keep the ageing skin supple and firm by boosting skin hydration levels.

Gentle On The Skin

Succinic is gentler compared with other skincare acids, so it works amazingly well for all types of skin and is less likely to cause any reactions.

How Do You Use Succinic Acid In Skincare?

Succinic acid should be blended with serums or moisturisers. Since it is a small molecule, it will diffuse over heavy creams and oils.

It is not advisable to combine it alongside other strong acids in the same routine, but rather to use it alongside ingredients like hyaluronic acids which aid to hydrate the skin’s barrier.

Do a patch test and wait for 24 hours to ensure your skin agrees with this ingredient. Apply a small amount to blemishes and wait for 10 minutes for the formula to dry and then apply the rest of the skincare regimen over the top.

Skincare experts suggest using succinic acid after cleansing and hydrating serums like hyaluronic acids.