Bang on trend, acid is a skincare essential. From the exfoliating to the hydrating, we ask London’s top facialists which one they can’t live without…
By Elizabeth Hutton
Teresa Tarmey – Glycolic
“I love love love a glycolic as it suits so many skin types and specifically helps those with acne and ageing skin. It has to be NeoStrata. The daily smooth surface peel is the best as it has a good percentage of acid for home use. It can also be used as a general exfoliator for someone who has no problems and just wants to resurface their skin and keep it smooth.”
Teresa Tarmey, 12 Needham Road, Notting Hill, W11; teresatarmey.com
Kate Kerr – Hyaluronic
“Skin can naturally hydrate itself with hyaluronic acid so I don’t believe in creams or oils. With 12 forms of hyaluronic compounds in a peptide-charged delivery system, this serum by NIOD is a concentrated version of what your body already creates. It doesn’t exfoliate like other acids but offers intense hydration instead. Because your skin already expects this acid, it won’t congest the skin so the surface appears plumper.”
Mondrian London, 20 Upper Ground, SE1; katekerrlondon.co.uk
Tarryn Warren and Andrea Pfeffer – Fulvic
“My current favourite is fulvic acid which I use in the organic vestige verdant mask. This acid is part of the humid structure in rich oxygenated decomposing soil and increases cellular response and cell turnover. Combined with the humic acid, ash, botanical mass and lipids this is the best acid mask I’ve come across for deep cleansing, texture, acne and regeneration. It’s also so gentle it’s wonderful for reactive skin.”
Pfeffer Sal, 21a Foley Street, Fitzrovia, W1W; pfeffersal.com
Clare Peters – Glycolic and Lactic
“One of my favourite skincare brands is SkinCeuticals. I love the GL peel which combines glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate surface cells, hydrate lacklustre skin and revitalise the appearance of photo damaged skin. The other one I can’t live without is the SM peel that combines salicylic and mandelic acids to address oily, congested skin. Great for preparing the skin for extraction.”
Joshi Clinic, 57 Wimpole Street, W1G; claremariepeters.com
