Acids for the face: which acid to choose? What are the consequences of acid treatment?
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Treatment with acids has been number one in modern medicine for several years. Until recently, treatment with their use was available only in beauty salons. However, today there are many household cosmetics on the market that contain acids. What to look for when choosing them and how to use them? We advise!
Cosmetics lovers have long been promoting acids as a panacea for various skin imperfections. The beneficial effect of acids is noticed even by those who are daily satisfied with their skin. Why are stores teeming with cosmetics containing them? First of all, because of the spectacular effects that until recently required a visit to a beautician. The use of acids helps to smooth the epidermis, get rid of scars, fight spots and discoloration. Increases the smoothness of the skin and improves its color.
While acids may seem intimidating to some, they are actually safe beauty products that work well for most skin types. Only owners and owners of very sensitive, atopic and capillary skin should be careful with them - for them they can be too intense. Remember that when using acids, you should use a filter cream every day, at least 25 SPF, preferably 50 SPF.
Types of acids in cosmetics
Available products may contain different types of acids. What are the properties of each of them? Who are the different types recommended for?
Cosmetics with salicylic acid
Especially recommended in the fight against acne and pimples. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, which allows you to unblock the work of the sebaceous glands. Due to its antibacterial properties and acceleration of healing processes, it works well in the treatment of acne.
Cosmetics with mandelic acid
Safe for most skin types (except for very sensitive and atopic skin). Mandelic acid is a popular ingredient in cosmetics designed to moisturize and fight aging. Evens out skin tone, exfoliates, brightens skin and regulates seborrhea. Although household products do not contain a high concentration of acid, it is worth remembering that you need to apply sunscreen to your face every day when using them, because the acid is allergenic.
Cosmetics with glycolic acid
Like the acids mentioned above, glycolic acid is also excellent at cleansing and exfoliating, which can effectively smooth out acne scars and unblock the sebaceous glands. Unlike the substances mentioned above, glycolic acid also has a strong moisturizing effect. It also evens out skin tone and removes discoloration and age spots. It is often used in cosmetics designed to slow down the aging process.
AHA acids - what is it?
As a subgroup most commonly used in cosmetics, AHA acids (Aplha Hydroxy Acids) or alpha hydroxy acids show a very strong exfoliating effect, but only in the stratum corneum. They do not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin as well as BHA acids, the most important representative of which is salicylic acid, but they are quite gentle on the skin.
Moisturizing properties, reducing wrinkles, eliminating pigmentation - all this makes them so readily used in cosmetics. In the case of procedures in a beauty salon, it is recommended to use AHA acids in autumn and winter due to their allergenic properties. However, home products are so low in concentration that they can be used all year round if you use a high SPF filter on your face every day. However, it is worth noting that using acids at night is a safer solution.
The most common AHAs in foods are mandelic and glycolic. The subgroup also includes:
- an Apple,
- lemon,
- dairy,
- Tatar.
PHAs are a milder alternative to AHAs and BHAs
If you want a similar effect, but are afraid of irritation due to general skin sensitivity or increased sensitivity to solar radiation, you should try cosmetics with PHA. They are considered to be milder actives that can be used all year round, even in concentrated form in a beauty salon.
Like AHA and BHA, PHA acids, which include lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, exfoliate, deeply moisturize, slow down the aging process and strengthen blood vessels. Especially for the latter reason, they will work well in the treatment of couperosis of the skin.
How to use acids in cosmetics?
Acids are most commonly found in creams, although they can also often be found in serums, masks, and even facial cleansing gels. It is worth following the manufacturer's recommendations and not overdoing it with applying cosmetics, limiting yourself to one application per day. When using this type of product, it is also worth purchasing a high filtration cream prophylactically. The use of acids, especially AHA and BHA, makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. And while small concentrations shouldn't pose a risk of burns, it's worth taking precautions by using SPF 50 sunscreen (25 SPF is the absolute minimum).
Do not use other products with an exfoliating or cleansing effect before and after applying a cosmetic product with acids or an acid treatment. It is best to use a soothing cream containing panthenol or aloe extract to soothe the skin after intensive care. Often cosmetics with acids are sold in a set, so you don’t have to worry about choosing a cream or serum that will not irritate the skin.
The frequency of use depends on the manufacturer and cosmetic option, but most often it is recommended to use acids up to 2-3 times a week. You should also remember that you can not combine cosmetics containing different acids.
Acid care - is it safe?
To sum up: acids used daily in cosmetics do not pose a risk of burns or irritation due to low concentrations, if the rules we have mentioned are followed. A face cream with a filter and gentle care are a must.
Acid creams as well as serums and masks are very effective in treating various skin problems and slowing down the aging process. From time to time, it is worth reinforcing such care with a procedure in a beauty salon in order to achieve truly impressive results. However, this will work on a daily basis acid therapy at home.
You can find more articles and beauty tips in our passion I care about beauty.
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