Summer has departed with the last rays of sunshine. Autumn has arrived. It's time to take extra care of yourself—both your mind and body. Autumn is the perfect time to regenerate and refresh your skin after the summer. A highly effective treatment perfect for this time of year is fruit acid exfoliation.
Fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids) have a very beneficial effect on the skin. They stimulate cell function and exfoliate dead skin cells. This leaves the skin smooth, radiant, and fresh. Fruit acids also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve elasticity. Furthermore, they lighten discolorations and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Pores are cleansed, making them less visible. Unfortunately, acids can also cause a rash of imperfections. Fortunately, this only happens at the beginning of use, as this is the skin's cleansing process. Nevertheless, acids regulate skin function, restore its balance, and reduce sebum production and the number of blackheads.
Fruit acids have a beneficial effect on problematic skin—with imperfections and discoloration—as well as on dull, tired skin. They accelerate the natural process of removing dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother, more elastic, and healthier. Unexfoliated skin blocks the desired properties of active ingredients contained in cosmetics .
What are the indications for using cosmetics with acids?
- Enlarged skin pores;
- Dry skin, requiring hydration;
- Mature skin, with visible wrinkles, skin with signs of premature aging;
- Oily, acne-prone skin, acne scars, acne lesions, lumps, pimples, blackheads;
- Skin discolorations – freckles, melasma, lentigines, post-inflammatory discolorations, sun discolorations;
- Damaged, tired, gray skin;
- Thick layer of calloused epidermis – elbows, knees, feet;
- Perifollicular keratosis.
Acid treatments normalize the sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production. Furthermore, they have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, supporting the care of acne-prone skin.
The effectiveness of fruit acids depends on their concentration and the pH of the cosmetic. Concentrations of 1-4% are used in cosmetics to refresh and smooth the skin. Creams, serums, and masks for nighttime use are available in drugstores. These concentrations also contain toners, which make the active ingredients in the cream more effective.
The effects of using acid-based cosmetics are visible after just a few weeks. Initial use can be discouraging due to skin reactions, although this isn't always the case. However, after three to four weeks, you'll notice a significant improvement in your skin's condition. Blackheads and imperfections disappear, and pores become less visible.
Can everyone use cosmetics with acids?
Acid-based cosmetics offer many benefits to the skin, but they have some limitations. So when should they not be used?
Such products cannot be used when the skin is damaged (cuts, abrasions), when herpes, psoriasis, fungal infection, dermatoses, or rosacea are present (PHA acids, including lactobionic acid, gluconolactone and glucoheptanolactone, are recommended here – they act more gently, without causing side effects such as intense peeling, burning, stinging or redness of the skin, characteristic of AHA acids).
You'll often find a blend of AHAs in a single cosmetic, providing a comprehensive range of benefits. The most popular acids are glycolic acid and mandelic acid. Mandelic acid is recommended for blemished skin, effectively unclogging pores and cleansing the skin. It moisturizes and reduces the appearance of discolorations. If you have more sensitive skin or have never used acids in your skincare routine, choose a product with mandelic acid. It gently exfoliates, smooths, and refreshes, and doesn't cause sun sensitivity or irritation.
How to safely use cosmetics with acids?
Using acid-based products isn't always safe. High concentrations, such as 30%, should only be used by qualified professionals in beauty salons and by dermatologists. They are available in online stores, but with common sense, safe use of acid-based cosmetics is limited to a maximum of 15%. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid skin irritation. Apply acid-based cosmetics to dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Remember to use cosmetics with sunscreen. Always apply acid-based cosmetics in the evening.
When using higher acid concentrations or undergoing salon treatments, remember to choose appropriate skincare. Acids cause the skin to become thinner, often dry, sensitive, and prone to flaking. It also becomes more susceptible to the harmful effects of external factors.
Fruit acids can be photosensitizing, so the best times to use them are autumn and spring. After summer, when skin is sun-damaged, using acids will help reduce fine lines and discoloration caused by sun exposure. Despite this, don't skip sunscreen.
Using cosmetics containing acids offers many benefits for the skin. It's worth undergoing this treatment at least once a year. You can choose ready-made products available in drugstores or have them treated at a beauty salon.
Martyna Piechowska – blogger and makeup artist. She combines her passion for cosmetics and makeup with her professional work, and can be found daily at the drugstore. Blogging is both a hobby and a way to spend her free time. She loves cosmetics and everything related to beauty, skincare, and makeup.
