The very word "acid" in the context of facial skin care sounds scary. But in cosmetology, only safe substances are used. Over the years, FDA studies have been carried out, which have proven that the use of certain acids is absolutely safe.
What acids does the skin need and why?
Acids deeply exfoliate and effectively cleanse the skin of the face. Some saturate and retain moisture. This is the case, for example, with hyaluronic acid, which is listed in many premium and mass-market moisturizers. By the way, in terms of its chemical properties, hyaluronic acid is not an acid at all, but a polysaccharide, it consists of D-N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid.
More often, the following types of acids are included in skin care cosmetics:
- Fruit (hydroxyl, AHA-acids): malic, phytic, glycolic, citric, pyruvic and others. Narrow pores, control the production of sebum (sebum), treat inflammation, lighten age spots. Fit firstowners of problem skin.
- Salicylic (BHA-acid). Whitens the skin, blocks inflammation. It is one of the most effective ingredients for treating oily skin, eliminating acne and pigmentation. Liposalicylic acid does not penetrate as deeply as salicylic acid, but acts more gently.
- Summer acids: lactic, mandelic, ferulic. This name was given to the substance because they can be used even in the warm season. Means with summer acids reduce damage from ultraviolet radiation, brighten and even out skin tone, soothe, act very gently.
- Alpha-lipoic acid. Struggles with fuzzy facial contours, sagging skin and wrinkles, the first signs of aging. Protects from gluing collagen and elastin with sugar, which is one of the main causes of aging. Used primarily in products for aging skin.
Mene&Moy System
Gel for washing with acids (glycolic, 20% is a fairly high rate) eliminates hyperpigmentation of the skin, improves structure, accelerates the process of intracellular regeneration, deeply cleanses. Recommended for oily skin prone to acne. Sensitive may not be suitable, although the acid content is not the maximum allowable for cosmetics. When using, be sure to use sun protection with a high SPF factor and refuse to visit the solarium.
Daily use according to the instructions provides an antibacterial effect, regulates secretion, equalizes the pH value over the entire surfaceskin, visibly tightens pores. This is an excellent preparation for the use of professional skin care products. Mene&Moy System is used even in beauty salons. The gel facilitates the penetration of the active components of other drugs when used with the same line of products. The cost of the product is 1900 rubles for a 150 ml container.
Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA + BHA
Gel for washing with fruit acids and a very delicate texture appealed to many women. Peeling foam contains a combination of acids: fruit and salicylic. Washing gel with AHA acids gently exfoliates, smoothes the relief, improves skin tone. Salicylic acid actively penetrates into the pores, cleanses from the inside, dissolves comedones, fatty plugs and blackheads. Contains no alcohol, fragrances or mineral oil. The product does not cause irritation. The cost of a tube is about 1000 rubles.
Dermaquest skin therapy Age management Glyco Gel Cleanser 15 %
This professional acid cleanser is truly a deep peel. The composition includes glycolic acid, the intensity of which varies for different skin types: for hypersensitive skin, the product can be used as a scrub mask for one minute once a week, for oily and problematic - every other day as a cleanser and once a week for as a cleansing mask for five minutes. The effect is excellent, this is confirmed by numerous reviews. Dermaquest acid wash gel costs 3000 rubles.
Noreva Exfoliac AHA BHA
Pharmacy gel with a high concentration of AHA and BHA acids, judging by the reviews, is very aggressive, but pleases with excellent results from the first applications. The action is provided by 12% glycolic acid. The product has a sharp smell of acetone, is very liquid and foams strongly. The gel-lotion noticeably burns the skin (but not to burns) and causes noticeable redness in the first days of use, leaves soapy foam and stickiness on the face after application, but very effectively removes age spots, freckles, brightens the skin, dries acne and inflammation, reduces post-acne. Sold in 125 ml bottles. The tool costs 700-800 rubles, depending on the point of sale.
Holy Land Alpha Complex Face Lotion
Israeli Acid Gel Lotion is recommended to complete the cleansing, toning and softening of the skin, has the properties of a safe peeling. The tool stimulates cell renewal, evens out the surface of the skin with regular use, visually reduces dark circles under the eyes and swelling. The manufacturer recommends using the product in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin with soap.
The composition of the lotion-gel for washing: lactic acid, zinc and other trace elements (magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron), vitamins A, PP, thiamine, riboflavin, adermin, ascorbic acid, tannins, pectins, organic and fruit (citric, tartaric, malic) acids, extracts of figs, peach, mimosa. Ingredients providemoisturizing effect, soothe and soften the skin, stimulate regeneration, improve the structure and tone of the skin.
Balea with fruit acids
Gel for washing with acids is suitable for combination skin. This is a light scrub, as small abrasive particles are felt. The composition caused mixed reviews from customers: many did not like food alcohol, which is very harmful for oily or combination skin. Because of this ingredient, after washing with Balea gel, there is a feeling of tightness. Useful substances are almost at the end of the composition. The advantage of the product in the reviews is good cleansing, economical consumption (a tube lasts for 5-6 months) and budget cost (250 rubles).
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Acid peeling gel perfectly evens out skin tone, brightens and tightens pores, quickly relieves redness and regulates sebum production. Does not contain alcohol and does not dry the skin, does not cause irritation, has a neutral odor and pH 3.5-3.9. Washing gel with salicylic acid is consumed very economically. The tool costs 1600-2000 rubles.
Novosvit Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser
The Novosvit Aquanti moisturizing complex includes collagen and hyaluronic acid, extracts of natural green tea and red grape leaves. Composition for inexpensive (100 rubles per tube)the products are not bad: after water and a mild surfactant, the active ingredients are listed. The aroma of the hyaluronic acid wash gel is very light, and the consistency caused mixed reviews: many women did not like the too liquid texture, which does not allow you to use the product economically. The effect declared by the manufacturer - soft, but effective cleansing - does not appear on any type of skin. Not for everyone.
CHRISTINA Fresh AHA Cleansing Gel
Gel for washing with acids (alpha hydroxyl) from the Israeli cosmetic brand CHRISTINA is designed specifically for gentle, but deep cleansing of the skin. The active ingredients that make up the product gently remove dead skin particles and impurities, promote rapid regeneration and preserve youth. The list of ingredients lists several acids (citric, glycolic and others), extracts of cucumber, nasturtium, watercress officinalis, fenugreek, castor oil. The tool costs approximately 1250 rubles.
ARAVIA ANA Fruit Gel
Foaming gel contains lactic, tartaric, glycolic acids, which gently prepare the skin for more intensive care, increase susceptibility to active ingredients and thoroughly cleanse. Recommended for oily skin that is prone to acne and blackheads, as well as normal skin with problem areas.