Currently, various cosmetic products containing the so-called AHA-acid have gained particular popularity among the masses of the general public. This product has many supporters who note the positive properties of cosmetic products, and opponents of the use of these products. We will talk about all this in detail in this article.
What is an AHA acid?
These chemicals are organic compounds that have been widely used in the cosmetics industry over the past few decades. These acids are obtained during the chemical synthesis of natural products, such as sugar cane, beets, almonds, dairy products, cheese, wine, apples, grapes, pears, mountain ash, cherries, barberries, citrus fruits and many others. We will tell you more about the types of acids in the next section of this article.
Types of acids in cosmetology
There are a huge variety of all kinds of acids, but they are widely used in cosmetology due to their positive effect on skinonly a few of them received covers. In this section, we present the most common types of organic compounds, which are:
- glycolic acid derived from beets or sugar cane;
- mandelic acid is synthesized from the fruit of the plant of the same name;
- wine is extracted chemically from grapes and wine products;
- dairy is obtained from fermented milk products and cheese;
- malic acid is a chemical synthesis product of apples, mountain ash, pears, raspberries, cherries, barberries, lingonberries and gooseberries;
- lemon is extracted from lemons, tangerines, oranges and other citrus fruits.
All the above chemical compounds have different composition, structure and properties. For example, organic molecules of glycolic acid are the most effective agent, since they have the smallest size from the above line of compounds. This useful property helps the substance to penetrate faster and deeper into the cells of the epidermis, which in turn has a positive effect on the skin.
The lightest and most gentle effect on the layers of the epidermis is provided by organic molecules of mandelic acid. Cosmetic products containing this chemical compound are ideal for sensitive skin and for those who are just about to start using cosmetic products containing fruit acids.
Useful properties of fruit acids
The principle of action of AHA acids is not much differentfrom the action of other acids, that is, they destroy the upper layers of the epithelium. As you know, the top layer of the skin consists of dead tissue, destroying it cosmetically, we get an attractive result. Also, the beneficial properties of organic compounds include an increase in the synthesis of proteins that form the basis of connective tissue, namely collagen and elastin.
Due to the specific action of fruit acids on the epithelium, a natural process of regeneration of skin cells occurs. Also, the multicomponent composition of chemicals allows for moisturizing, brightening and rejuvenating effects on the skin.
Harm from using acids
The harmful properties of these organic compounds are little studied. Many opponents of the use of AHA acids, among which there are reputable scientists and cosmetologists, talk about the danger of destroying the upper layer of the epithelium. The fact is that it is he who provides the necessary protection to the body from external factors, and its destruction is negative. Also worth a separate note is the fact that the long-term effect of cosmetics containing fruit acids has not been fully studied, so they should be used very carefully. We will talk about this in the next section of this article.
Precautions
If you decide to use cosmetic products containing these organic compounds, be sure to do a little test before using. It consists in applying a smallthe amount of funds on the elbow bend or on the inside of the wrist and wait a while. If no negative reaction is detected, then the cosmetic product can be used.
Pay attention to the percentage of fruit acids, which each manufacturer of cosmetic products must indicate on the packaging. For novice consumers, this figure should not exceed five percent.
Do not use products containing these chemicals during the summer. The only exception can be a wash with AHA acids. A high protection sunscreen should be used after using any product containing fruit acids.
Peeling
The most popular cosmetic procedure currently is peeling with fruit acids. This procedure can be carried out both in a beauty parlor under the supervision of a professional, and at home.
Peeling with AHA acids under the control of a cosmetologist compares favorably with the homemade percentage of these organic compounds. The fact is that in a beauty parlor, the proportion of fruit acids can reach fifty percent. This figure depends on the effect you want to get from the procedure, as there are different types of peeling.
This procedure begins with the preparation of skin tissues. It consists in gentle cleansing of the skin of the face. Then the specialistapplies a gel with AHA acids, which is on the skin for about fifteen minutes. After that, the beautician applies a neutralizer and a nourishing sun protection cream.
The peeling procedure at home is carried out with cosmetic products in which the acid content does not exceed ten percent, so the effect will be different.
Line of cosmetic products containing fruit acids
At present, due to the extraordinary popularity of the product, many manufacturers of cosmetics are engaged in its production. On sale you can find day and night creams with AHA acids, tonics, gels, cleansers, micellar water, scrubs, peels, makeup removers and much more.
When buying any cosmetic product containing these chemicals, you must follow simple rules. For example, on the packaging of the product must be the presence of a percentage of AHA-acid, which should not exceed ten. Also, the manufacturing company with an existing legal address must be indicated there.
AHA-acids: reviews
The media are full of numerous reviews of consumers who have already managed to try and evaluate the effect of various cosmetic products containing these organic compounds. Most consumers have noticed their positive effect on the skin, which is reflected in the narrowing of pores, moisturizing effect, acne and post-acne treatment, lightening age spots, improving color andeven out skin tone. There are also those for whom these cosmetic products did not give the desired result.
Cosmetic products containing AHA acids are not suitable for everyone. Whether or not to use this product is currently a fierce debate, but the final decision is up to each individual.