The word “acid” in the context of facial skin care sounds intimidating. But in cosmetology only safe substances are used. Over the years, FDA (US Sanitary Inspection) studies have been conducted that prove that the use of certain acids is absolutely safe.
What acids do skin need and why?
Acids deeply exfoliate and effectively cleanse the skin of the face. Some saturate and retain moisture. So, for example, hyaluronic acid, which is listed in many premium moisturizers and mass market, acts. By the way, by its chemical properties, hyaluron is not an acid at all, but a polysaccharide, consists of DN-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid.
Most often, the composition of cosmetics for skin care includes the following types of acids:
- Fruit (hydroxyl, ANA acids): malic, phytic, glycolic, citric, pyruvic and others. Tighten pores, control the production of sebum (sebum), treat inflammation, lighten age spots. Suitable primarily for owners 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 softer.
- Summer acids: lactic, almond, ferulic. This name was given to the substance because it can be used even in the warm season. Means with summer acids reduce the damage from ultraviolet radiation, lighten and even out skin tone, soothe, and act very carefully.
- Alpha lipoic acid. It fights with a fuzzy oval of the face, sagging skin and wrinkles, the first signs of wilting. Protects against gluing of collagen and elastin with sugar, which is one of the main causes of aging. It is used mainly in products for aging skin.
Meene & moy system
Gel for washing with acids (glycolic, 20% is a fairly high indicator) eliminates hyperpigmentation of the skin, improves the 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, it is necessary to use sun protection with a high SPF factor and refuse to visit the solarium.
Daily use in accordance with the instructions provides an antibacterial effect, regulates secretion, evens out the hydrogen index over the entire surface of the skin, significantly narrows the pores. This is an excellent preparation for using 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 agents of the same line. The cost of the product is 1900 rubles for a capacity of 150 ml.
Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA + BHA
A wash gel with fruit acids and a very delicate texture has been enjoyed by many women. Foam peeling contains a combination of acids: fruit and salicylic. Gel for washing with ANA acids gently exfoliates, smooths the relief, improves skin tone. Salicylic acid actively penetrates into the pores, cleanses from the inside, dissolves comedones, fatty plugs and acne. The composition does not contain alcohol, flavorings, mineral oil. The tool does not cause irritation. The cost of the tube is about 1000 rubles.
Dermaquest skin therapy Age management Glyco Gel Cleanser 15%
This professional acid cleansing gel is truly a deep peeling. The composition includes glycolic acid, the intensity of which varies for different skin types: for hypersensitive products, it can be used as a scrub mask for one minute once a week, for oily and problematic ones - every other day as a cleanser and once a week in in the form of a cleansing mask for five minutes. The effect is excellent, this is confirmed by numerous reviews. Dermaquest Acid Wash Gel costs 3,000 rubles.
Noreva Exfoliac AHA BHA
Pharmaceutical gel with a high concentration of ANA and BHA acids, judging by the reviews, is very aggressive, but pleases with an excellent result from the first applications. The action is provided by 12% glycolic acid. The product has a pungent odor of acetone, is very liquid and very foaming. The gel lotion significantly burns the skin (but not before 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 vials. The tool costs 700-800 rubles, depending on the point of sale.
Holy Land Alpha Complex Face Lotion
Israeli gel lotion with acids is recommended to be used to complete cleansing, toning and softening the skin, has the properties of safe peeling. The product stimulates cell renewal, smoothes 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 gel lotion 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. The ingredients provide a moisturizing effect, soothe and soften the skin, stimulate regeneration, improve the structure and tone of the skin.
Balea with fruit acids
Acid Cleansing Gel 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 the food alcohol, which is very harmful for oily or combination skin. Because of this ingredient, after washing with Balea gel, tightness is felt. Useful substances are almost at the end of the composition. The advantage of the means in the reviews is called good cleansing, economical consumption (a tube lasts for 5-6 months) and a budget cost (250 rubles).
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Peeling gel for washing with acids perfectly evens skin tone, brightens and tightens pores, quickly eliminates redness and regulates sebum production. It does not contain alcohol and does not dry the skin, does not cause irritation, has a neutral smell and a pH of 3.5-3.9. The gel for washing with salicylic acid is consumed very economically. It costs 1600-2000 rubles.
Novosvit hyaluronic gel for washing
The moisturizing complex Novosvit Aquanti includes collagen and hyaluronic acid, extracts of natural green tea and red grape leaves. The composition for an inexpensive (100 rubles per tube) product is not bad: after water and a mild surfactant, the active ingredients are listed. The aroma of the gel for washing with hyaluronic acid is very light, and the consistency caused mixed reviews: many women did not like the too liquid texture, which does not allow to economically use the product. The effect declared by the manufacturer - mild but effective cleansing - does not appear on any type of skin. The tool is not suitable for everyone.
CHRISTINA Fresh ANA Cleansing Gel
Cleansing gel with acids (alpha-hydroxy) 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 keratinized 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, officinalis, fenugreek, castor oil. The tool costs about 1250 rubles.
ARAVIA ANA Fruit Gel
The foaming gel contains lactic, tartaric, and glycolic acids, which carefully prepare the skin for more intensive care, enhance susceptibility to active ingredients and thoroughly cleanse. Recommended for oily skin, which is prone to acne and black spots, as well as for normal skin with problem areas.