A huge amount of stress falls on our skin. She suffers from stress and lack of vitamins, is negatively affected by wind and ultraviolet radiation. Add to this mechanical injuries, improper care, age. It is not at all surprising that sometimes there are problems with her. You need to take care of the skin, and then it will delight you with its smoothness and velvety. And the miraculous power of nature can help in this. For example, ana acids. Have you heard of them yet? Then it's time to lift the veil of secrecy and find out what it is.
The Kingdom of Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (abbreviated as ANA) are biologically active components. Their main advantage is naturalness, and this is very important in the modern world of cosmetics. Often they are called fruit acids. This is due to the fact that they were first found in fruits. But they can be found in old wine, sour milk, sugar cane.
To date, the production of cosmetics is unthinkable without ANA acids. Due to their beneficial properties, they are considered the most popular ingredients in gels, masks, creams.
Ana acids: types and characteristics
A variety of fruit acids helps solve many problems. Alpha hydroxy acids are a collective concept that includes several types:
- Glycolic. It is extracted from green grapes and sugarcane. Among all species, it has the smallest molecular weight, which provides it with the ability to easily penetrate the skin. In addition, glycolic acid can reduce pigmentation, and sometimes completely rid us of it.
- Dairy. It is found not only in yogurt or sour milk, but also in tomatoes, blueberries, apples. Its main task is hydration (hydration) of the skin. It regulates the pH level and retains moisture.
- Apple. Another variety of ANA acids. It can be found in apples. She is responsible for cellular metabolism, and also has an exfoliating effect. A kind of natural scrub.
- Tartar (in other words, wine). As you might have guessed, it is found in grapes and mature, well-aged wine. It exfoliates dead cells and serves as a good whitening agent for the skin.
- Lemon. Its custodians are all types of citrus fruits: lime, grapefruit, orange. In contrast to glycolic acid, this acid has the highest molecular weight. It whitens the skin well and prevents its aging. Efficiency increases in combination with tartaric acid.
The effect of AHA acids on our skin
How does this whole fruit kaleidoscope affect our skin?
- ANA acids have a pronounced exfoliating property. The upper layer of the epidermis becomes thinner, and in its place appears soft, young skin. This renewal process is due to increased collagen production. Its synthesis is provoked precisely by fruit acids.
- The moisturizing effect is also characteristic of these natural helpers. Lactic acid is particularly responsible for this, but others are not far behind. After all, hydration becomes possible thanks to exfoliation and renewal. Young cells have a much higher natural moisturizing factor called NMF.
- ANA acids are excellent antioxidants. The effect of them is simply amazing: they contribute to the proper functioning of cells, protect the skin from free radicals.
- It should be said about the anti-inflammatory properties of these fruit helpers. The skin after their application looks healthy, supple, revitalized.
Summing up, we can safely say that these acids have the effect of youth, returning to us beauty and health.
Advantages of ANA Acids over Other Substances
These biologically active natural helpers gained their popularity due to undeniable advantages. Judge for yourself:
- These acids are highly effective because they act immediately on 3 levels - molecular, cellular and tissue. That is, they not only beneficially affect the skin, but also stimulate cell growth and improve their structure.
- They have no age restrictions. They can be used both in adolescence and for retirees. But it is better to start getting to know them after 25 years.
- Unlike retinoic acid, ANA acids are suitable for almost everyone. In any case, there are much fewer people with individual intolerance to these substances.
Indications for use
In what cases is the use of these substances considered justified, and sometimes simply necessary?
You should pay attention to a cream with ANA acids or other cosmetics saturated with them if:
- You have dry skin.
- You notice inexorable signs of aging. There are more and more wrinkles.
- You have long wanted to get rid of blackheads.
- There are scars or scars on your skin.
Side Effects and Safety
Many are interested in the question: "Will the use of fruit acids bring harm?" It will not bring, if the right approach to the choice of funds and their use. The fact is that all cosmetics with fruit acids are divided into 2 types:
- For home use.
- For professional use.
Conventional products that we use on our own contain no more than 10% alpha hydroxy acids. Therefore, they are absolutely safe and will not cause you any trouble. In beauty salons, products are used in which the concentration of these substances can reach up to 30%, for medicinal purposes they can use products containing up to 70% of ANA acids. Therefore, if you decide to independently improve your skin, choose such cosmetic products where fruit acids are slightly represented (no more than 10%).
When the treatment is correct, side effects are not observed. Sometimes slight redness of the skin, burning is possible. So she reacts to the use of these substances. If such symptoms appear only in the first days of use, then there is no reason to worry. When this continues throughout the period of application of these funds, you should abandon them and consult a doctor.
Application features
To avoid unpleasant consequences, use cosmetics containing ANA acids correctly:
- Before getting acquainted with a new product, it is better to first apply it to the bend of the elbow joint and wait a while. If no negative reaction follows, you can safely carry out cosmetic procedures using this tool.
- It is better to start applying the cream with ANA acids once a day. And with sensitive skin - every other day.
- It is advisable to apply such preparations before bedtime, but in no case should this be done after exposure to the sun.
- Do not forget about one more condition. In the morning, sunscreen must be applied.
- Beauticians recommend carrying out cosmetic procedures according to the following schedule: use funds with alpha acids for some time, then replace them with a regular cream. So you can reduce the risk of skin damage.
- It is advisable to use such cosmetics in combination with a moisturizer.
Kaleidoscope of cosmetics
Today, products with fruit acids are presented in a wide assortment: cream, regular masks and peeling masks, gels. When choosing a tool, do not forget about some of the nuances:
- The most optimal is the concentration of ANA acids 5-8%.
- Tools that must be washed off after the procedure do not have the desired effect. After all, acids must be absorbed into the skin, and then they begin to act.
When gel comes to the rescue
A few years ago, cosmetologists warned us about the damage that ordinary washing with soap causes to the skin. Then the first gels appeared that were used for this purpose. For those times it was know-how. Today, with special means for washing you will not surprise anyone, but progress does not stand still. Currently, gel with AHA acids is popular.
Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it not only cleanses the skin, but also restores it. After a month, you will notice wonderful metamorphoses. Many girls who have experienced the effectiveness of the drug in question claim that the skin becomes radiant, renewed, and there is no trace of overdrying. In addition, these gels slow down the growth of bacteria.
The only thing experts warn about: it is better not to use means with fruit acids for girls under 25 years old. At this age, the skin itself is able to take care of itself.
The miraculous power of masks
For many of us, this procedure is one of the favorite in the arsenal of other cosmetics. The advantages of the mask compared to creams are visible to the naked eye:
- It has a higher concentration of nutrients.
- It has a more powerful effect, as it is better absorbed by the skin, and penetrates deeper due to the special base on which it is created.
- The mask acts instantly. If you need to look at 100% in the evening, use this tool. The result is not long in coming.
Among lovely ladies, masks with fruit acids are especially popular. They are purifying or rejuvenating. They can be purchased at pharmacies, large supermarkets, specialty stores. And you can do it yourself. Would you like to try such simple but healthy skin masks?
- Pounded strawberries (100 g) mixed with one raw yolk. Keep on face for 15 minutes. This tool perfectly moisturizes the skin and gives it elasticity.
- Mix the pulp and juice of one orange with honey. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. Then you need to wash with warm water. The mask will return to the face a healthy color and radiance. In addition, an orange will make the skin supple.
And peeling with ANA acids is also useful. Under the influence of biological substances, keratinized cells are removed and dissolved. But after it you need to calm the skin. To do this, you can simply wipe the treated areas with a swab dipped in a broth of wild rose or chamomile.
What are buyers talking about?
Reviews of those women who constantly use cosmetics with ANA acids confirm the effectiveness of these funds. Many say that it is better to combine them with salicylic acid. It is known to belong to beta-hydroxy acids and is fat-soluble, in contrast to water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acids. In addition, many are advised to buy sunscreen at the same time, since you can’t do without it while using ANA acids.
Such a pleasure is not cheap. For example:
- Cream with ANA acids will cost 2240 rubles.
- Shower gel - 1280 rubles.
- Chemical peeling - 2520 rubles.
But beauty and health are much more important than the money spent.
As you can see, ANA acids are a valuable tool that will allow our skin to look attractive at any age.