Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and other acids have become increasingly popular in skin care products. AHAs are derived from fruit and milk sugars and research has shown that hydroxy acids can help with the slowing down of skin aging. An increasing number of skincare products are now including hydroxy acids into their products. Other acids used in skincare products include ferulic acid, vitamin A acid (one known brand name is Retin A) and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Let’s look at what exactly these acids do for the skin and how they are used in skincare products.
Glycolic acid
This is the most commonly used AHA because of its excellent skin penetration capacity. It is often used in chemical peels which are performed in aesthetic clinics. The glycolic acid can weaken the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together in the upper layer of the epidermis. This causes the outer part of the epidermus to be exfoliated, thereby exposing the live skin cells underneath. Glycolic acid can improve skin texture and may also reduce wrinkles, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Featured products:
- Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% moisturizing lotion
- Skin Ceuticals C+AHA Exfoliating Antioxidant Treatment 30ml/1oz
Mandelic acid
Another AHA is mandelic acid. It is increasingly used as an alternative to glycolic acid in skin care products and for chemical peels. In addition to the qualities of glycolic acid it also has antibacterial characteristics. Mendelic acid is often recommended as a good treatment for adult acne. It is also used as a pre- and post laser treatment as it reduces the irritation caused to the skin from these laser treatments.
Featured product:
Ferulic acid
Ferulic acid is an organic compound found in seeds of plants such as in rice, wheat, and oats, as well as in coffee, apple, artichoke, peanut, orange and pineapple. Although research has not been conclusive, Ferulic Acid may reduce oxidative stress and provides photoaging protection.
Featured product:
- Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic . This is the product I use. Read my CE Ferulic review.
Tretinoin (retinoid)
Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and is also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA. In skincare it is most commonly used in the treatment of acne, but it is also increasingly included in many commercial products that aim to slow skin aging and remove wrinkles. Known brand names include Retin-A and Renova.
Featured products:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids, that have many health benefits. In skincare omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated omega-9 help to stimulate the skin’s natural process of renewal and regeneration, while also maintaining its suppleness and elasticity.
Featured products:
Use with care
Acids have gained a solid place in skincare products and they provide benefits for many. A word of warning is in place though. Acids can irritate and sometimes even burn the skin. It’s best to purchase products from trusted brands and not to experiment with acids by yourself. If you have sensitive skin and want to try any of these products described above you may want to consult a dermatologist first to check which one is most suitable for you.
Have you benefited from skincare products containing acids? Let us know!
