The beneficial effect of fruit acids on the skin was discovered at the end of the last century, and their appearance made a splash in the beauty industry. Cleansing gels with these active ingredients effectively rejuvenate the skin, even out tone and fight acne.
How to choose an effective acid-based product - we will talk about this in our article.
What is it used for?
If you use your face wash regularly then after 2 weeks you will notice a pronounced effect:
- swelling goes away, as the cells begin to intensively remove fluid;
- the acid-base balance of the epithelium is restored;
- integuments become elastic and tender;
- skin resistance to adverse external factors increases;
- peeling is eliminated;
- normal functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- fine and facial wrinkles are smoothed out;
- inflammatory manifestations are reduced - acne and comedones;
- skin tone evens out, pigmentation becomes less pronounced;
- pores are narrowed;
- hydration of the dermis occurs;
- small vessels are strengthened.
With all the set of the most positive qualities, it is important to understand that acids are not and are a panacea - each composition fights a specific problem, the product either helps against wrinkles, or relieves inflammation, or whitens.
None of the gel can do everything at once, so it is extremely important to choose a solution that will cope with individual skin problems.
Kinds
Beauticians divide all acids into three large groups, each of which is designed to deal with certain skin defects.
Aha
These substances are optimal for skin with severe age-related changes.The active components of the gel allow you to retain moisture in the cells, stimulate the production of natural collagen and elastane.
The regular use of products with ANA acids effectively evens out the surface, eliminating wrinkles, wrinkles and pigmentation. Thanks to ANA acids, all scars and scars, as well as acne marks, become less pronounced, and tired skin literally glows from the inside.
VNA
Such components have the ability to dissolve fats. Accordingly, these acids are indispensable for problematic oily skin. The active ingredients of BHA normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands, regulate the water-salt balance of the skin, penetrate deeply into the dermis, cleanse and remove dead cells.
The most famous acid from this group is salicylic - it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, opens the pores and draws them into them the accumulated sebaceous secretion and other impurities.
VNA is suitable for teenagers and people with inflamed skin.
Other acids
Nicotinic, citric, folic, lactic, hyaluronic and some other types of acids fall into this group.
They have the ability to gently exfoliate keratinized layers of the skin, have a light peeling effect and moisturize the epidermis.
Rating of the best
Hada Labo Tamagohada
This is a gel for washing, combining AHA and BHA acids: fruit and salicylic. ANA components smooth the relief and exfoliate, and VNA penetrates deep into the pores, dissolve fatty plugs, eliminate comedones and remove all impurities. The composition of the product does not include alcohols, mineral oils, as well as preservatives and artificial flavoring. The gel is hypoallergenic and does not cause skin irritation.
Dermaquest skin therapy Age management Glyco Gel Cleanser
This acid gel is considered professional because it provides deep peeling. The active ingredient is glycolic acid, the concentration of which can vary. Accordingly, for different types of skin, the methods for using the gel are different:
- for sensitive skin, the gel can be applied once a week for one to two minutes as a mask;
- for problematic and oily skin - every other day as a means to cleanse the face and once a week for 5 minutes as a mask.
Noreva exfoliac
This is a therapeutic gel sold in pharmacies. It contains ANA and BHA acids and, judging by user reviews, it is a very aggressive compound. The gel causes a burning sensation of the skin, and in the first days of use, its redness is not excluded. However, the results of use are encouraging - pigment spots are quickly cleared, inflammations and pimples are dried, the severity of post-acne is reduced.
Holy Land Alpha Complex Face Lotion
This is an Israeli gel with acids, which has all the properties of a gentle and safe peeling. Using the gel stimulates the regeneration and renewal of cells, smoothes the surface of the epidermis, visually reduces swelling and black circles under the eyes.
The tool is recommended for daily use. The gel contains lactic acid thiamine, riboflavin, organic and fruit components, as well as zinc and berry extract. The complex of useful ingredients soothes and softens the skin, moisturizes and improves its structure.
Balea
Cleansing gel with fruit acids designed for combination skin. It acts as a weakly acidic soft scrub, since small abrasive particles are noticeable in its structure. On the part of users, this composition received the most mixed reviews. Among the advantages are the budget cost, low consumption and effective skin cleansing.
The disadvantages include the presence of alcohol-containing components, which often cause a feeling of tightness after use.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting
Gel peeling with ANA and BHA acids. Effectively brightens the skin, tightens pores, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands. The balanced composition does not cause irritation on the skin, it is economical in consumption and has a neutral aroma.
Selection tips
The most important advice is to buy a gel with acids only after consulting a cosmetologist. In general, the recommendations for choosing the active component are as follows.
- A nicotinic acid improves blood circulation in the skin, when using such a gel, the integuments acquire a fresh radiant appearance, the skin becomes elastic, a slight decongestant effect is noticeable.
- Lemon acid It is intended for whitening age spots, in addition, it has pronounced bactericidal properties, acts against microbes, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and draws dirt from the pores. Suitable for oily skin with acne and acne.
- Folic acid is a recognized antioxidant, helps to reduce the severity of age-related changes, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, causes cell regeneration and renewal.
- Fruit acids indispensable for home peeling. This component eliminates dead skin cells and visibly refreshes the appearance of the skin.
- Salicylic acid responsible for regulating the production of sebum, has a disinfecting effect, cleanses pores.
- Lactic acid usually used in combination with other components as a moisturizer, helps to cleanse, saturate the skin with oxygen and cell renewal.
How to use?
Before the very first procedure for using the gel, you must carefully read the instructions for use. The following rules will be unchanged:
- all concentrates require mandatory dilution;
- some components are aggressive, to make sure that there is no allergic reaction, a small test on the wrist of the skin should be performed first;
- funds can not be used in the summer;
- it is very important to avoid getting the gel on the mucous membranes of the eyes, if this happens, immediately rinse them with plenty of cool running water;
- it is necessary to refrain from using funds during pregnancy, as well as in the lactation period;
- contraindications to the procedures are the presence of tumors, warts, herpes, infectious wounds and hemophilia;
- gels are used with caution in eczema and dermatitis.
For proper washing with acids, see below.
