Surely you have heard of glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinoic acid, and even salicylic acid or lactic acid. But you may not be very clear about what they are for. Acids are chemical or natural substances that are used in cosmetics as cell renovators. They are used to eliminate wrinkles, blemishes, acne marks, close pores, and activate collagen… So they are one of the star ingredients of anti-ageing treatments, but they must be used correctly because misuse can cause skin irritation.
Cosmetic acids are good allies for mature skin, but you have to know how to use them correctly and choose the most suitable for your skin.
Cosmetic acids like Glycolic, hyaluronic, retinoic, lactic, and salicylic acid are one of the most used ingredients in anti-ageing cosmetics due to their benefits for the skin. The acids, depending on the type and concentration, penetrate to deep layers, achieving fast and visible results.
In addition, some of them, such as glycolic acid, are used in aesthetic medicine, in peeling treatments. Acids are substances of natural or chemical origin that exfoliate the skin, renewing the epidermis. By removing the stratum corneum, they manage to stimulate the formation of collagen.
Their Use?
Some acids can penetrate to deeper layers of the skin, exerting their keratolytic action at a deeper level, which is why they are useful in the treatment of blemishes and wrinkles. In general terms, acids improve the quality of the skin and its texture, mitigate fine wrinkles, and specifically, we find acids with a moisturising, depigmenting, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant action.
Their Suitability?
By correctly choosing the type of acid and its concentration, you can achieve flawless skin, however not all acids are equally tolerated by the skin, and even with the same acid, we can obtain different levels of tolerance, actions and results by varying its concentration and cosmetic formulation. For sensitive skin, the experts recommend lactic acid or mandelic acid.
Time to use?
Depending on the type of acid you choose, you will have to use them at night or in the morning. For example, hyaluronic acid can be used interchangeably, since it is a substance that is naturally present in our body and does not cause irritation.
In the case of glycolic and retinoic acids, they should be applied only at night. And it is important that during the day, you use sunscreen. Ascorbic acid (better known as Vitamin C ), on the other hand, is best applied in the morning for its antioxidant action.
If you are thinking of introducing cosmetic acids into your beauty routine, we advise you to seek the advice of a specialist, dermatologist or pharmacist, who will help you choose the best product for your skin and the right dose.
