TL;DR:
- Fruit acids (AHA acids) are natural and derived from fruits, vegetables, sour milk, and sugar cane, improving skin's condition and treating imperfections.
- Common fruit acids include lactic, glycolic, malic, tartaric, citric, and mandelic acids, adaptable to various skin types.
- Lactic acid: Deeply moisturizes (1–10%), exfoliates (30–50%), rebuilds epidermal protection, reduces wrinkles, and is antibacterial.
- Glycolic acid: Penetrates deeply, firms, rejuvenates, boosts collagen/elastin, exfoliates dead skin, lightens scars, and reduces sebum.
- Malic acid: Lightens discoloration, softens/moisturizes, fights acne/blackheads, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Tartaric acid: Reduces pores, lightens pigmentation, firms skin, delays aging, regulates sebum, and suits sensitive skin.
- Citric acid: Brightens skin, protects against free radicals, delays aging, firms, and smoothens wrinkles.
- Mandelic acid: Strong exfoliant, treats hyperpigmentation, disinfects skin, rejuvenates, and suits sensitive/acne-prone skin.
- Professional treatments and low-concentration OTC products can rejuvenate and improve skin health. Regular use is key.
Fruit acids have been known for their positive effects on the skin since ancient times. This is why fruit acids are so often used during cosmetic treatments. What exactly are fruit acids and how do they affect our skin? It is worth learning the secrets of their action and using them regularly to improve the appearance of the skin and rejuvenate it. In addition, with the help of fruit acids you can get rid of skin imperfections.
Basic information about fruit acids
Fruit acids in cosmetology are called AHA acids, or Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. This is a group of acids of all-natural origin. Despite their name, fruit acids are extracted not only from fruits, but also from vegetables and from sour milk and sugar cane. ** Fruit acids have remarkable therapeutic effects on our skin.** There are several fruit acids commonly used in cosmetic treatments. These are:
- Lactic acid,
- Glycolic acid,
- Malic acid,
- Tartaric acid,
- Citric acid,
- Mandelic acid
Each of the acids has slightly different properties. As a result, fruit acids can be used on both sensitive skin, vascular skin, oily skin and acne and normal skin. All you need to do is select the right fruit acid for the treatment.
Properties of individual fruit acids
Fruit acids primarily allow exfoliation of the epidermal layer to improve skin condition. During a treatment with fruit acids, the skin is deeply cleansed of bacteria and superficial impurities. In addition, fruit acids have the property of reducing skin imperfections.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is used in cosmetics in two concentrations. A concentration of the acid between 1 and 10% shows a deeply moisturizing effect. On the other hand, concentrations between 30 and 50% are used to exfoliate the epidermis. In addition, lactic acid has a strong antibacterial effect. For this reason, it is recommended for people with problematic skin. Other properties of lactic acid include skin rejuvenating effects and regulating skin pH. After treatments with lactic acid, wrinkles are shallower and skin regains its softness and smoothness. In addition, this acid shows properties that rebuild the protective layer of the epidermis, making the skin resistant to harmful external factors.
Glycolic acid
The distinctive feature of glycolic acid is that it can penetrate very deeply into the layers of the skin. This is all due to the very small molecules of which it is composed. In addition, glycolic acid has been shown to be very important in stimulating fibroblasts, which in turn are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. As you know, collagen and elastin primarily make the skin firm and elastic. That's why glycolic acid exhibits skin firming and rejuvenating properties. In addition, this acid allows for thorough exfoliation of dead skin and regeneration and hydration of the skin. It is excellent at reducing excess sebum secretion and lightening scars and skin discoloration.
Malic acid
Malic acid has remarkable skin tone regulating properties. When used regularly, it helps to lighten skin discoloration and smooth the skin. Moreover, malic acid has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it will be an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin. You should also know that malic acid softens and moisturizes the skin and inhibits keratosis of the epidermis. It is also a good choice for fighting blackheads and skin aging. Depending on the concentration, malic acid can be used for various skin problems.
Tartaric acid
This type of acid has properties that lighten hyperpigmentation and can effectively reduce visible pores. In addition, tartaric acid regulates sebum secretion and allows you to thoroughly cleanse your skin. It has properties that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, so it affects firm and elastic skin. With regular use, you can effectively delay skin aging processes, including the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, it helps moisturize the skin and has a gentle effect, so it can be used by people with delicate and sensitive skin.
Citric acid
This is one of the most popular acids with a whitening and brightening effect. For this reason, it is often chosen by people who have skin discolorations and want to get rid of them. However, these are not all the advantages of citric acid. It is worth knowing that it protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and effectively delays the aging process of the skin. All due to the increase in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which is caused precisely by citric acid. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and wrinkles less visible. In addition, regular use of citric acid treatments helps smooth out wrinkles, regenerate and rebuild skin cells, and deeply cleanse and moisturize the skin.
Mandelic acid
Mandelic acid has an extremely powerful exfoliating effect. It helps even out skin tone and stimulates skin renewal. Despite its intense action, it is gentle on sensitive skin. In cosmetics it is used in various concentrations from 5 to 40%. During the procedure skin is not only cleansed thanks to exfoliation of dead skin, but also disinfected, as mandelic acid has antiseptic effects.
For this reason, it is recommended for people with acne-prone and problematic skin. Deep exfoliating peels with mandelic acid help to lighten hyperpigmentation, make the skin radiant and reduce excess sebum secretion. What's more, mandelic acid has a rejuvenating effect on the skin, as it stimulates the regenerative processes of the epidermis.
Professional treatments with fruit acids
Beauty salons offer treatments with various fruit acids. Each treatment begins similarly, that is, with cleansing of the skin. Then the beautician applies the appropriate acid with a specially selected concentration. The treatment ends with the application of a regenerating or moisturizing mask. **After treatments, especially those that are intensively exfoliating, the skin will continue to exfoliate for up to several days after the treatment, revealing a younger layer of the epidermis. Typically, systematic treatments at intervals recommended by a cosmetologist are recommended to achieve full results or maintain them. Fruit acids are also available in cosmetics generally available in drugstores. Their action and concentration, of course, is much weaker. **However, using them in daily care, the skin will definitely look healthier and younger.
Conclusion
Fruit acids are powerful natural tools for healthier, brighter, and younger-looking skin. From exfoliating dead cells to reducing imperfections, each acid offers unique benefits tailored to different skin types. Professional treatments amplify these effects, though at-home products also provide noticeable improvements when used consistently. By incorporating fruit acids into your skincare routine, you can achieve smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. Choose the right acid for your needs, stick to regular use, and enjoy the transformative effects these natural ingredients can provide. Your skin deserves the best, and fruit acids deliver.
