Never has there been a highly effective substance that has generated so much discussion on the topic as fruit acids. The latest news is that the European Union is limiting the amount of fruit acids used in cosmetics and forcing labeling of products containing fruit acids. In fact, the use of fruit acids with proper home care, in different concentrations and combinations, is still a common insurance cosmetic maintenance method used by estheticians and physicians to improve patients’ skin.
Knowing the true nature of fruit acids
Many cosmetic brands have developed some fruit acid products to varying degrees, and most focus on skin cleansing, skin care and mask products such as fruit acid masks, fruit acid lotions, and fruit acid cleansers.
Fruit acids are actually a general term for several chemicals, usually citric acid present in citrus fruits, malic acid in apples, tartaric acid in wine, and glycolic acid extracted from sugar cane. Since most of these substances are found in natural fruits, they are called fruit acids. Most of the fruit acids on the market are glycolic acids, but sometimes they are not precisely labeled as such, and are only covered by AHA.
Fruit acids have a variety of effects on the skin
1, improve skin texture: fruit acids used on the surface of the skin, can make the intercellular water-based substances penetrate into the epidermis inside. It can remove the over-thick keratinocytes, make the skin soft and young, and change the rough and inelastic aging skin. After the keratin is softened, it can also improve the secretion of sebaceous glands and achieve the effect of eliminating facial sores.
2, eliminate acne: fruit acid in the removal of keratin, but also can make the skin oil secretion more smooth, so it can treat malignant acne, acne, etc.. For whitehead acne, which is ineffective with various drugs, topical fruit acid preparations can be used to peel it off.
3, beauty wrinkle: any fruit acid products can improve the skin’s ability to resist dryness, can improve the skin’s natural moisturizing ability, so that the skin maintains a certain level of humidity, reduce fine wrinkles. Fruit acid is a good moisturizer, can make the skin superficial dermis hyaluronic acid content increased, so that the skin corneal cells and superficial dermis water content increased. When high concentration of fruit acid is applied, the skin stratum corneum is solidified and the peeling effect is achieved without any treatment, so that it is naturally separated from the skin, and the skin is moist and white after peeling.
4.Treatment of age spots and various pigment spots: The peeling technique of fruit acid preparation can make the color of age spots and various pigment spots on the skin lighter, and the long-term application can lighten the pigment spots. Fruit acid can be applied to treat all kinds of skin lesions, such as dryness, ichthyosis, rough skin, age spots, etc.
Correct use in exchange for beauty
Some consumers will have adverse reactions when using fruit acids. According to the relevant experts, in addition to some people have allergic reactions, there are also some people who have adverse skin reactions due to incorrect use, so it is necessary to master the correct use method when using fruit acid products.
1. Generally speaking, people who have just started to contact fruit acids, especially those with sensitive skin, may sometimes experience slight skin tingling, redness, itching and peeling, or even a little pigmentation. The first use of fruit acid products to 1 time a day, two weeks later twice a day is appropriate.
2, not suitable for use when the skin is allergic; not suitable for use when the face is edematous; not suitable for use after peeling; not suitable for use after using scrub; not suitable for use when the skin is broken; best not to use when the age is less than 18 years old.
3, 10 to 15 minutes after washing the face, wait until the skin is dry before use. The reason is that just after washing the face, the skin’s sebaceous film acidity has not returned to normal, immediately use will cause discomfort.
4, when using should try to avoid the eyes and around the mouth, so as not to sting the eyes or produce lips peeling phenomenon.
5, high concentration of fruit acid preparations can be applied as chemical peeling, this high concentration of fruit acid peeling to be implemented by dermatologists. Before the operation to prevent the hot sun, there are bacteria, viral skin disease is prohibited. Do not rub or rub with towels after the operation, do not sunbathe, and do not scratch.
6, fruit acid products can usually be used every morning and evening, but must do a good job of sun protection during the day. Some people have to work outdoors during the day, if you are worried that your skin will be tanned after a long time of exposure to the sun, you can also use it only at night. If the symptoms persist, it is possible that the skin is allergic and should be discontinued immediately.
The concentration of fruit acids should be low rather than high
When the concentration of fruit acids used is too high, the PH value becomes small, the acidity increases, and the acidity stimulates the skin, making the skin red, with a burning sensation, and in serious cases, dermatitis, skin flushing, edema, water, and scaling can occur. When the skin is low pH, if the concentration of fruit acids used is too high, it may harm the skin. Therefore, the concentration of fruit acids is an important factor to be considered when using fruit acid products. However, there is a controversy in various countries as to what concentration of fruit acids should be used, but there is a trend to use low concentrations of fruit acids. High concentrations of fruit acids are only suitable for professional medical aesthetics or medical institutions.
A recent EU report pointed out that the use of fruit acids in cosmetics may increase the damage caused by ultraviolet light, and recommended that the concentration of fruit acids in skin care cosmetics should be reduced from 10 percent to 4 to 2.5 percent.
The German Association of Body Care and Cleaning Products Industry recommends that skin care products should maintain the following limits: concentration less than or equal to 12% and pH greater than or equal to 3. Currently, in Germany, the German legislature will legislate to restrict the use of fruit acids in order to allow users to be more careful with their products.
Dr. Gobbi of Zurich, Switzerland, found that if the concentration of fruit acids exceeds 10% and the pH is below 3, skin irritation and burns can occur and the amount of fruit acids must be reduced. When using fruit acids for home care, Dr. Gobbi recommends a maximum concentration of 10% and a minimum product pH of 3.
Strict regulations will result in safe and effective treatments.
Experts on the subject say that the use of fruit acids lies in proper guidance on their use. Because of the controversy that exists now, it is best to consult a relevant doctor or beauty expert before choosing a fruit acid product to understand your skin type before choosing a relevant fruit acid product to avoid unnecessary adverse consequences.
Fruit acid beauty market expects to be regulated
In view of the current situation of the fruit acid beauty market, the following aspects should be strictly regulated.
1, the publicity on the effect of fruit acid beauty can not exaggerate the efficacy. To let consumers know that the effect of fruit acid beauty is very limited, and do not expect the use of fruit acid, the skin can magically become tender and smooth and also no wrinkles.
2, to let consumers fully understand the side effects of fruit acids and take the necessary precautions.
3, the unit engaged in fruit acid beauty and the qualification of physicians and beauticians must be strictly controlled.
4, the relevant departments should determine the concentration standards (including pH) of fruit acid products in different ways of use.
5, the label of fruit acid products should indicate the concentration, pH value, in addition to the type of fruit acid ingredients.