Acid is not just the scary substance we all know. There are different types and concentrations of acid, some of which are also beneficial for the skin. Acid therapy is one of the newest treatment and skin care methods used to eliminate acne, wrinkles, age spots and scars.
If you look at the ingredients on skin care products, you can see that some of them contain some type of acid that is good for the skin. In the following, we will introduce you to the types of acids and their properties.
Benefits of skin acid therapy
Each type of acid is used for specific types of skin problems. But in general, acids help with:
- Skin exfoliation
- Keep pores clean
- Reduce acne
- Treatment of boils
- Even skin tone
- Clarify the skin
- Treatment of melasma
- Treatment of age spots
- Anti-aging and reduction of fine lines
- Skin lightening
Different types of acid and their uses for the skin
In general, we have two types of acid; AHAs and BHAs; AHAs are water-soluble and act mostly on the surface of the skin, while BHAs penetrate deep into clogged pores and are therefore useful in treating and preventing acne. On the other hand, AHA acid exfoliation reduces calcium ions in the skin and causes skin surface cells to fall off. For skin acid therapy, exfoliation and cleansing power is more in this group and it is more suitable for skin rejuvenation and prevention of aging. But BHA exfoliation has antibacterial properties and is more suitable for sensitive skin and increases the durability of the skin against ultraviolet rays and is more suitable for acne prone skin.
| Acid | Acid application |
| Lactic acid | It is prepared from milk and other alternative plant sources and has softening and hydrating properties. |
| Citric acid | This citrus acid is very effective for exfoliating and removing dead skin cells. |
| Glycolic acid | This acid is extracted from sugarcane extract and is used to clean the skin from dead cells, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, open skin pores, and acne. |
| Malic acid | This light acid is effective in combination with other exfoliators to lighten the skin, remove dark spots and smooth the skin, and it has a wonderful moisturizing effect on the skin |
| Salicylic acid | This type of acid is extracted from the willow plant and removes dead skin cells. It is also very suitable for cracked and oily skin. |
Commonly used acids for skin care
| Acid | Acid application |
| Lactic, citric, malic and tartaric acids | It is used to even out and lighten skin color and hydrate and treat sun damaged skin. |
| Ferulic acid | It is an antioxidant substance that is mostly used in combination with vitamins C and E in serums. This acid neutralizes the effects of harmful free radicals produced by UV rays. |
| Lipoic acid | This acid has anti-aging and wrinkle reduction benefits. |
| Trichloroacetic acid | It is used for exfoliation and especially for reducing scars. |
| Alguronic acid | This acid has anti-aging and wrinkle reduction benefits, but research is still ongoing. |
Less used acids for skin care
Don’t worry about which type of acid to choose for your skin. Your biotherapist or doctor will help you choose the best type for skin acid therapy. Considering your conditions and skin problems, they suggest and perform the best treatment for you.
Side effects of acid therapy
Be careful in choosing your beauty clinic to perform this skin service. Because using the wrong ingredients will cause your skin to be exfoliated in the wrong way and your skin will become thin. As a result, it becomes sensitive and may react a lot to light and other stimuli.
Do not do skin acid therapy at home
Using acidic materials requires skills and knowledge that not all people have. In addition, the experience needed to do this work cannot be easily acquired. Peeling with acid may cause burning and tingling sensation of the skin. Or even worse is the possibility of burning the skin, and according to Dr. Lancer, this risk is very serious and its effect may never disappear.
