acids — the basis of both chemical peels in salons and home care products. The percentage of acid in home remedies is ten times lower than during salon procedures. This means that the effect will not come as quickly as after peeling. But the action of the remedy will be softer, and you will not harm your skin.

What do acids do anyway?

The main action of acids is exfoliation and renewal of skin cells. In order for the skin without foundation to be as smooth and uniform as with it, the cells must be updated regularly and quickly. The older we get, the longer this process takes. At the age of 20 to 30 years, it takes about 28 days to regenerate, after which the terms increase: skin cells are updated less and less, which leads to a dull shade and uneven skin texture. And acids just help the skin to renew itself in a normal mode. Retinol has similar properties, but it has more contraindications and side effects. In addition to the main action of the acid, they are capable of much. They improve the condition of the skin with acne, pigmentation, wrinkles.

What are the types of acids?

• Fruit (ANA-acids, hydroxyl)

This group includes malic, citric, pyruvic, glycolic, phytic and other acids. What problems are being solved? Narrow pores, lighten age spots, control sebum production, treat inflammation. Means with fruit acids are (and if not, then they should be) for all owners of problem skin.

• Salicylic acid (BHA-acid)

What problems does it solve? Blocks inflammatory processes, reduces sebum production, whitens. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective and popular components for the treatment of oily skin, as well as skin with acne and pigmentation. Salicylic acid has a younger sister, liposalicylic acid. It does not penetrate as deeply as salicylic, but it acts more gently on the skin.

• Summer acids

This group includes lactic, mandelic, ferulic acids. They got the common name due to the fact that they can be used even in summer, without fear of becoming covered with age spots. What problems are being solved? Brighten, smooth, soothe the skin, reduce the damage from UV exposure.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid

What problems does it solve? Fights wrinkles and flabbiness of the skin, fuzzy oval face. Alpha-lipoic acid protects against one of the main causes of aging — glycation, the process of gluing collagen and elastin fibers with sugar. It not only prevents sugar from accumulating in the cells, but also eliminates the damage that he managed to inflict on the skin, for example, loss of elasticity.

• What about hyaluronic acid?

Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide. It consists of molecules of D-glucuronic acid and DN-acetylglucosamine. Memorizing these chemical subtleties is not at all necessary. But the composition explains the name. Unlike real acids, hyaluronate does not exfoliate or whiten anything, but due to its ability to bind and hold water molecules, it moisturizes the best.

Is it possible to use products with different acids at the same time?

No, it’s not worth it. Acids are part of any care products (serums, creams, tonics), and can also be part of tonal products. Texture and format do not affect the effect. Cleansers and masks have time to act even in a short time. Therefore, when choosing a product for every day, it makes sense to be guided by personal preferences. It is impossible to combine different products with different acids on your own. Acids can change the chemical properties of each other. And instead of a positive effect, at best, you will get zero, at worst, skin problems will worsen.

Are there any contraindications?

Yes. Dilated vessels, fresh wounds, herpes, skin hypersensitivity and individual tolerance.

Best time to use: morning/evening; is it every day?

It doesn’t matter, but in the morning — necessarily Top product with SPF.

Acids can be used every day if done correctly. First, you need to introduce them into care gradually, using twice a week. If there are signs of irritation, you should reduce the frequency of use, postpone the remedy for a while or contact a beautician. If the skin reacts calmly to the acid, gradually bring its “communication” with the new product to a daily one. Don’t combine acid cleansers with other types of exfoliants, whether it’s an abrasive scrub or a brush. Daily gentle exfoliation with acids is enough to renew the stratum corneum.

It used to be recommended to apply an acid cream at bedtime so as not to provoke skin photosensitivity. The new generation of home remedies can also be used in the morning. It is important to remember that for all types of acids, except for «summer» acids, protection from UV rays is needed. It is not necessary to apply a thick layer of sunscreen. It can be foundation or mineral powder with SPF.

My personal experience with a mild tonic exfoliant

After the start of the heating season, my skin began to dry out very much, I felt that it was dehydrated and absolutely lacked any kind of moisture. I noticed peeling on the nose, chin, near the lips. I ended up using the cream I kept at home with terrible composition, since I did not have the opportunity to purchase another intensive recovery cream at that time. This led to the fact that I developed subcutaneous acne, although there was less peeling. After consulting with a friend who is a beautician, I purchased this product. Of course, its price scared me to some extent, but I understood that its impact and effectiveness would be more likely to be noticeable and guaranteed.

And so it happened!

Since I had never used products that contained acids before, my skin was not prepared. Accordingly, I began to introduce this toner into my care gradually, using it only in the evening care every other day. After about 2-3 weeks of regular use, I already saw the effect. Peeling finally left my face, my skin tone became more even, and most importantly, the subcutaneous tissue gradually began to disappear! This is not a magic wand, but there is an effect, cumulative and this is the most important thing! I think I’ll take a break from using after a while and then try again. I advise anyone who has had the same problems as me to try the mild tonic exfoliant from the By Wishtrend brand. I have combination skin, for other skin types, I think you should consult with a specialist first. Unfortunately, there are no photos, since I did not initially think about writing a review. In general, I recommend!