Acid season – do you know and use them?

Acid season is the theme of the autumn competition organised with the CzasNaZmianę.pl portal. This time we asked: do you use treatments with acids? And if so, which acids work best for your skin? What skin problems do you use them for? Are acid treatments effective for your problems?

 

 

Acid treatments are definitely among my favourites. I am very keen to use them as they offer the opportunity to level several problems at once. I am currently 28 years old and struggle mainly with periodic inflammation and recurring hyperpigmentation. My skin problems are largely hormonal and the acids allow me to control the ‘whims’ of my skin. I use mandelic acid and lactic acid most often, and as a result, inflammation occurs far less frequently and hyperpigmentation is no longer as visible as it was before treatment. The overall hydration and tone of the skin has also improved. I’m also currently making friends with ferulic acid and I can already say that we seem to like each other 🙂

 

I am 35 years old. I have oily skin with numerous blemishes and I like to use treatments with acids. I really enjoy these treatments because I see great results. They rid my skin of dead cells as well as impurities. The pores are unclogged and the skin is deeply cleansed. My skin better absorbs the nutrients provided. At the same time, it is not prone to more irritation. I personally like deeply exfoliating glycolic acid, gentle almond acid (especially in summer), pyruvic acid for blackheaded complexions. With a massage and algae mask, the whole thing gives the effect of a refreshed and brightened complexion. I myself undergo such a comprehensive treatment from time to time. It is difficult to overestimate fruit acid-based treatments. They refresh, brighten and rejuvenate the skin. I hear praise for them from every beautician. At home, however, I give myself fruit acid peels: lemon and strawberry. After these, my skin is very brightened and smooth.

 

In answer to the competition question, I will share my experience when it comes to acid treatments. I am 24 years old. My skin has been prone to acne since puberty. Unfortunately, despite using many anti-acne treatments, nothing helped. I had red scars and spots on my face. On the advice of a friend, I went to a recommended beautician who suggested a series of treatments using mandelic acid. My skin became brighter, smoother and luminous. An added plus was that the treatments could be done all year round. During the winter-autumn period, I had another series of treatments, this time with lactic acid, which visibly reduced scars and redness and nourished the facial skin. I am pleased with the result achieved. I am currently using a facial cream with mandelic acid to maintain the effect achieved.

 

I have only had acid treatments four times – pyruvic acid and mandelic acid. After both, I have already noticed changes in my complexion. My skin is unfortunately an acne-prone complexion. It was smooth, supple, the red acne marks were less and less visible every day, my face became more radiant and I no longer had a problem with excessive sebum secretion. Fantastic effect! I have been fighting blemishes for more than seven years now and have tried various “specifics,” also, which sometimes unfortunately irritated my complexion, and I was losing faith that I would ever be able to leave the house freely without putting fluid on my face. Of course, I also tried to be careful about what I eat, as I learned from many sources that this also has a significant impact on the state of my skin. After the acid treatments, my skin looked radiant, with friends asking how I managed to achieve such an effect.

 

I am about to turn 62, and I have not yet used an acid treatment. I know a lot about it, but I still have some concerns. My problem is mainly hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles – in line with my age. This autumn I’m going to opt for such a treatment, but for now with glycolic and lactic or mandelic acid cream. I will see what the results will be. A possible visit to a cosmetic surgery is a matter for the future.

 

In autumn, when the temperature drops, I try to regenerate my skin after the summer and I use scrubs and acids without any worries, choosing them appropriately, of course. Enzyme peels help to cleanse the face and prepare it for skincare treatments. For day and night I use ‘RED STOP’ creams with azelaic acid, which is my biggest and greatest discovery! It reduces redness, soothes and calms. It visibly reduces my skin’s susceptibility to temperature changes, stress and touch. In addition, it helps to nullify the inflammatory changes that so easily occur with rosacea and has an antibacterial effect. I also treat myself once in a while with mandelic acid treatment, as it helps to moisturise and cleanse my skin without irritating it. Who would have thought that acids soothe! 🙂

 

I have been using acid treatments for 4 years. So far I have used five types of acids: lactic, glycolic, salicylic, lactobionic and mandelic. There have been times when I have used several acids at the same time, but of “lesser potency”. When it became certain that the hot and sunny days were over, I opted for a treatment using three acids: lactobionic, glycolic and salicylic, each at 24%. Even after the first treatment, you can see that the dead skin has been exfoliated. The skin on the face became firmer, tighter, but at the same time hydrated, fresh, flushed and visibly younger :). The unhealthy tinge of “passed tan” has disappeared. However, I am most fond of mandelic acid and preparations based on it due to the fact that it is the most skin-friendly. I enjoy sunbathing. I do my work outdoors and at the beginning of the Polish summer I already look like I’ve been on holiday in Egypt. When I found out that mandelic acid is very popular among women living in warm countries and can be used practically all year round, I decided to test it on myself. In my case, mandelic acid not only exfoliates keratinised epidermis and stimulates skin renewal, but also strengthens it and my rather fragile blood vessels, so that no new ‘spider veins’ have appeared for some time. Thanks to the mandelic acid I used in the cream throughout the summer, the spots and discolourations from a sunburn 8 years ago have disappeared. And another merit of mandelic acid…… Since I’ve been using it, my skin on my face during the pre-menstrual period has normalised sebum secretion. I have forgotten about the horrible, painful pimples that kept popping up despite my age. Before, the appearance of my face betrayed everything. Acids are great, so IT’S TIME FOR ACIDS!

 

I have used mandelic acid treatments (20%). I used only mandelic acid and it worked very well. In the future I would be happy to try other acids (e.g. glycolic, pyruvic, lactic). I have quite a few skin problems, namely acne and acne blemishes. I have observed that acid treatments are effective for my problems. My skin loves acids! I am 22 years old.

 

Age 33.I have been using acids regularly for 4 years when I just started my love affair with cosmetology on a professional foot. I have tried from almond to glycolic. The effectiveness depends on what state my skin is in. If imperfections appear, mainly in the early autumn, I do treatments pyruvic acid, which soothes my lesions nicely and regulates sebum. In winter, on the other hand, I do typically exfoliating acid, namely glycolic acid. This is complemented by a glycolic acid cream, but this is at a much lower concentration. This acid exfoliates nicely for me, lightens summer discolouration as well as scars from imperfections.

 

The topic covered in this competition is really very interesting, especially as I have some experience with acids My name is Wioletta and I am 47 years old. As you can easily guess, I already have problems related to my skin. Age does its own thing. I have taken part in several cosmetic treatments based on acids. To get a really good result, one treatment is not enough. The effects are not for life, but they certainly bring joy at least for those few months. Below, I will describe my experience with them, and how my history with them began in general. What are acid treatments? I became interested in the topic of acids a few years back because during a henna treatment at a beautician’s, we started a conversation about skincare for women of all ages. After leaving the salon, I came to the conclusion that this would be an interesting solution, especially at my age, where the presence of wrinkles affects not only me, but probably every woman already. I don’t have acne, seborrhoea or pigmented lesions, against which these treatments also work, but I am affected by problems such as tired skin that lacks radiance, deep wrinkles and small acne scars. Later on, I started to browse through various articles on the internet on the subject. I knew that I was one of the many women in the world with complexes. I wanted to feel more confident and take time for myself in this busy week. I hoped that my skin would regain its radiance and nice colour. And that is exactly what happened. When it comes to the type of acids, there are really a lot of them with different pH concentrations. The strongest ones are obtained by dermatologists, after which you can really see a big improvement. The peel is applied to the décolletage area, neck and face. I found out a lot more detailed information from the Internet, but I already knew the basics, i.e. that an acid peel is a professional peel to which acids of various types are added. The skin is actually dead cells and the acids allow it to exfoliate faster. Along with getting rid of the epidermis, impurities, bacteria etc. also disappear from our skin. Eventually, our pores unclog, cleanse and the skin takes on a nice appearance, lightens, the colour evens out, discolouration disappears. However, you have to take very good care of your skin after such a procedure, as it is particularly sensitive and easily irritated. On the plus side, subsequent cosmetics will be better absorbed and more necessary nutrients will be supplied to our skin. Unfortunately, it is not possible to do such a treatment at home, although many creams with acids and other types of cosmetics are now being developed. (…) My skin is a dry, sensitive type, so immediately after this treatment, I would do another, a moisturising one, to give my skin extra protection and smoothness. It is also advisable to use mineral cosmetics composed of natural ingredients. I also read about contraindications that would prevent me from having this treatment: pregnancy, open wounds, frostbite, burns, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune diseases and diabetes. Fortunately, I did not have any of these symptoms and was able to confidently take part in the treatment. My impressions? It was really great, painless and pleasant at the same time. Before the treatment itself, however, I had to use a special glycolic cream for a few days . There was a discussion during which the right acid was chosen for me, a test to see if I was allergic, etc. I was given many warnings not to do this peel in winter, but luckily we had autumn. I was banned from going to the sauna and sunbathing. I don’t like the sun, so it wasn’t a big problem for me, but I found the sauna more difficult to give up, but what you don’t do for a beautiful complexion. From what I found out, the use of vitamin C was also forbidden. There are many types of acids, used depending on the skin problem. However, I will focus on the ones I myself have taken part in and can already write something about. The first one is mandelic, used just for my skin type. Almond acid is an α-hydroxy acid obtained by hydrolysis of bitter almond extract. It improves the condition of the skin, also oily skin with dilated pores, often also with acne scars becomes softer, scars become shallower. This peeling provided my skin with elasticity, reduction of the number and depth of wrinkles, brightening. I noticed the effect after 5 treatments 🙂 From what I’ve read, there are even these scrubs now available in powder form that you can do yourself, but I wouldn’t risk it. I prefer it when someone experienced does my skin. If it wasn’t for the regularity, I don’t know if the effect would have been similar. After the first one, I saw a slight difference. Before the treatment, my skin was degreased, cleaned and the acid was applied with a brush, a very pleasant moment. The skin pinched slightly, then the skin was exfoliated. Another was a glycolic acid peel, with which I have funny memories. It is a type of acid that, when applied to the face, slightly pinches. But luckily the person next to me was holding a mini fan and cooling my face, gosh what a relief! It is today at the thought of this comical situation that I smile. After the scrub, my skin was very tight, after a few days it started to peel in the chin and nose area. I didn’t scratch it, I didn’t wash it with scrubs as this would only irritate my skin. I repeated it 4 times and the effect was also surprising. My skin became radiant, wrinkles were gently evened out, acne scars were reduced, pores were cleared, my neck became supple. To sum up, in answering your questions I have used acid treatments, but now I have had to give them up as the reason is the high cost and I currently have savings mode on. However, mandelic acid worked better on my skin and it is the one I recommend to my friends. After the same number of treatments, he has brought more benefits to my skin, especially when it comes to wrinkles and acne scars. I have used it for skin problems such as the wrinkles already mentioned, acne scars and grey skin that lacks radiance. And the most important answer: YES! Acid treatments are a wonderful thing and have had a huge impact on the state of my skin. I don’t regret having tried it. I will definitely try them again, but currently the budget doesn’t allow me. The skin is beautiful afterwards.

 

I benefit from acid treatments. Most often I have a microdermabrasion treatment at the beauty parlour, and then my face is nourished with shikimic and lactic acid cream. I have dry, lacklustre skin. The treatments I get moisturise and optimally tighten my face. I am 43 years old.

 

I am 25 years old and have been using acid treatments in the autumn for several years now. The AHA acids that work best on my skin are magdalic and glycolic acids. I have also found azelaic acid to be effective, which nicely lightens the post-sun and acne blemishes I struggle with. Acid treatments have proven to be a lifesaver for my problem skin. I use acids during professional treatments and also in my daily skincare in the form of toners and creams. At first I was quite sceptical about acids, but I have found them to be very effective.

 

I am 33 years old and I used acids for oily and acne problems. So far I am faithful to salicylic acid and glycolic acid. I think it is after them that the condition of my skin is better. It looks beautiful and the acne is disappearing.

 

I am 29 years old. I am a medical doctor. I use professional treatments with acids in cosmetic surgeries. I always start with almond acid in increasing concentrations and end with glycolic acid. In addition, I use creams that contain acids in their formulation to maintain the effect from the surgery. I use acids to exfoliate my skin, to get rid of hyperpigmentation and acne scars, as I have very oily skin with dilated pores. It is the only treatment that helps my skin problems and the best method of skin care in my case.   During my cosmetology class at school, I had the opportunity to test several different acids. Glycolic and AHA had an irritating effect on me, my skin was very red and irritated after them. This effect lasted for a good few days. About a month later, I had a mandelic acid treatment and surprisingly, my skin was without any signs of redness afterwards and the irritation has not appeared to this day! Thanks to this treatment, I got rid of the excess sebum that my oily/mixed skin produces in excess. My pores were perfectly cleared and my skin was smooth and velvety, gently tightened. Since I’ve finished doing acid treatments, I regularly go to a beautician for such a treatment with almond acid. I can’t imagine letting it go. My skin was kind of “oily” and unpleasant to the touch. Numerous pimples and blackheads disfigured my natural beauty. Today, I don’t have these problems. Mandelic acid works wonders on my 23-year-old face and décolleté skin. I can confidently say that my décolletage has improved by 100%. It is no longer so saggy, dry and pimple-ridden. I used to get rashes from the sun when I was sunbathing, after using a series of acid treatments, the problem disappeared. A miracle? Just one! The fact that someone discovered something like mandelic acid!   My adventure with this type of skincare began three years ago, at the age of twenty-eight. The first treatment I had done in an aesthetician’s office was a lactic acid peel. I must honestly admit that the results exceeded my expectations and so now, I can’t imagine ever giving them up. The acids that best meet the needs of my combination skin (of those used so far) are: – lactic acid- I treat treatments with it as a long-term, gentle yet effective treatment. Lactic acid peels do not cause me any discomfort, which is why I am so keen to use them. Their main purpose is to calm excessive sebum production in the “T” zone, even out skin tone and remove accumulated dead skin. The lactic acid makes the complexion fresher, the make-up looks much better (in fact, I have noticed that I use it much less, which makes me very happy!), the skin has a healthy glow because it is better moisturised. Another huge advantage is that I can fully enjoy the benefits of professional products applied at night, I mean all kinds of serums. I feel that they penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. – Almond Acid – I use it to remove blemishes left behind by imperfections. I have never struggled with typical acne lesions, but during the monthly hormonal storm 😉 in the area of my chin or temples, I can get single imperfections. They are difficult to remove, but thanks to the use of mandelic acid, the “recovery” period is much shorter. What is also fantastic is that it effectively improves the appearance of my complexion. I notice that it manages to eliminate blackheads and clogged pores in the nose area, which are very common with combination skin. The skin starts to breathe, becomes more radiant, supple and just looks healthier. In my opinion, proper care, or so-called “prevention”, is the best choice for us. Choosing the right cosmetics may cost more, but it is a kind of investment in a “better future” for our skin. At 31, I am very satisfied with the state of my skin, but it is even more satisfying to see other women starting down this path. Those closest to my heart like my Mum, sister or friends and others such as work colleagues often ask what my ‘secret’ is? I don’t think you can hear a greater compliment than that?   I use aha acid-based treatments. The ones that work best on me are lactic acid and azelaic acid. I mainly use them in the form of scrubs and tonics. My main problems are a lot of acne blemishes and excessive sebum production. My skin is prone to acne and excessive oiliness. Thanks to the acid-based treatments, my skin secretes less sebum, stops shining and the so-called ‘surprises’ occur less. But the biggest success for me is the gradual lightening of hyperpigmentation.

 

At my beautician’s, I do an autumn-winter once in a while treatment with mandelic acid – it brightens and refreshes the skin a bit. It is quite gentle but effective. I use this treatment to lighten post-inflammatory and post-sun discolouration. At home, I occasionally use a 12% glycolic acid cream to exfoliate slightly. I think these treatments work well on my skin and its problems, the freckles and spots whiten slightly but are a little visible. The acids are good for brightening up the skin after a sunny summer (I live by the sea, here it is impossible not to go to the beach and tan;)). My age is 38…

Yes I use acids on my face, they work great on blemishes whitening my skin, and I use quite strong as 70% glycolic however that I have oily skin and quite resistant I can afford to use such a strong acid. I am 28 years old. The benefits of the acids are the unification of my discoloured skin after the summer and its regeneration.

Yes – I have acne-prone skin and, as part of my fight against scars and hyperpigmentation, I have had specialised acid-based treatments at dermatological and cosmetic surgeries on several occasions. These were chemical peels based on salicylic-glycolic acid or lactic acid. The actions of the former were much more intense – my skin was irritated, but recovered quickly and the effects of soothing/suppressing inflammation were apparent. The lactic acid was much gentler, so could also be used in summer. The skin did not peel, and after just a few applications it was more uniform and toned in colour. The effects were certainly there, but required several applications. I have not yet tried home care products with acids and am very curious about the effects. I am 29 years old.

I am 39 years old. I have been using acid treatments for 3 years. These are fruit acid treatments. I use them because I have noticed signs of my skin lacking tightness, firmness. I’ve also always been prone to hyperpigmentation, especially after summer, and I’ve also had acne problems. For me, these treatments work b. well, maybe they don’t remove the wrinkles that are already appearing, but they do remove hyperpigmentation and acne.

Of course I benefit from acid treatments. What works best for my skin are the AHA acids. They are brilliant for regenerating my skin, which, due to its age, is already in great need of it. They also restore radiance – the skin gets a solid boost. In addition, it is smoothed, firmed and radiant. After a treatment with these acids, I feel like I’ve shed my old skin and exposed a beautiful, healthier layer of skin. The AHA acids do a great job on my dry and increasingly lacklustre skin, which feels like new in an instant thanks to them. I would love to continue this cosmetic adventure of mine and learn more about the wonderful properties of other acids 🙂

Yes, I do benefit from acid treatments. The best for my dry and mature skin is glycolic acid, because it hydrates and regenerates the skin and also reduces wrinkles. It improves the elasticity of the skin and fine lines are less visible. In my case, the glycolic acid treatments are very effective, you can see this after a few treatments. Anyway, at my age (58) my skin is flabby, dry and lacks elasticity, so glycolic acid stimulates the skin’s regenerative processes, tightening and moisturising it.