Benefits of Citric Acid for Skin – Why is Citric Acid Good for Skin? – Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Benefits of Citric Acid for Skin – Why is Citric Acid Good for Skin?

Citric acid may sound like something you’d find in a lemon cake recipe, but it’s also an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that repairs the skin. Citric acid can deliver impressive results for your skin, which is probably why it’s added to all sorts of recipes! But what exactly is this pungent-sounding compound that our skin loves so much? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of citric acid.

What is citric acid?

Citric acid is an organic acid that is found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. It’s also worth noting that they’re also found in some berries.

Citric acid was first crystallized from lemon juice in 1893 by chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and was first used in the food industry. Not only is citric acid used as a flavoring agent for food and beverages, it’s also a very common ingredient in cosmetics. One million tons are produced every year and used in more than 10,000 different cosmetic products.

Although citric acid falls into the AHA category, it has many skin-benefitting properties, which is why this particular facial acid is so widely valued. You will often find that many of your products contain some amount of citric acid, such as: B. Cleansers, masks, serums, and moisturizers.

Is citric acid good for your skin?

Yes, absolutely. Citric acid is part of the larger alpha hydroxy acid family and can provide many benefits to your skin. Citric acid acts as a chemical exfoliant in the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and evens out skin tone. Citric acid is also used as an effective pH adjuster in skin care formulas.

Important Benefits of Citric Acid for Skin:

Exfoliates and removes dead skin cells.

As a chemical peel, it unclogs pores.

Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Helps even out skin tone, which is why most toners contain citric acid.

Fights hyperpigmentation and dark spots, helping to brighten, soften, and smooth skin.

Fights minor breakouts like blemishes and blackheads.

Citric acid is rich in antioxidants.

Rich in antioxidants, citric acid protects your skin barrier from daily aggressors that you unknowingly encounter as soon as you step out of the door. Pollution, environmental impacts, and toxins can damage the skin and lead to breakouts and premature aging. By fighting the skin with citric acid, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and the first signs of aging are reduced.

Citric Acid Adjusts the pH of Your Skin

Citric acid is slightly different from other AHAs available in that it can adjust the pH of your skincare products so that they don’t become too alkaline. This is important for all cosmetics because the natural pH of the skin is generally acidic. Therefore, using too much alkalinity can strip the skin of its important natural oils. However, using products that are too acidic can cause stinging and irritation. Fortunately, balancing the pH of citric acid is a simple task, and you’ll find that it’s usually available in powder form, making it easier to mix into formulas.

Citric Acid Exfoliates Your Skin

Some studies have shown that citric acid can exfoliate the skin and restore radiance to previously dull complexions. One thing to keep in mind is that the acid concentration in these studies was as high as 20%, which is actually professional strength and not recommended for home use. If you choose a lower concentration, you will get safer results without any reactions.

If you use standard household products, you will find that citric acid can shrink and open pores, remove dead skin cells and dirt, and give you a glowing skin.

Citric Acid Repairs Sun Damaged Skin and Evens Out Skin Tone

Citric acid has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of skin pigmentation and dark spots. When applied topically, citric acid works on the outer layer of the skin to repair the skin’s barrier function, thereby preventing UV rays from penetrating areas that have suffered photodamage, which can darken pigmentation.

It’s important to remember that while citric acid can help treat UV damage, it can also make the skin more sensitive to light, so daily use of sunscreen is essential.

Is citric acid safe for the skin?

Absolutely, but be careful. Citric acid is often found in DIY masks, scrubs, and even self-tanning treatment recipes. I don’t want to stop you from trying some home recipes, but you need to remember how powerful citric acid is and that incorrect dosage can cause skin reactions such as itching, burning, and redness.

If you want to see how citric acid can improve the appearance of your skin, you should try skin care products that contain the right concentration of citric acid and won’t cause irritation or other issues.

How can you incorporate citric acid into your daily routine?

While citric acid is one of the milder acids, it still needs to be introduced slowly to the skin to prevent a skin reaction. Over-the-counter products that contain citric acid are generally better for home use because the concentrates are lower. After a patch test, use the product once a week to allow your skin to adjust. If your skin allows, you can apply it 2-3 times a week, morning and night. Don’t forget to apply a high SPF sunscreen after using citric acid in the morning.

DIY citric acid mask recipes have become very popular on social media platforms, and while it’s tempting to recreate them at home, it’s best to stick to formulated products and professional chemical peels.

Can all skin types use citric acid?

Almost all skin types benefit from using citric acid. However, be careful when doing this.

If you have an oilier skin type and large pores, citric acid may be the right solution for you. The acid can penetrate the skin and remove excess oil and bacteria from the pores that can cause blackheads and pimples. This can also be a great help for people with blemish-prone skin.

If you have sensitive and dry skin, you shouldn’t take citric acid lightly. This AHA can give your face a wonderful glow, but if you make the mistake of using too much or too often, it can cause stinging, burning, and irritation to your skin. If your skin is allergic, you should forgo citric acid and perhaps try another fruit acid.

Is citric acid safe for the skin? What are the side effects of citric acid?

As with all acids, there are some side effects to watch out for when using citric acid.

The skin is becoming increasingly sensitive to UV rays. To prevent permanent sun damage, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day.

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience stinging, burning, and irritation.

Before introducing citric acid into your daily routine, it’s best to do a patch test. Apply a pea-sized amount to your forearm and leave it on for 24 hours. Watch closely for signs of reaction and irritation. As with all skin care products, it’s up to you to decide whether to use citric acid. However, if you’re still concerned, talk to your primary care physician or dermatologist.

That’s our guide to citric acid. This natural acid is beneficial to your skin in a variety of ways. No wonder it’s so common as an ingredient in many skin care products.

You see, even in its most natural form, citric acid works wonders. Here’s a top tip: if you’re having trouble with your tan, rub half a lemon on the area you want to dissolve it, then rinse it off in the shower. It’s that simple, and another example of how awesome AHAs are. So next time life gives you lemons… at least now you know there are a lot of things you can do with them instead of making lemonade!

Want to learn more about products you can use with citric acid? Check out our guide to hyaluronic acid.

Don’t miss out on more skincare tips and expert advice on our YouTube channel! Click the Subscribe button to visit our green couch. You won’t regret it!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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