We all know the benefits of Vitamin C for our bodily health, from fighting the common cold to building immunity— but what do citrus fruits do for the skin? Whether you’re on the hunt for youth or searching to clear up your skin before a big event, citric acid may be the answer to your skincare prayers.
Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is extracted primarily from citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. When used in the right formula and concentration, it has numerous benefits to give your skin that extra glowy and youthful complexion. If you have dull skin, acne, fine lines, or dark spots, citric acid is a potential solution to fix your woes. Due to its highly acidic state, citric acid promotes skin peeling and re-growth by ridding it of dead skin. Therefore, when applied to the skin, the result is often deeper hydration, smaller pores, and reduced signs of aging.
Many skincare brands use citric acid in their cosmetics and personal care products as an exfoliating agent. Citric acid can be found in both powders or liquid form in a variety of moisturizers, creams, serums, oils, soaps, and lotion. All of these have their own unique formula to maintain the optimum level of pH to restore the skin’s normal barrier function.
It is important to note that when applied incorrectly, citric acid can leave a slight tingling sensation. Therefore, a skin test on a small patch of your wrist is recommended. Citric acid is one of those products that can be customized to your own skincare regimen, based on the skin’s sensitivity and general skincare goals. This could mean applying the product once a day to once every few days, or using a cream versus water-based application.
Ultimately, citric acid can really be a vital step to your everyday routine. It provides Vitamin C to brighten, hydrate skin and improve signs of aging, dullness, dark spots, uneven tone, and texture or dryness. It is widely popular in the cosmetic world for its variety of uses and can be customizable to fit your own unique routine. Overall, citric acid will rejuvenate your skincare routine, leaving you feeling healthier, refreshed, and revitalized, ready to tackle your day.
Written by: Rachel Alter