Acids that stars use in red carpet effect skin

The ingredient that is never lacking in the beauty routine of divas is the beauty acid, a real elixir of youth. This substance is the absolute protagonist of the rituals that precede the red carpet. The reason? Simple: it regenerates the skin in depth, giving the face a silky, compact and luminous effect. In its most popular forms of cosmetics there are alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs and beta-hydroxy acids or BHAs, the former are soluble in water, such as malic, glycolic, tartaric acids and usually derive from fruit, they act only on the most superficial layer of the skin, while the BHAs are soluble in oil and penetrate deeper by removing the dead cells of the skin that clog pores, the most famous of which is salicylic acid.

Celebs find them unbeatable to ensure the beauty of their complexion. From the glycolic loved by Jennifer Lopez to the retinoic that Sofia Vergara is crazy about, here we present the most popular acids of showbiz

«Acids have been widely used in cosmetics since ancient times, already Egyptian women used them to make the skin more beautiful, exploiting their flaking, smoothing and lightening action. In more recent times, towards the end of the last century, acids for filling purposes such as hyaluronic and polylactic acids were introduced “, explains the Dr. Alberto Gorani, specialist in dermatology who practices his profession at the Milan office in via Pergolesi, Cogliate (in the province of Monza and Brianza) and Voghera (province of Pavia). We asked him to reveal the secrets of the various acids. Secrets that are also those of beauty of the celebrities who use them. Are you ready to become an acid addict? Here’s everything you need to know.

GLYCOLIC ACID, AGAINST SPOTS
Living proof of how good is glycolic acid for the skin? Jennifer Lopez. The singer and actress who best brings her springs is an affectionate consumer of this substance, as she has stated several times to People magazine. He appreciates its ability to illuminate the epidermis, minimizing spots and irregularities. Also Angelina Jolie she always uses it, as her dermatologist, Dr. Rhonda Rand, revealed to InStyle magazine. «Glycolic acid is able to decrease the production of melanin therefore it is indicated for hyperpigmentation, moderate chrono and photoaging and hyperkeratosis. It can be used to carry out a superficial or superficial-medium peeling based on the concentration and number of passes ”, explains Doctor Gorani. Glycolic therefore proves to be an excellent treatment for various skin problems, from wrinkles caused by excessive sun exposure to those related to age, from thickening of the skin to spots. «It is also used in creams and serums at lower percentages (maximum 4%) and, in conjunction with other acids and substances with keratolytic action, it can improve the seborrheic skin. It is also used as an exfoliant in mature skin ».

MANDELIC ACID, AGAINST WRINKLES AND ACNE SIGNS
After that Belen Rodriguez recommended the weekly use of mandelic acid in a video posted on his Instagram profile, this ingredient has won many of his followers. The luminous skin of the model and showgirl, in fact, is a good incentive to welcome this substance in one’s beauty case. «Mandelic acid is an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid, derived from almonds, with antibacterial properties. It is less aggressive than other hydroxy acids, so it is also good for the most sensitive skin. It can be used for very delicate peels, at a concentration of 40%. It has an exfoliating, progressive and non-annoying action, indicated in the case of very sensitive and hyper reactive skin since this acid is well tolerated », adds Doctor Gorani. It can be found in creams to treat mild acne, in combination with other acids. But also the formulation of anti-aging products provides it thanks to the depigmenting and reparative action in photoaged skin.

SALICYLIC ACID, FOR IMPURE AND ACNE-PRINTING SKIN
Gives Jessica Alba a Margot Robbie passing through Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, salicylic acid is a friend to the skin of the goddesses of the Hollywood Olympus. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley solved seborrheic and acne-prone skin problems thanks to this ingredient, as she explained in various videos on her YouTube channel. “Salicylic acid is used as a peeling for acne in concentrations of 15-30%, in acne creams in concentrations from 2 to 4% or in lower concentrations for combination skin, thickened or in cases of hyperpigmentation ( associated with other substances). Thanks to its keratolytic action, it is used in higher concentrations (up to 30%) in creams and ointments to reduce localized hyperkeratosis, seborrheic and actinic keratoses ».

RETINOIC ACID, AGAINST WRINKLES AND ACNE SIGNS
Have you ever wondered why Sofia Vergara do you look like a 20 year old despite being close to fifty? A little bit of nature, a little bit of luck but a little bit of retinoic acid too! Woman’s Health magazine revealed her loyalty to this vitamin A derivative. And Vergara is certainly not the only actress to make extensive use of it: da Busy Philipps a Jennifer Garner, the list of retinol fans is long. The reason is twofold, since it is both an excellent anti-wrinkle and an excellent ally to combat acne problems. «Retinoic acid acts on the differentiation of keratinocytes and on fibroblasts by means of a non-immediate pharmacological action, causing a restructuring of the skin. It is found in acne and skin aging creams in varying concentrations, from 0.01% to 0.05%. To obtain an optimal action, it must be administered at the right concentration and frequency of application », explains Dr. Alberto Gorani.

HYALURONIC ACID, FOR DEEP HYDRATE
If you want a porcelain skin like that of Scarlett Johansson, then stock up on hyaluronic acid. The actress uses it daily in serums and creams, as reported by InStyle. Do you want an example at the antipodes of her diaphanous skin? Kerry Washington. Her wonderful dark skin seems to be so toned and compact thanks to the constant use of hyaluronic serums, as the star revealed in an interview with Time magazine. Both very light and dark complexions find in this substance an excellent ingredient of beauty and youth and the credit goes to the very powerful moisturizing effect. «Hyaluronic acid belongs to the glycosaminoglycans, molecules that are found in the fundamental substance of the connective tissues (and therefore also in the dermis) where they have a strong ability to retain water. It is used in most of creams and serums with an anti-aging effect due to its water-regulating action, giving the skin a more uniform, smooth and luminous appearance. It is also used at a high concentration by injection, to fill wrinkles and restore volumes of the face ».

LACTIC ACID, EXFOLIATES AND STIMULATES THE SYNTHESIS OF COLLAGEN
Lactic acid works wonders on both particularly fair and dark skin, as demonstrated by the perfect faces of Reese Witherspoon on the one hand and of Halle berry on the other. Both actresses shared their skincare secret on Instagram. Being an exfoliant, as the dermatologist Alberto Gorani explains, lactic acid is used in creams and serums due to its keratolytic properties and to modify the pH of products. It decreases skin spots caused by age and sun exposure, promotes cell turnover and stimulates collagen synthesis, making the skin softer and more elastic.

TARTARIC ACID, FOR A LIGHTENING EFFECT
Cameron Diaz, on the other hand, among the cosmetic acids he loves the less known one, namely tartaric. During an interview with Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, the actress talked about the potential of this ingredient (which is also the star of her Avaline, an organic wine brand that the celeb has just launched on the market).
«Tartaric acid is an organic acid found in numerous plants, particularly abundant in grapes both in free form and in the form of salts. It is found in creams and serums for its exfoliating, antioxidant and depigmenting properties, often associated with other fruit acids (alpha-hydroxy acids) », adds the dermatologist Gorani.
Its use in creams for the treatment of acne and against the signs of skin aging is by virtue of the lightening action that it triggers on the skin, thanks to which it is able to minimize wrinkles and post acne scars.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ACIDS FOR TOPICAL USE
Often in creams there are several acids of different nature combined together, to enhance their effect. Doctor Alberto Gorani explains that the winning combinations are those that see salicylic with glycolic or salicylic plus mandelic. But the topical use of these substances is not without contraindications, it warns us: “Acids can cause acute eczema, irritative dermatitis, ongoing skin infections (especially viral), other inflammatory skin diseases (except acne ) and very dry and chapped skin ».

ACIDS TO BE TAKEN ALSO AS SUPPLEMENTS
Acids are incorporated not only in serums and creams to prevent and treat chrono and photoaging: some can also be taken orally, in the form of food supplements. “You can take hyaluronic acid by mouth to hydrate, the fatty acids of the omega 3 and omega 6 series (linoleic, linolenic and gamma-linolenic) to maintain the normal structure and functionality of the epidermis, especially useful for counteracting dryness cutaneous. Even L-ascorbic acid can be taken orally, for an antioxidant effect ». In addition to supplements, Dr. Gorani explains that a healthy diet is able to provide the right doses of acids. For healthy, supple and glowing skin, fill your plate with foods rich in long-chain omega 3 fatty acids such as fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid), nuts, soybeans , flax seeds (rich in alpha-linolenic acid), almonds, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, cabbage, peppers, pumpkin, extra virgin olive oil, fresh fruit (especially kiwi and oranges) and whole grains (oats, spelled, buckwheat).