Just like the saying goes, "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away”, but can it also prevent visits from dermatologists? Possibly, if you're considering using malic acid. It's one of the kinder acids, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is taken from apples. However, just because there is a lower likelihood of unpleasant or irritating side effects, it doesn't mean it is futile. Dermatologists admire its brightening properties as a go-to method for aiding in the (gentle) removal of dead, dry skin cells that can leave your complexion pale and lifeless.
On the other hand, in this article, we will be talking about what kind of ingredient malic acid is, how beneficial it is to your health and to your skin, and learn more about Goodieco’s Ageless Routine that contains this fascinating ingredient!
Malic Acid
Alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA, is a fruit-derived acid that is naturally present in both pears and apples. Malic acid is one form of AHA.
Like other AHAs, it exfoliates the skin's top, superficial layer, which improves the texture of the skin, helps to lighten discoloration and helps to clear clogged pores. 1 It differs from other acids in a few important ways, though. Its size comes first and foremost.
Compared to other alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid, malic acid has a bigger molecule. Malic acid might be a decent option if other acids have in the past caused your skin to break out. If you have sensitive skin and require a light AHA, then this is the right one for you. It's true that it's less efficient than other acids because it can't penetrate the skin as deeply, which is why many topical solutions frequently combine it with other AHAs and BHAs.
It also has the added advantage of serving as a humectant, which is a substance that draws moisture to the skin and holds it there. Malic acid is significantly gentler than other skincare acids due to its increased capacity for hydration, as well as it's greater size and lower penetration.
Malic Acid Production
Malic acid is commonly utilized as a natural flavor and preservative in the food and beverage sector. Additionally, it is utilized in some cosmetic items, dietary supplements, and medications to bind substances.
Malic acid is produced by plants naturally, but it cannot be economically harvested. These are the best techniques for manufacturing Malic Acid:
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Benzene - Maleic acid is first created by converting benzene. Malic acid, maleic acid, and fumaric acid are created by heating and applying pressure to the maleic acid. Following that, the malic acid is cleaned and separated by washing, evaporation, and crystallization.
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Fumaric Acid - Malic acid can be created by mixing fumaric acid, another organic acid, with boiling water.
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Sugar Fermentation - Malic acid is created as a byproduct of the fermentation of sugar by several bacteria.
While all these techniques essentially yield the same amount of malic acid, fermentation is the most economical and environmentally benign method. A fresh method of producing malic acid is now being developed by researchers through experimentation.
Advantages of Malic Acid to Your Skin
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Improved acne, even complexion, and exfoliation
The glue that keeps the keratinocytes, or dead skin cells, together is broken down by malic acid. A new layer of skin is forced to the surface after the top layer's dead skin cells have been removed by water. Your skin is now more even, luminous, and silky than it was before. Exfoliation aids acne by unclogging congested pores.
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A Great Option for Skin Hydration
Malic acid may draw moisture from the air and hold it in the skin since it is a humectant. This explains why moisturizers frequently contain this ingredient.
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Brings pH Balance Back
Let's first analyze skin pH for you. A thin layer known as the acid mantle is created when perspiration and sebum (natural oil) combine in the skin. This layer serves as a defense against outside organisms. Additionally, it stops your skin from losing water. This pH balance is disturbed by most alpha hydroxy acids. On the other hand, malic acid returns your skin's pH to normal.
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Wrinkle reduction and anti-aging
Malic acid aids in skin cell turnover, which encourages the formation of collagen. This is why it can be found in skin care products intended for anti-aging. The fibrous protein collagen is in charge of maintaining the integrity of the skin cells. With age, it gets smaller.
Other Benefits You Could Get from Malic Acid
Malic acid is naturally created by the body when carbs are broken down into energy, and it can be found in fruits and vegetables. Malic acid supplements may help persons with specific illnesses, according to some research, but high-quality clinical trials are required.
There are several proofs that malic acid supplementation may have the following advantages:
Physical Capabilities
Malic acid, when taken as a supplement, is also utilized to improve athletic performance. To increase the body's absorption of creatine, it is occasionally coupled with supplements that contain creatine. Malic acid is said to help prevent muscular tiredness, boost energy generation, and increase exercise endurance.
Prevents Kidney Stones
Malic acid is a predecessor of citrate, which is thought to stop calcium from forming kidney stones in urine when it binds with other chemicals. Citrate may also limit crystal growth by preventing them from adhering to one another.
An early laboratory study that was published in 2014 suggests that consuming malic acid may raise the pH and citrate levels in urine, which would reduce the likelihood of stone formation. The authors of the study concluded that adding malic acid to a diet may be helpful for the conservative management of calcium kidney stones.
Provides Relief from Fibromyalgia
According to 1995 pilot research that appeared in the Journal of Rheumatology, ingesting malic acid and magnesium together reduced fibromyalgia sufferers' pain and tenderness.
24 fibromyalgia patients were divided into two groups for the study: those who received a placebo or a malic acid and magnesium combination. The combination of malic acid and magnesium led to a noticeable improvement in pain and discomfort after six months. However, more recent studies on malic acid's efficacy as a fibromyalgia treatment are lacking.
Treatment for Dry Mouth
For the treatment of the dry mouth, the use of an oral malic acid spray containing 1% malic acid has been explored. For instance, a study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety compared a one percent malic acid spray to placebo in patients with antidepressant-related dry mouth.
When used as needed for two weeks, the malic acid spray significantly reduced sensations of dry mouth and enhanced salivation.
Side Effects of Malic Acid
The safety of long-term or frequent usage of malic acid supplements is poorly understood due to a lack of scientific research. Malic acid consumption, though, has raised some concerns that it could result in certain negative side effects, including headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and allergic responses.
Malic acid is generally regarded as safe when used as directed, although some people may experience stinging, itching, redness, and other side effects. Patch testing new products is a useful option.
Additionally, alpha-hydroxy acids have a reputation for making your skin more sensitive to sunshine. As a result, it's crucial to apply sunscreen in addition to skin care products made with any kind of alpha-hydroxy acid.
It's important to remember that malic acid shouldn't be taken in place of normal treatment. Serious consequences could result from self-treating an illness while avoiding or postponing standard care.
How To Incorporate Malic Acid into Your Skincare Routine
This step can be a little challenging since, if you want to see significant results, you should combine malic acid with another AHA, like glycolic or lactic acid. However, let this be a warning that using these acids in higher doses can cause discomfort. And that means getting all the unpleasant side symptoms of stressed skin, like redness, peeling, and so on.
It's best to look for products where the sole active exfoliating ingredient is malic acid if you want to be particularly cautious or if your skin is extremely sensitive. Pay close attention to the skincare kit instructions if you plan to combine it with other acids.
It's also important to note that it's best to avoid using malic acid anywhere near your eyes because the delicate skin there is prone to irritation. And if you're going to use it in the morning, make sure to follow up with sunscreen with extra diligence since using an exfoliant of any kind might make your skin more vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays.
Best Goodieco Product with Malic Acid: The Ageless Routine
The Ageless Routine - Overnight Skin Repair
a nightly procedure to rejuvenate aging, worn-out skin.
This evening routine promotes youthful, beautiful skin by working to prevent and counteract the symptoms of aging. All skin types can utilize this product, which is meant to be used as a nighttime treatment in combination with your regular Nourishing/Supercharging routine.
This routine offers the following benefits:
- Minimizes the apparent signs of early aging
- Rejuvenates and restores drained aged skin.
- Shields the skin from outside influences (pollution, UV rays, harmful ingredients from makeup products)
- Raises collagen levels considerably and increases suppleness.
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Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Top-Shelf Active Ingredients found in this routine are:
- Antioxidants that protect the skin in their most effective and pure form.
- Vitamin C to make skin more radiant.
- Vitamin E to promote cell healing.
- Vitamin A to boost the formation of collagen.
- The skin will be nourished by essential fatty acids.
- To refine and polish pores, this package utilizes natural AHAs.
- Our exclusive blend of Native Australian Botanical extracts, including Kakadu Plum, Finger lime Caviar, and Quandong, is coupled with sustainably produced Bakuchiol (nature's Retinol substitute without the side-effects).
- Malic Acid to stimulate its whitening effects
Combining moisturizing gels, oils, and dry actives to feed your skin the ideal dose of active, natural ingredients makes this regimen desirable since it gives your skin a variety of nutrition delivery mechanisms into the skin firmly.
With an expected minimum usage of 8-12 weeks, this routine includes the following:
- 1 pc. Bounce, 1% Bakuchiol Oil Serum, 1/3 oz.
- 1 pc. Dream Serum L’Orange, Ageless Serum, ½ oz.
- 1 pc. Pow, Vitamin C Nutrient Booster, 0.7 oz.
- 1 pc. Cushion, Hydro-Essence Spray Serum, 1.7 oz.
How to Use this Ageless Routine:
Can be used every night. After cleansing, begin this procedure:
Step 1: Take your Dream Serum L'Orange and POW Skin Power C+ together. Mix 1-2 drops of serum with a third of a spatula's worth of POW powder. Mix it in the palm of your hand by using your fingertip.
Spend up to 60 seconds letting it absorb.
- Avoid pouring serum or liquid straight into the POW container as this will make the powder solidify and become useless.
Step 2: Following the absorption of your powder/serum mixture, apply 1-2 drops of Bounce to your fingertips, massage them together quickly, and pat lightly all over your face.
Step three: take your Cushion Hydro-Essences and lightly spray it three to four times over your face and neck while holding it about 30 cm away.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Are Other Rich Sources of Malic Acid?
Malic acid, which gives some fruits their sour flavors, is mostly found in specific fruits. Green and various varieties of apples, cranberries, grapes, guava, lingonberries, papaya, passion fruit, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, and raspberries are some of the fruits that fall under this category.
Is Malic Acid Good for My Skin?
Yes! In fact, because it is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), it can help exfoliate dead skin cells and lessen the appearance of fine lines and other aging indications when taken in small amounts.
Who Should Use Malic Acid?
Anyone with acne-prone skin who wants to lighten discoloration and/or achieve more radiant skin. It's also an excellent option for people who have sensitive skin because other acids could irritate them too much.
Depending on the other medicines it is coupled with, malic acid can be used once or twice daily. In our POW Powder, we've added malic acid and vitamin C to increase its effects on skin lightening.
In Conclusion,
Malic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid made from apples, making it one of the milder acids available. It offers various benefits to your skin because of its brightening properties, and it works well to gently remove dead, dry skin cells that can cause your complexion to look dull and lifeless dry. But primarily, it also serves as a chemical exfoliator. Malic acid increases cell turnover and exfoliates dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, making the skin lighter and fairer and assisting in preventing clogged pores.
This ingredient can also provide several advantages to other conditions such as improving athletic performance, kidney stone prevention, relief from Fibromyalgia, and treatment for dry mouth. Yet, there may still be side effects to the intake of Malic Acid. The good news is it's been proven to be a safe ingredient to use for your skin, just remember to incorporate the right amount.
Meanwhile, Goodieco's Ageless Routine has this amazing ingredient in its package, specifically the POW Vitamin C Nutrient Booster that stimulates the routine's brightening effects.
Make sure to include this product in your next skincare product shopping to use the most out of Malic Acid's awesome benefits!