What is citric acid?
A naturally occurring ingredient, citric acid is derived from—you guessed it—citrus fruit. Extracted from lemons and limes, citric acid is commonly used in food, skincare ingredients, and even household cleaning products. An alpha hydroxy acid, this acid is generally used to resurface the outer layer of skin, improving the rate of cell turnover. “Because it is a larger molecule than glycolic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid, it tends to be more gentle on the skin,” notes Garshick.
How can citric acid brighten the skin?
As you go about your life your skin begins to build up dead cells and particles that may dull the appearance of your complexion and cause you to look less vibrant and youthful than you might like. “By getting rid of dead skin cells, citric acid helps to reduce dullness of the skin, helping to brighten the skin. It also has antioxidant benefits which can help to brighten the skin by helping to fight free radical damage,” explains Garshick. Free radical damage comes when your skin is exposed to certain outside factors and chemicals, and using an antioxidant serum like citric acid can function to keep the effects at bay.
When can you expect to see results?
The underlying question when starting any new skincare routine is when you will see changes in your skin. While it’s unrealistic to hope that your complexion will look different overnight, Garshick does note that it won’t take long to reap the benefits of citric acid. “While some benefits may be immediate, continued improvement will occur with continued use. As with any exfoliant, it should only be used a few times per week,” she says.
Are there any downsides of citric acid?
Being aware of the possible negative implications of any new ingredient is always important before adding it to your routine, and there’s a chance you may experience some light irritation when first starting out. “As with any exfoliating acid it can cause skin sensitivity or irritation. For this reason it is important to not use too much or use it too often,” warns Garshick. Exfoliating too frequently puts unnecessary strain on the skin as it is, so using this ingredient only once or twice a week will be more than effective without going overboard.
Are there any ingredients it should not interact with?
Certain skincare ingredients tend not to mix well with others, and citric acid is no exception. “While it may be paired with other exfoliating acids in specific products, it is best to avoid combining citric acid with other exfoliating acids or retinoids given the potential risk of irritation,” suggests Garshick. Seeing as retinoids are generally applied to the skin in the evening in order to prevent increased sun sensitivity, using citric acid to exfoliate your face in the morning will avoid any overlap and unnecessary irritation it may cause.