The Kitchen Cosmetician Explores Fruit Acids

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This month the Kitchen Cosmetician is taking a look at beauty legends that travel back as far as ancient civilizations. This investigation was inspired by one of my favorite cleansers containing citric, malic, tartaric and lactic fruit acids. Sadly, this cleanser has become difficult to find and the price has skyrocketed to $45 for 8 oz. (An increase of more more than $15 per bottle in the last 5 years.) So, I was determined to explore new possibilities for the fruit acids that my skin just loves.

These active ingredients have a proven track record of dissolving unwanted skin oils, dead surface cells, dirt and makeup. Fresher skin is revealed and a radiant complexion is restored.

For centuries, different eras and cultures have used what was accessible. The common denominator in each “all natural” skin treatments is alpha hydroxy acid and it not as complicated as you may think.

You can use items found in your kitchen or grocery store. Cleopatra took milk baths. The lactic acid in the milk is said to have kept her skin smooth, supple and youthful. French Aristocrats and women in court washed their faces with wine because they recognized that the tartic acid in the grapes helped their skin. English, Spanish and Arabian women used lemon juice (citric acid) on their skin. These acids works by loosing the “glue” between dead skin cells, and the cells fall away, resulting in very smooth and soft skin.

It is amazing and mystifying that something as simple as fresh fruit on your face can make an enormous impact in how your skin feels. I love how smooth my face feels and how I can customize this depending on what is in season.

Simple fruits to consider trying are:
Lemons
Strawberries
Grapes
Kiwi

All you have to do is cut the fruit in half, or mash it, and place on your skin for up to 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Things to keep in mind:
• Always avoid the eye area to avoid burning.
• If you have sensitive skin, try a small test area first.
• Always use sunblock when spending time outdoors after exfoliating because the new skin is often tender and photosensitve

Examples of fruit acids include:

Malic acid – apples, watermelon, pineapple, apricots, gooseberries, raspberries, cherries, lemons, grapes, prickly pears, mangoes, kiwi fruits, strawberries, blackberries and even tomatoes.

Lactic acid – comes from things that contain dairy such as buttermilk, milk and sour cream.

Tartaric acid – grapes, grape juice, wine, cream of tartar, cranberries, banana and prickly pear

Citric acid – comes from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges.

Personally, I love using DIY AHA’s and recommend you try these inexpensive fruits the next time your bottle of high-end cleanser runs low.

Fellow Kitchen Cosmeticians – Do you use fruit acids for anything? Could they replace any of your favorite cleansers?