Malic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, especially apples. Malic acid was first discovered in apple juice by a Swedish chemist in 1785. Its name comes from malum, the Latin word for apple. Your body produces malic acid naturally when converting carbohydrates into energy.
Alpha hydroxy acids like malic acid are frequent ingredients advertised on the labels of a variety of skincare products, treating everything from acne to psoriasis to dry skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids like malic acid work on acne by helping to remove dead skin cells and helping to reduce inflammation. It also stimulates the growth of new, smoother skin, which helps reduce the appearance of acne scars. Malic acid is effective in making your skin attain better elasticity, skin tone, and in smoothing of wrinkles. It is used in chemical peels to treat acne, rosacea, age spots, scarring, and other skin conditions.
Apples and their natural malic acid are powerful exfoliants, making them a great source for healthy skin. These three malic acid rich recipes made with apples will nourish the face, skin and hair.
Exfoliating apple sauce face mask:
- 1/2 apple (peeled and de-seeded)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp powdered oats
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Chop the apple and boil in 1/2 cup water until it is tender. Remove the apple pieces into a bowl and allow them to cool. Blend into a smooth paste (apple sauce). Combine this apple sauce, oats powder, honey and lemon juice and mix well to form a thick paste. Apply over clean, dry face and neck. Leave for 15-20 minutes and rinse well while rubbing in circular motion. Pat dry and apply a good moisturizer.
Malic acid scalp treatment:
1/2 cup apple sauce
Cook 1 whole apple peeled and chopped in a cup of water. Blend the tender cooked and cooled apple pieces. Apply this applesauce directly to your scalp and hair. The malic acid will clear any clogged hair follicles and dead skin on the scalp. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse. Conditioner is not necessary as locks will be left shiny and clean.
Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 lemon (optional)
In a bowl or small cup, pour in the apple cider vinegar and if you are treating pigmentation or sun spots, you can add a squeeze of half a lemon. Apply over clean and dry face and neck. Avoid the eye area. Tingling sensations are normal, however if you feel burning you can dilute the apple cider vinegar with water. Leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
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