Source: Naturally sourced acid from a GMO-free corn.
It's a plant extract with some antioxidant and anti-inflamatory effects. Phytic Acid is a naturally sourced acid found in many plant sources, including corn, wheat, rice, soybean, sesame, and oat. Like other antioxidants, phytic acid can help to neutralize free radical damage in the skin.
Moreover, it holds the ability to absorb certain minerals (chelating properties) - specific ones that can have detrimental effects on the skin when they become too abundant. It appears to work mechanically to absorb up iron molecules in the skin, which are responsible for causing damage to DNA. Phytic acid is a gentle AHA and is great for those with sensitive skin or those with rosacea.
In peelings Phytic Acid has a unique structure which provides self-neutralizing activity that yields gentle keratolytic effects and aids in cell turnover. Proper exfoliation helps in maintaining healthy skin by removing the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin to uncover the fresh new cells below to provide many benefits such as the reduction of clogged pores and breakouts, increased collagen production, fine lines are softened and appear less noticeable, dryness and flakiness are greatly reduced, and skin appears smoother with a more even-toned complexion.
Hyperpigmentation can all attack skin as it ages, making it look blotchy, uneven, and scarred. Several conditions can cause a greater production of melanin, the substance responsible for color (pigment), resulting in dark patches on the skin. By inhibiting the enzymatic transformation of tyrosine into melanin, Phytic Acid can provide a lightening effect on the skin.
With exfoliating efficacy comparable to Glycolic Acid and the ability to inhibit melanin synthesis comparable to Ascorbyl Glucoside, Phytic acid is undoubtedly a mild multi-benefit acid for peelings.
American beauty experts were the first to provide phytic peel treatments. For this reason, some beauty parlours call it a “Hollywood-style peel”. In the United States, it is extremely popular as it can be performed in any season and does not require a long recovery period. One can start going to work or going out immediately after the treatment.
The phytic acid is a superficial acid. Neutralization is not required during the procedure. Besides phytic acid, the phytic peel has proven to be a great way to solve problems of mature skin with couperose. The phytic peel can be performed all year round. Beauty experts recommend using it even during the periods of high solar activity.
Indications for phytic acid peels:
1. Skin with enlarged pores
2. Hyperpigmentation
3. Demodicosis in remission
4. Ageing skin
5. Stretch marks
6. Old and new scars
7. Photo ageing
8. Loss of skin elasticity
9. Dehydrated skin
10. Fine lines
11. Keratomas (skin growths caused by excessive sun-bathing)
12. Preparatory stage for more complicated skin treatments such as laser skin resurfacing or microdermabrasion.
Properties of phytic acid peels:
1. scientifically proven ability to exfoliate and cleanse skin very mildly.
2. Capable of inactivating tyrosinase – the enzyme, which causes hyperpigmentation when it is excessively produced. This also explains good antioxidant, whitening, and anti-inflammatory properties of phytic acid, which help to remove existing pigment spots and effectively prevent the development of the new ones. Phytic acid is also characterized by significant rejuvenating and lifting effect.
3. One of the characteristic features of phytic acid is that even highly concentrated 50% acid with low pH=1,2 does not cause any damage to deep epidermal layers. The effect of phytic acid on skin is therefore achieved quite rapidly and does not provoke any pain or discomfort.
4. The molecules of phytic acid are relatively large in size; during skin treatment, they do not penetrate deeply into skin, but stay in the horny layer. At the same time, they are capable of retaining hydrogen ions and keeping them from penetrating into skin. When skin is exposed to phytic acid for more than 15 minutes, keratinocytes start dying; this time period is considered the maximal possible time of exposure.
5. Preliminary studies conducted by Israeli dermatologists have shown that phytic acid solutions have a significant anti-cancer effect.
