Pyruvic acid is a molecule with multiple properties used both in the medical, dermatological, and cosmetic fields as an exfoliating substance. Thanks to its exfoliating and antioxidant properties, it is able to improve the appearance of the skin, reduce dark spots, and stimulate collagen production. Additionally, pyruvic acid can be used as a supplement to combat acne and other skin problems. Thanks to its small molecular size, it penetrates deep into the skin, removing dead cells and dirt that clog pores.
Pyruvic acid also has sebostatic properties, meaning it helps reduce the production of sebum, the oily substance that is produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. This makes it an effective treatment for acne, a condition caused by excess sebum and the proliferation of bacteria. This acid, due to its properties on the skin and acne, has attracted great interest in the medical and aesthetic fields. In this article, we see what pyruvic acid is, its properties, the differences with pyruvate, and how to use it as a remedy against acne and for skin peeling.
Pyruvic Acid Formula And Properties For The Skin
What is pyruvic acid? Pyruvic acid is an organic compound, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in the body, which contains a ketone group and a carboxyl group. Its chemical formula is C3H4O3 and is present naturally in many foods, including fruits and vegetables. It is involved in many critical biochemical reactions, including glycolysis, lipolysis, protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and ketogenesis.
This α-hydroxy acid has various properties, including keratolytic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, depigmenting, and sebostatic. Furthermore, it has a hydrating effect and a remarkable ability to stimulate the formation of new collagen and elastic fibers, reaching even intense layers of the dermis. Pyruvic acid is fundamental for the energy metabolism of cells; as mentioned, it is produced during glycolysis, the process through which our body transforms carbohydrates into energy.
Furthermore, it also plays a vital role in the synthesis of amino acids and the elimination of toxins from our bodies. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is also used in the dermatological and cosmetic fields to improve the appearance of the skin. In fact, this acid is capable of producing some crucial effects:
- stimulate the production of collagen and elastin
- reduce wrinkles and skin blemishes
- combat acne and excessive sebum production.
Pyruvic acid can be used both as an ingredient in creams and specific skin treatments and as a chemical peel to eliminate dead cells and regenerate the superficial layer of the skin.
Pyruvic Acid, Properties And Benefits For Acne-Prone Skin
Pyruvic acid is a highly appreciated ingredient in the cosmetics field for its beneficial properties on skin health. The properties of pyruvic acid for the skin are multiple. It is no coincidence that it is a widely used ingredient in cosmetic products thanks to its exfoliating and regenerating actions. In particular, pyruvic acid is an effective treatment for acne because:
- exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells and sebum that clog pores
- reduces sebum production
- fights the bacteria that cause acne
- stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which help improve skin texture.
Pyruvic Acid For Skin Peeling
As mentioned, pyruvic acid is a compound used in aesthetic medicine for chemical peeling of the skin, an intensive treatment that removes the upper layers of the skin. This remedy is very effective for skin that requires deep exfoliation and acts on skin conditions such as acne, skin blemishes, wrinkles, and acne scars. In fact, pyruvic acid acts by removing dead cells and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
It also has a whitening effect on the skin, which makes it particularly useful for combating skin discoloration and evening out the complexion. Its viability as an enemy of maturing specialists has likewise been illustrated, with a decrease in fine kinks after its application, as it causes the unit of the dermis from the epidermis and builds the creation of collagen, flexible filaments, and glycoproteins. It is important to underline, however, that a dermatologist must evaluate the use of pyruvic acid on skin tissues because it could cause irritation and redness if not dosed correctly. To use pyruvic acid, therefore, it is necessary to contact a doctor expert in aesthetic medicine who evaluates the skin type and establishes the concentration and exposure time of pyruvic acid on the skin.
Advantages Of Pyruvic Acid Over Other Acids
Generally, pyruvic acid chemical peels are considered safe and effective for treating acne: they are less likely to cause flaking, burning, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin, as can occur with the use of other more exfoliating agents—aggressive substances such as glycolic acid. Another positive aspect is its high lipophilicity and low molecular weight, which allow it to penetrate the different layers of the epidermis more quickly and deeply. However, you may also experience some side effects such as redness or dryness of the skin, which, however, usually disappear within a few days.
Pyruvic Acid As A Remedy For Acne
This compound helps reduce the production of sebum, eliminate impurities present on the skin, prevent the formation of new pimples, and reduce scars caused by previous acne. Pyruvic acid can be used to treat acne in several ways.
- can be used as a supplement
- it can be applied directly to the skin in the form of cream, gel, or lotion
- can be used as a chemical peeling solution.
Pyruvic Acid And Pyruvate, The Differences Between The Two Compounds
Pyruvic acid and pyruvate represent two forms of the same chemical compound and play essential roles in cellular metabolism. Pyruvic acid is an organic compound produced during glycolysis, the process of breaking down glucose to generate energy in cells. Pyruvate is the anion resulting from the loss of a proton (H⁺) by pyruvic acid. In other words, pyruvate is the conjugate base of pyruvic acid and is often found in solution as a salt, such as sodium pyruvate or potassium pyruvate.
From a biochemical perspective, the term “pyruvate” refers to the anionic form that acts as a critical intermediary in cellular metabolism, participating in processes such as fermentation, cellular respiration, and amino acid biosynthesis. As regards practical applications, pyruvic acid is used in dermatology as an agent for chemical peels used, as we have seen, to improve the texture of the skin and reduce acne scars, taking advantage of its ability to exfoliate and stimulate cell renewal.
Pyruvate, as a metabolic intermediate, has been studied as a dietary supplement with the hypothesis that it can promote cellular energy production and improve athletic performance. However, the effectiveness of such supplements is variable and needs further research to confirm. It is important to note that pyruvate supplements must be evaluated for their effectiveness and safety through scientific studies, the results of which so far have been mixed and inconclusive. Likewise, the use of pyruvic acid in dermatological treatments should always be supervised by qualified professionals to prevent potential unwanted side effects.