Final answer:
Carbonic acid is a weak acid referred to as hydroxy carbonic acid or acid of air, used in solutions like carbonated water and medically for skin sterilization by lowering cell pH levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chemical used for skin peeling is carbonic acid, which is also called hydroxy carbonic acid or acid of air. Carbonic acid is a weak acid represented by the chemical formula H2CO3 and is found in solutions of carbon dioxide in water, such as carbonated water.
Carbonic acid plays a role in the formation of stalactites and stalagmites in limestone caves through its ability to dissolve limestone, producing calcium bicarbonate.
In medical and cosmetic applications, the formation of carbonic acid through the use of a supercritical fluid molecule, like carbon dioxide, under high pressures, can aid in sterilization by lowering the pH of cells. This environment-friendly method reduces the microbial load on skin or tissue, avoiding the use of harsher chemicals.