5 Things AHAs Can Do For Your Skin
Have you heard skincare influencers talking about Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), but have no clue what they are or the benefits? Perhaps you know it as a beauty ingredient, but not necessarily what it does. The term is used often in the beauty community, so, let’s talk out what AHA really is and the benefits your skin can reap.
What is AHA?
AHA are ingredients in skincare products that are known to help improve skin. You will find them in toners, anti-aging products, creams, serums, and can also be found in some chemical peels’ treatment.
There are 7 types of AHAs and they include; glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, malic acid, hydroxycaproic acid, and tartaric acid. Lactic and glycolic acid are the most commonly used in skincare.
5 Benefits of AHA
1. Exfoliation
AHA’s are basically used for skin exfoliation. They get rid of dead skin cells to reveal young and fresh-looking skin. Such dead skin cells are the reason you will notice age spots, fine lines, and acne spots as you age.
2. Collagen production
Collagen is responsible for making the skin smooth and plump. Aging and sun damage can destroy your skin collagen leading to sagging and sallow skin. AHA makes way for new collagen fibers to spring up.
3. Skin brightening
With a new skin cell comes a brighter and radiant looking skin. AHA in the form of citric acid is particularly good at brightening the skin.
4. Correction of skin discoloration
Age spots, brown and dark spots are some of the things you might experience as a result of long exposure to the sun. you will notice these mostly on your face, hands and chest. Although there are other reasons you may experience these spots, AHA can help in correcting them. It does so by promoting a turnover of skin cell of a new and evenly pigmented skin.
5. Acne prevention and treatment
AHA is known to help in fighting off and treating recurring acne. Most times, acne spots are as a result of blocked and clogged pores. Therefore, the exfoliating properties of AHA can help in opening up the pores which discourages the growth of acne. You may have noticed that a lot of acne products contain AHA ingredients like malic and citric acid which help in soothing inflamed skin.
The Best AHA Mask & Peels Based on Reviews
- MURAD Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask
- PETER THOMAS ROTH Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
- KATE SOMERVILLE Liquid ExfoliKate® Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment
The Best AHA Toner Based on Reviews
The Best AHA Serum Based on Reviews
Caution when using AHA
If you are new to using products that contain AHAs, you may notice some temporary irritation to your skin like itching, burning, dermatitis, and blisters. This is why it is advisable that you do not use the product every day when starting. Instead, opt for every other day until your skin gets used to using.
While you’re using AHA’s your skin may be sensitive to sun, so make sure you use a sunscreen to prevent sunburn. People with eczema, burns, cuts or psoriasis should avoid alpha hydroxy acid.
Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should consult with their doctor first before using products with AHA.
