DO YOU WANT FRESH HEALTHY LOOKING SKIN ?
Incorporating AHA’s into your daily, weekly skincare regime could be the answer.
So what are AHA'S ?
Essentially AHAS are a group of organic acids found in a many fruits, beets, milk and sugarcane. AHA’s are the most recommended and reliable exfoliating ingredients in modern skin care thanks to their ability to exfoliate away dry dead skin cells and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The three most common groups of exfoliating acids are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA). Today we will cover the AHA’s
Benefits of AHA'S for your skin.
Exfoliate
Smooth wrinkles
Even out skin tone
Reduce dark spots
Reduce acne flare ups
Brighten skin
Antioxidant rich
Which AHA is right for my skin?
If you have sensitive skin Mandelic acid could be the one for you. It is a larger molecule that penetrates more slowly making it less irritating.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid, are good for acne prone skin as they can penetrate the skin more deeply to assist in removing impurities that clog the pores and increase bacterial and fungal build up.
5 TYPES OF AHA’S
Glycolic Acid
Can penetrate more deeply that other AHA’s due to the small molecular structure.
Is known to help increase the skin levels of hyaluronic acid, that assists in hydrating the skin.
Glycolic acid can help to stimulate the production of collagen, the main structural protein in the skin
Increase skin repair and regeneration by way of stimulating fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation rates.
Improve the quality of elastin, which promotes skin elasticity.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid. It too helps hydrate the skin. Due to the larger molecular structure compared to glycolic acid, it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply, making it more suitable for sensitive skin types who might find glycolic acid irritating.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is known for its skin-brightening abilities. With a molecule size larger than that of lactic acid, it’s also gentler on the skin. Malic acid is naturally occurring in apples.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is similar to lactic and malic acids in that its larger particle size makes it potentially less irritating. However unlike any other AHAs mentioned here, mandelic acid has antibacterial properties.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is the mildest, least acidic of the AHAs mentioned here. Found naturally in citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit, citric acid is also an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin against aging and environmental damage.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE AHA’S WITH CAUTION.
Do a patch test prior to use to see whether the skin will tolerate it. If no symptoms occur, continue to use.
It is best to start slowly with a low strength of AHA using it infrequently at first and slowly increase over time. Do not use it more often than the label recommends or a doctor advises.
AHA’s increase the risk of sunburn and sun damage as it removes the top dry dead skin cells leaving the new skin below more venerable. Best to apply as part of your night-time skincare routine. Always apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning skin care routine.