Alfahidroxyacids (AHA) are a group of natural compounds usually used in skin care products. These acids, derived from fruits such as citrus, apples and grapes, have been widely recognized for their beneficial effects on the skin. AHA are known for their exfoliating properties and their ability to help improve the general appearance of the skin.
There are several types of AHA, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. These acids act by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, which favors their detachment and exposes a cooler and smoother skin. In addition to exfoliating the skin, AHA also stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Did you know what? AHA are usually used in concentrations of between 5% and 10% in skin care products. However, it is important to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase them as the skin adapts to avoid possible irritations or sensibilities.
To better understand the benefits of AHA, let’s see a comparative table of the different types of AH and their specific properties:
AHA type | Main source | Skin benefits |
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Glycolic Acid | Sugar cane | Effective exfoliation, improves the texture and luminosity of the skin |
Lactic acid | Milk and fruits | Moisturizing, improves skin firmness and reduces acne |
Citric acid | Citric fruits | Illuminates, unifies the tone of the skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots |
The incorporation of AHA products to the skin care routine can significantly improve the texture, tone and the general appearance of the skin. However, it is essential to choose products with adequate AHA concentrations for their skin type and follow a coherent and appropriate skin care regime.
- What are AHAs in Skincare?
- Understanding AHA and its Benefits
- The Different Types of AHA
- How AHA Works on Your Skin
- Common Misconceptions about AHA in Skincare
- 1. AHAs are only effective for exfoliation
- 2. AHAs are harsh and can cause skin irritation
- A Step-by-Step Guide for Using AHA in Skincare
- Potential Side Effects and Precautions to Consider
What are AHAs in Skincare?
There are several types of AHA:
- Glycolic acid: derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is one of the most common and effective AHA used in skin care. It has a small molecular size, which allows you to deeply penetrate the skin and provide optimal exfoliation.
- Lactic acid: Often derived from milk, lactic acid is another popular AHA in skin care. It is known for its moisturizing properties and its soft exfoliation, so it is suitable for sensitive skin.
- Citric acid: present in citrus fruits, citric acid is a natural AHA with antioxidant and illuminating properties. It helps to match the skin tone and improve its general luminosity.
The AHA have been widely studied and have demonstrated their effectiveness in the treatment of various skin problems, such as expression lines and wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation and lack of luminosity. They act loosening the links between dead skin cells and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which results in softer and firmer skin.
By incorporating AHA into their skin care routine, it is important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase it to avoid any possible irritation or sensitivity. In addition, it is essential to use sun protection daily, since AHA can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
AHA type | Fountain | Benefits |
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Glycolic Acid | Sugar cane | Deep exfoliation, improves skin texture |
Lactic acid | Milk | Soft exfoliation, hydration |
Citric acid | Citric fruits | Illuminator, antioxidant |
Understanding AHA and its Benefits
The main benefits of AHA include:
- Exfoliation: AHA acts gently exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, helping to eliminate dead cells and disobstruct the pores. This exfoliating action can improve the texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it softer and more radiant.
- Stimulation of collagen production: It has been discovered that AHA stimulate collagen production, an essential protein to maintain skin elasticity and firmness. By promoting collagen production, AHA can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a younger complexion.
- Improvement of hyperpigmentation: AHA is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, including dark spots, age spots and sunspots. It acts inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. With regular use, AHA can help match skin tone and mitigate discoloration.
“The AHA acts gently exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, helping to remove dead cells and disobstructing the pores.”
It is important to keep in mind that AHA can cause some skin sensitivity, especially in people with sensitive or dry skin. It is advisable to start with a lower concentration of AHA and gradually increase it as tolere. In addition, it is essential to use sun protection daily by incorporating AHA into the skin care routine, since it can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun. In general, knowing the benefits and proper use of AHA can help get healthier and more radiant skin.
The Different Types of AHA
1. Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is one of the most used AHAs in skin care products. It comes from sugar cane and has the smallest molecular size of all AHAs. Due to its small size, glycolic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin, effectively exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells. This helps improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote collagen production.
- Lactic acid: Lactic acid is another popular AHA that is derived from milk. It has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, making it gentler on the skin. Lactic acid primarily acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and improving its hydration. It also helps exfoliate the skin, promoting a brighter and smoother complexion. Lactic acid is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used to treat hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
AHA type | Molecular size | Main benefits | Suitable for skin types |
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Glycolic Acid | The smallest | Exfoliation, texture improvement, collagen production | Normal, mixed and fat |
Lactic acid | Larger | Hydration, exfoliation, luminosity | Sensitive and dry |
“Different types of AHAs offer unique benefits to the skin. Glycolic acid, with its small molecular size, effectively exfoliates the skin and helps reduce signs of aging. On the other hand, lactic acid, with its larger molecular size,”It provides hydration and improves skin texture. Both AHAs have their own benefits and are suitable for different skin types.”
It is important to note that AHAs can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using products containing AHAs. Additionally, it is recommended to start with a lower concentration of AHA and gradually increase its use to avoid any possible skin irritation. Consulting a dermatologist can also provide personalized recommendations for incorporating AHAs into your skin care routine.
How AHA Works on Your Skin
Exfoliation: AHAs break the bonds between dead cells on the skin’s surface. This helps gently peel away the outermost layer of dead skin, revealing the fresh, new skin cells underneath. This not only improves skin texture and tone, but also allows other skin care products to penetrate more effectively.
“AHAs work by exfoliating the skin’s surface, promoting cell renewal and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.”
Cell renewal: AHA stimulate collagen production and skin elastin, essential proteins to maintain firmness and elasticity. In addition, AHA helps promote the production of new skin cells, accelerating the natural healing and renewal process. This can be especially beneficial for people with skin prone to acne, since it helps prevent pore obstruction and reduce the frequency of shoots.
Benefits: The use of AHA in skin care products has a series of benefits. In addition to exfoliating and promoting cell renewal, AHA can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, blur dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and improve the general texture of the skin. They can also help minimize the appearance of pores and improve skin tone, leaving it with a softer and more youthful appearance.
AHA benefits: | Use of AHA in skin care: |
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Common Misconceptions about AHA in Skincare
1. AHAs are only effective for exfoliation
One of the most common erroneous concepts about AHA is that they are only used for exfoliating purposes. While it is true that AHA effectively eliminates dead skin cells and favor cell renewal, their benefits go beyond exfoliation. It has been discovered that AHA stimulate collagen production, improve hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental damage.
Note: AHA not only exfoliate the skin, but also provide many other benefits, such as collagen stimulation, the improvement of hydration and antioxidant protection.
2. AHAs are harsh and can cause skin irritation
Another erroneous concept about AHA is that they are aggressive for the skin and can cause irritation. While it is true that AHA can cause a slight tingling or temporary redness, when used correctly and in the right concentrations, they are usually well tolerated by most people. It is important to start with low AHA concentrations and gradually increase its use to allow the skin to adapt. In addition, the use of AHA in combination with moisturizing creams and sunscreens can help minimize possible irritation.
- Start with lower AHA concentrations and gradually increase its use.
- Use AHA in combination with moisturizing creams and sunscreen to minimize possible irritations.
Overall, understanding the truth behind these misconceptions about AHAs can help people make informed decisions when incorporating AHA-based skin care products into their routine. AHAs have been shown to be effective in improving skin health and should not be overlooked as a valuable skin care ingredient.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Using AHA in Skincare
Step 1: Start by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry. This step prepares the skin for the application of the AHA treatment.
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Step 2: Choose the right AHA product for your skin type and concerns. Different AHAs have different levels of potency and can treat specific skin problems. For example, glycolic acid is suitable for all skin types and helps correct uneven texture and tone, while lactic acid is ideal for dry and sensitive skin, providing hydration and gentle exfoliation.
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Step 3: Perform a patch test to determine your skin’s sensitivity to AHAs. Apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area of your skin, such as behind your ear or on the inside of your arm. Leave it on for 24 hours and watch for any signs of redness, irritation, or inflammation. If no adverse reactions occur, it is generally safe to move forward with incorporating AHAs into your skin care routine.
ADVICE: | If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration of AHA and gradually increase it over time to minimize any possible reaction. |
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“Alpha hydroxy acids can increase sun sensitivity, so remember to always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day when using products with AHAs.”
Step 4: When incorporating AHAs into your nighttime skincare routine, be sure to use them after cleansing and toning. Apply a small amount gently to your face, avoiding the eye area and any open wounds or sensitive areas. Start by applying it every other night to allow your skin to adjust, and gradually increase the frequency if tolerated well.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions to Consider
Possible side effects:
- Skin irritation: AHAs, including glycolic acid and lactic acid, can cause skin irritation in some people. This may manifest as redness, itching, burning or stinging sensation. It is important to start with a low concentration of AHA and increase it gradually to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Skin sensitivity: AHAs can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more prone to sunburn and sun damage. It is essential to use adequate sun protection, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, while using AHAs and for a time after discontinuing use.
- Photosensitivity: Some people may experience photosensitivity reactions, such as rash or redness, when using AHAs. This reaction is more likely to occur in people with a history of photosensitivity or who use other photosensitizing medications or treatments.
It is recommended to perform a patch test before using AHA extensively. Apply a small amount of the product to a small area of skin, such as the inside of your forearm, and monitor for adverse reactions for at least 24 hours. If no reaction occurs, it is generally safe to use the product as directed.
Precautions to consider:
- Avoid using AHAs on cracked or irritated skin, as it can exacerbate the condition and lead to further irritation or inflammation.
- Consult a dermatologist before incorporating AHAs into your skin care routine, especially if you have a history of skin conditions, allergies, or sensitivities.
- Start with lower concentrations and gradually increase the potency of AHAs to allow your skin to acclimate and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Side effects | Precautions |
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skin irritation | Avoid cracked or irritated skin |
Skin sensitivity | Consult a dermatologist |
Photosensitivity | Start with lower concentrations |