AHA: Your secret ingredient to a healthy and beautiful skin

AHA is one of the top stars when it comes to exfoliating. AHA can do almost everything: reducing fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, color correction, acne prevention, and more, in a mild way without physically damaging the skin surface.

AHA: What is it?

AHA is the abbreviation of Alpha-Hydroxy Acid. It is found in many familiar foods around us: milk, some fruits like grape and apple, sugarcane, et cetera.

AHAs operates by breaking down the gluey material that holds skin cells together, which loosens the top layer of old skin cells, inducing our skins to produce more cells and increase cell turnover.

Types of AHA

There are main types of AHA(s):

• Glycolic acid (found in sugar cane);
• Lactic acid (found in lactose in milk);
• Mandelic acid (found in almond extract);
• Malic acid (found in apple);
• Citric acid (found in citrus fruits, e.g: lemon)
• Tartaric acid (found in grapes)

Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most popular ones among them. These are also frequently included in the ingredients of many skincare products with the primary function of exfoliating.

Benefits

AHA(s) can be beneficial to virtually all skin types. They aid in the removal of dead skin cells that might clog pores by peeling away the surface of the skin so that new cells can replace the old ones.

Its effectiveness including:

• Gentle exfoliation;
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles;
• Reduce mild hyperpigmentation (such as dark spots and scars);
• Even skin tone;
• Improve skin texture.

Some products recommendations

AHA(s) present in various skincare products: facial cleansers, toners, exfoliating pads, serums, and moisturizers. Each type requires a different frequency of use and its order in a skincare routine.

There are some recommendations for those who want are looking for great and effective AHA products:

1. The Ordinary Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2%

This one contains a relatively high AHA concentration level, which effectively exfoliates the top skin layer and improves skin texture. BHA at 2% helps to penetrate deeply into the pores and eliminate all leftover dirt and dead cells. This combination is perfect for anyone who has a rough skin texture, clogged pores, and dull or uneven skin tone.

2. Pixi Glow Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid

This toner is widely popular for its ability to exfoliate and give skin a healthy glow. With a moderate concentration of glycolic acid, this one is perfect for daily usage. It helps to regenerate new and youthful cells, minimize tiny bumps, brighten skin tone and soothe the skin with aloe vera extract.

3. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser:

This product has a rather mild and delicate ingredient list, making it ideal for use in the morning. With Betaine Salicylate (a complex of BHA), Citric Acid (a type of AHA), Tea Tree Leaf Oil and other botanical extracts, this cleanser has the ability to gently exfoliate, eliminate excess facial oil, balances skin pH and delivers moderate moisture to keep the skin soft and smooth.

4. Some By Mi 30 days Miracle Serum

It works great for those with oily and acne-prone skin types and rough texture and dull-looking skin. Containing the trio of AHA, BHA, and PHA, together with 10,000 ppm of tea tree extract and 14,5% of Centella extract, this serum helps to:

• Removes old cells and stimulate new cells production;
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles;
• Unclogs pores, anti-bacterial, and minimize the risk of acne;
• Soothes skin and greatly reduces redness.