Skincare Alphabet A for AHA
AHA stands for Alpha hydroxy acids. In nature, they are derived from sugar.
What Is AHA for Skin?
AHA stands for Alpha hydroxy acids. In nature, they are derived from sugar. You can find them in fruits, but they can also be made synthetically.
What Does AHA Do?
AHA skincare chemical functions on both the layer of the skin. The surface level is called the epidermis, and the layer beneath is called the dermis.
If used in lower concentration, It will help to hold water capacity at the surface level.
If used in higher concentrations, it will shed your skin. This happens because of increased water retention, which leads to the bursting of new skin cells, thus getting exfoliated chemically.
On the dermis level, it increases the cells that make collagen, which helps your skin in dermal thickness and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Types of AHA Skincare Acids
- Citric acid derived from citrus fruits
- Glycolic acid derived from sugar cane
- Lactic acid derived from lactose or other carbohydrates
- Malic acid derived from fruits
- Tartaric acid derived from grapes
Benefits of AHA for Skin
In this section, you will learn how AHA in skincare routines can help you achieve beautiful skin.
Stops Acne and Acne Scars
The main cause of acne, pimples, and bumps is the clogging of pores. Thus, when you use AHA, it unclogs the pores and kills bacteria and oil that are locked on the skin. AHA also helps to reduce the size of pores. Using AHA acids like malic, citric, and glycolic can reduce acne scars.
Just a friendly reminder: you can also use it to prevent body acne, not just on your face.
Exfoliate and Brighten Your Skin
You might have used scrubs for exfoliation, but AHAs are chemical-based exfoliators that function at an intense level to give you new and beautiful skin. It sheds old skin, which means it removes dead skin and gives a new way to skin in order to generate new skin cells.
Makes Your Skin Plum and Younger
Our skin naturally produces collagen that maintains its smoothness and elasticity. However, factors like sun exposure and aging can decrease collagen production, causing the skin to sag and wrinkle over time.
Using AHA helps by exfoliating old cells from the surface (epidermis), as you know already, prompting the skin to generate new collagen in the middle layer (dermis). This process replaces older collagen fibers with new ones. Thus, you get a youthful and resilient skin texture.
Note: Once collagen is boosted, it reduces all the signs of aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
Boost Your Skin's Blood Flow
AHA has anti-inflammatory powers that start circulation, giving your complexion a healthy glow. It also ensures better blood flow. Skin cells get the nutrients they need from oxygen-rich red blood cells.
So, it helps to fix dull and pale complexions. It's like a natural refresh button for your skin!
Reduce Dark Spots and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Using glycolic acids and lactic acids may help you get rid of post-inflammatory and hyperpigmentation. It works on reducing melasma (a skin condition). It is vital to know how to use and how not to use AHA products. Make sure you don't skip the next section. You are saving your skin from severe trauma if you know the right way to use it.
Do's and Don't of Using AHA
Let's start with the dos of AHA and the things you should do when incorporating AHA into your skincare regime.
Patch Test:
The patch test is like a safety check for your skin before using AHA products on your face. It helps you see how your skin reacts to the product. Since some people might have reactions to AHAs, the patch test lets you find out if there are any problems before putting it all over your face.
Start Slow:
Do introduce AHA products gradually into your skincare routine, especially if you are a beginner. The slow introduction helps your skin adjust to the new product. AHA products can be powerful, and using them too much at once might cause irritation.
Sunscreen:
AHAs can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Using sunscreen helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents potential damage.
Moisturize:
AHAs can be drying; thus, using a hydrating moisturizer helps maintain your skin's moisture balance.
Don'ts of Using AHA Products:
Overuse:
If you think using AHA many times a day can give you faster results, then let me tell you that don't even think of doing this. Don't overuse AHA products.
Using them too frequently can lead to irritation and sensitivity. Follow the recommended guidelines.
Mixing Products:
Avoid using AHA skincare items and other strong ingredients without talking to a dermatologist first. Some combinations could lead to negative reactions like breakouts, redness, and skin irritation.
Applying to Irritated Skin:
Don't apply AHA in the areas if you have skin irritation or pimples. Before adding AHA into your routine, wait until any cuts or irritations have healed.
Ignoring Allergic Reactions:
After using AHA products, if you experience redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use and seek advice from a skincare professional. Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so it's essential to pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust your routine accordingly.
I hope by now you know what AHA skincare is and how it helps to give you beautiful skin. We will come with another series of alphabetic skincare till then, stay tuned!
