Happy Friday! Its our favorite day ? Today I am talking all about Alpha Hydroxy Acids aka AHA's. This is a water-soluble type of chemical exfoliant that is very popular in the skincare world.
If you are at a crossroads when it comes to skincare, or are needing guidance to help with a specific skin concern, you can book with me here! I also do lots of other services other than skin revision. I offer Lash Lifting, Brow Shaping, Brow Henna, Brow Tint and Lamination, Dermaplaning and Nanoneedling. Check out all of my services or book with here ?
There are several types of AHA’s with the most popular being glycolic and lactic. Others include:
- Mandelic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Malic Acid
- Tartaric Acid
- Hydroxycapric Acid
- Hydroxycaprilyic Acid
There is only one BHA - Salicylic Acid. BHAs are oil-soluble. Great for acneic clients and breakouts, this is found in many spot treatments and cleansers.
Most AHAs come from fruit (fruit acids) or are found in nature and great for exfoliation, texture, and pigment. Known for “fading time”.
How they work
AHAs help remove layers of dead skin by bringing water to the surface, so fresh, glowing skin can be revealed. The volume and flexibility keeps a youthful appearance and gives skin that “juicy” or “bouncy” feel. They also help promote good blood flow - bringing oxygen to the surface. As we know from the Enzyme Therapy Treatments, oxygen is the best way to promote healing in the skin!
We are healing, exfoliating, and bringing water to the surface - and they have anti-inflammatory properties. This little ingredient can pack quite a punch ??
The benefits
You know I love a list. So here is a list of ALL the benefits Alpha Hydroxy Acids can do for our skin/ are used for:
- Chemical exfoliation
- Promoting collagen and elastin
- Correcting discoloration
- Minimizing the look of pores
- Preventing acne breakouts
- Brightening
- Smoothing appearance/ softening fine lines and wrinkles
- Increasing product absorption
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promoting good blood flow
- Much better option than a physical scrub for almost every skin type
Side Effects
Now we do all the GOOD they can do for us, so how about any negatives? There are a few:
- Photosensitivity- being sensitive to sunlight (ALWAYS wear your spf babe)
- Adjustment period- you will need to give your skin time to get used to the products and work your way up
- Only use a few times a week to use other serums in between and let your skin continue to supply free water levels
- They can seriously dehydrate the skin- AHAs work by pulling water up in the skin. Over time of constantly pulling water (which is great, the surface of your skin needs it!) there will be no free water left in the skin to use. This can cause the "fire" we always talk about- redness, sensitivities, aged and sagging skin.
The conclusion
Regardless, I do love them for at-home use, under the care of an Esthetician or Dermatologist! Personally, my favorite way to use them is in the treatment room ?
Use AHA at homes in small doses (5%-10%) a couple times a week at night. This helps your skin works its magic overnight vs during the day with UV damage or pollutants present.
Drink lots of water and use a pinch of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon to help your body actually absorb the water and prevent any lack in the skin! Alternate with hydrating and repairing serums on off days. I adore this serum here for hydrating, healing and building immunity in the skin.
When adjusting, some dryness and flaking is normal. Of course, I also recommend using a separate SPF 30-50 - besides what is in your foundation or moisturizer! This will protect you from photosensitivity.
Shop my favorite sunscreens here ? Love love the tinted for a no-makeup makeup or the non-tinted for everyday use. The foaming is perfect for the body and kiddos!