Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
RATING: EXCELLENT
- CAS number: N/A
- Origin(s): Synthetic, Fruits, Plants.
- INCI name: N/A
QUICK FACTS
- AHAs are a chemical exfoliant that have become hugely popular in recent years
- They are formulated into a number of skincare products, the most popular are liquid exfoliating toners and serums
- There are a large amount of acid carrying unique skin benefits meaning there is an acid suitable for every skin type
- They can exfoliant the skin by sloughing away any build-up of dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt, bacteria and debris
WHO CAN USE IT?
This depends on the skin type you have and the AHA you are using. Some are gentle enough for those with dry skin to use safely, whereas others are more potent and can lead to skin irritation.
WHAT IS AHA?
AHA is an alpha hydroxy acid form a family of a large number of different chemical exfoliants, all of which help to remove any build-up of dead skin cells and other impurities that come into contact with our face on a daily basis. Some AHAs also contain a number of unique properties meaning no matter your skin type, you will be able to find an AHA that works in your daily skincare routine. With the liquid exfoliation you will find your complexion is left glowing, healthy, hydrated with a youthful bounce. Introducing an AHA into your regime will also help boost how effective the following steps of your routine will absorb into the skin. The most common AHAs found in skincare formulations are glycolic acid, lactic acid and malic acid.
SIDE EFFECTS OF AHA
As wonderful as AHAs are for the skin, overusing them or using them incorrectly can result in the skin becoming irritated and stripped of vital oils and water resulting in a number of skin concerns, from redness, rashes and breakouts.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
- Hydroxy Acids, the Most Widely Used Anti-aging Agents Eskandar Moghimipour Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2012 Winter; 7(1): 9–10. Published online 2012 Jan 4.
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin Sheau-Chung Tang, Jen-Hung Yang Molecules. 2018 Apr; 23(4): 863. Published online 2018 Apr 10
- Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity Andrija Kornhauser, Sergio G Coelho, Vincent J Hearing Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010; 3: 135–142. Published online 2010 Nov 24.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids for skin rejuvenation. R Scheinberg West J Med. 1994 Apr; 160(4): 366–367.
- Comparative Effects of Retinoic Acid or Glycolic Acid Vehiculated in Different Topical Formulations Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos, Lorena Rigo Gaspar, Gisele Mara Silva Gonçalves, Lúcia Helena Terenciane Rodrigues Pereira, Marisa Semprini, Ruberval Armando Lopes Biomed Res Int. 2015; 2015: 650316. Published online 2015 Jan 6.
