AHA for Skincare: Know Everything about It
Have you been experiencing skin dullness for quite some time now? If that is the case, then you need to rearrange your skincare routine and incorporate some beneficial skincare products into your regimen. AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid has proven to be a remarkable skincare ingredient that offers multi-faceted skin benefits to users.
Apart from reducing the signs of aging and providing complete sun protection, you can also use AHA for skin texture. However, most people are unaware of its benefits, uses, and side effects. It further leads to wrong product selection. So, in this blog, we are about to explore the AHA and its various unknown aspects to help you understand the ingredient. It will assist you in making an informed decision about your skincare.
What Is AHA for Skincare?
AHA, which is also known as Alpha-hydroxy acids, refers to a group of acids that are primarily found in animals and trees. It has gained popularity as an amazing skincare ingredient due to its multiple skin benefits.
Several studies have proven the efficacy of this AHA as a reliable skincare ingredient. For example, glycolic and lactic acids are two of the most used AHAs that are utilized for developing skin care products. These AHAs are known for causing less skin irritation, further making them one of the most sought-after AHAs of all time.
Apart from acting significantly to remove aging signs, AHAs are known to be effective for collagen production, skin brightening, and several other skin benefits.
Types of AHA
Usually, there are 7 types of AHAs found in the skin care products. Those are:
- Citric Acid
- Tartaric Acid
- Glycolic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Malic Acid
- Hydroxycaproic Acid
- Hydroxycaprylic Acid
However, only some of these aforementioned AHAs are highly recommended by dermatologists for incorporating into skin care products. A simple and brief explanation about them is provided below:
1. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is considered to be an amazing skincare ingredient for its capability to penetrate deeper into the skin. It can eliminate the melanin accumulation from the skin and promote new skin cell generation, making it a highly recommended skincare ingredient.
2. Malic Acid
This particular type of AHA is known for cleansing the skin and further reviving the same. It can also act effectively on the aging signs, such as wrinkles.
3. Lactic Acid
Lactic acid, which is also referred to as a mild form of AHA, is believed to have multiple skin benefits, such as the removal of dead cells and the turnover of new cells. Further, lactic acid is also known for its significant contribution to hyperpigmentation.
Citric acid, tartaric acid, and mandelic acid are also some of the AHAs that are highly recommended by dermatologists.
Benefits of AHA for Skincare
AHA is believed to be one of the most essential skincare ingredients. It offers the users multiple skin benefits. So, in this section of the blog, let’s discuss some of the key AHA benefits for the skin.
1. Helps to Exfoliate the Skin
One of the most significant yet unknown benefits of AHA is skin exfoliation. It refers to a process in which the old skin cells fall off, further promoting new cell generation. Most aged individuals experience dull skin due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, leading to the formation of various skin concerns. Some of them include: acne, wrinkles, and age spots. However, AHA, with its exfoliating capability, can help the skin to stay hydrated and youthful.
2. Promotes Collagen Production
AHA is known for collagen production. With the increased age, this particular fiber can break, leading to multiple skin issues. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure also contributes to skin sagging and other skin problems. However, AHA helps to instigate collagen production, further providing a soft and glowing skin texture. So, it is advisable to use AHA for skin care for better results.
3. Works Effectively on Wrinkles and Surface Lines
AHA is believed to have a significant amount of anti-aging properties, further making it reliable for developing skin care products. It has been proven as a significant element in improving skin texture. Additionally, this particular ingredient can act efficiently on wrinkles and surface lines, further providing the users with better skin.
4. Contributes Significantly in the Removal of the Skin Discoloration
Skin pigmentation or discoloration is significantly eliminated by AHA. Some of the other causes behind visible skin discoloration are: melasma, acne formation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, AHA can effectively work on skin discoloration as it can promote cell turnover.
Uses of AHA in Skincare Products
Multiple skin care products contain dermatologist recommended AHA. Some of them are given below:
1. Cleansers
If you want to use AHA for skin whitening, you can opt for a cleanser, which is useful for skin exfoliation. Further, you can also look for glycolic-acid-based cleansers for better results.
2. Serums or Eye Serums
If you want to use any kind of serum, selecting an AHA-based product is always a good idea. It can positively affect acne scars, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and sun tan. So, AHA is one of the best ingredients to look for in a serum.
3. Day and Night Cream
AHA is one of the best ingredients found in day and night creams. While the day creams can protect against external stressors, the night creams containing AHA can repair the skin barrier. It can also work effectively on hyperpigmentation and skin blemishes.
Possible Side Effects of AHA
AHA is considered to be an amazing skincare ingredient. However, it often leads to skin itching, blisters, dermatitis, and a burning sensation for those using it for the first time. Therefore, it is advisable to use any skincare product containing this ingredient every alternate day to get used to this. Furthermore, if you have rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, burns, or shaved skin, then consult a doctor before using any skincare product.
AHA is one of the most sought-after skincare ingredients of all time. However, its various aspects are unknown to most users. As a result, people often opt for the wrong skin care products. So, we hope that this blog has helped you to get a clear understanding of the AHAs and their various skin benefits.