AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are one of the most popular ingredients in cosmetics, essential for the in-depth care of our skin. Its main objective is to exfoliate and accelerate the renewal cycle of our dermis. These are all its benefits, types of AHAs and how to use them in a complete and perfected facial beauty routine.
What are AHAs
AHAs are a widely used beauty asset due to their beneficial properties for the skin, which makes them one of the favorite ingredients in Korean cosmetics. As we said before, they are hydroxy acids that increase the speed of the cell renewal cycle, removing dead cells through desquamation and renewing the skin for an even, smooth and glowing complexion.
How many types of AHA exist in cosmetics
AHAs can come from different places, but the most famous and sought after of all is lactic acid. Even Cleopatra used it by bathing in sour donkey milk, which produces many lactic acids.
To this must be added five more types of AHAs: Glycolic AHA from sugar cane is the most powerful, citric acid from citrus fruits, malic AHA from apples, mandelic acid from bitter almonds, and tartaric acid from grapes.
What Alpha Hydroxy Acids Do: Benefits and Uses
Exfoliating and smoothing effect
The main benefit on our skin is that these acids serve to exfoliate, simply put. Its application removes the outer layer of the skin and removes dead cells, revealing a more uniform and smooth complexion without spots, acne marks or superficial expression lines.
anti acne properties
By removing dead cells, AHAs prevent pores from becoming clogged with cell debris, oil, and bacteria. For this reason, they manage to lower that effect of dilated pores that become inflamed due to being filled with dirt and that lead to many reactions and pimples that we can avoid.
Eliminate expression lines
First of all because they exfoliate and remove dry skin in poor condition. But also because they promote the natural production of collagen, which repulses the dermis and makes the face look firmer, smoother and more hydrated.
What to know about using AHAs
Beauty experts and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommend starting little by little to introduce them into our beauty routine, never exceeding 10% to avoid irritation on sensitive and reactive skin. This should not be a problem, because most cosmetics with AHA do not exceed 5%. If you choose a concentrate, it is better to use it two or three times a week and not daily.
It is important to use them only in the night facial beauty routine. AHAs are reactive to the sun, increase sensitivity and can cause burns more easily. For this reason, although we use them before bed, the next day high sun protection is essential.
Recommended AHA Products
Now that you are an expert in hydroxy acids and you know all the benefits, forms of use and recommendations to use them safely, you will surely want to add them to your facial routine. We’ve got you covered, because these cosmetic products with AHA are our favorites.
Chanel Camellia Glow Hydra Beauty micro-exfoliating moisturizing concentrate, 64 euros.
Chanel Camellia Glow Hydra Beauty Micro-Exfoliating Moisturizing Concentrate
AHA 30% + BHA 2% exfoliating concentrate from The Ordinary, 8.30 euros.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Concentrate
Olay Vitaminc C + AHA 24 illuminating facial serum, 24.99 euros.
Olay Vitamin C + AHA 24 Brightening Face Serum
Bareminerals Ageless Phyto-AHA exfoliating facial illuminating mask, 39.95 euros.
Bareminerals Phyto-AHA Ageless Exfoliating Brightening Mask
Natural exfoliating toner with AHA from #GoVeggie, 9.95 euros.
Natural exfoliating toner with AHA from #GoVeggie
Institut Esthederm AHA Peel Intensive Serum, 43.13 euros.
Institut Esthederm AHA Peel Intensive Serum
Night cream with bakuchiol and AHA from Olehenriksen, 56.99 euros.
Night cream with bakuchiol and AHA from Olehenriksen
Fenty Skin 10% AHA Pre-Show Glow instant retexturizing treatment, 27.99 euros.
Fenty Skin 10% AHA Pre-Show Glow Instant Retexturizing Treatment
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