Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are natural substances that help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new ones. They also have mild exfoliating properties that make them an ideal ingredient for a face scrub or mask.
The main benefit of using AHAs in your skincare routine is that they can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and acne scars by increasing cell turnover. This means that you'll see results faster than if you were using products without AHAs in them!
Smoother, Brighter Skin
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of chemical exfoliants that can help remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin underneath. AHAs also improve skin texture by accelerating cell turnover.
Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresher, brighter complexion. They also stimulate collagen production in the dermis layer of your skin, plumping up your face and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
AHA-based scrubs are especially effective at treating dryness because they contain higher concentrations of AHAs than other types of scrubs do--and dryness is often caused by a lack of moisture in the epidermis layer of your skin.
Reduced Appearance of Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring acids that are found in fruits and milk. They break down excess melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. This helps lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, making your complexion look more even-toned.
The most common AHA is glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. You can find this ingredient in a variety of products like cleansers, lotions and serums designed specifically for use on the face or body (or both).
Better Absorption of Skincare Products
You may have heard that using a face scrub with AHAs will help your skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin. This is true, but there are other factors to consider.
AHAs create a clean, smooth surface on your face which allows other skincare products to penetrate more deeply into the skin. If you have acne or acne scars, it can also help reduce the appearance of these blemishes because AHAs exfoliate dead cells from clogging pores and causing breakouts.
How to Use AHAs
As with any new skincare product, it's best to start slowly and gradually build up usage. If your skin is sensitive, choose a gentle face scrub that's designed for your skin type.
If you're using AHAs in conjunction with other exfoliants like retinoids or chemical peels, be sure to give yourself ample time between applications so that each treatment has time to absorb before applying another one on top of it (and vice versa).
Always use sunscreen when using AHAs--even if it's cloudy outside!
Potential Side Effects
While AHAs are generally safe and well-tolerated, there is a potential for side effects. The most common side effects are irritation or sun sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin that's prone to redness or irritation, you should be careful when using an AHA exfoliant as it may cause these reactions in addition to its other benefits.
Another possible side effect is stinging or burning sensations during use--this usually indicates that you've used an AHA product with too high of an acid concentration for your skin type (or one that doesn't suit your needs). For example, if you have dry skin but still want the benefits of an exfoliator with glycolic acid in it then look for products labeled "for all skin types" rather than just those labeled "for dry/sensitive."
Before and After Results
You can find pictures and testimonials of people who have used AHAs on the Internet. Look for before and after results, which will show you what kind of improvements in skin appearance and texture that you can expect from using a face scrub with AHAs.
Final Thoughts
- Regular use of AHAs can help to improve the appearance and texture of your skin.
- AHAs can provide additional benefits such as reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduced appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improved skin tone (firmer) and an overall improvement in skin health (smoother).
- Always start slowly and gradually build up to more frequent use if you want to maximize these benefits but make sure you're not overdoing it! If you have sensitive skin or are new to using products containing AHA's then we recommend that you start once every two weeks until your body gets used to this type of treatment before increasing frequency if desired.
- Choose a gentle face scrub that's designed for your skin type - some people prefer exfoliants with more grit while others prefer something gentler on their sensitive areas like around their eyes or lips so choose accordingly! Always remember: no matter what kind of exfoliant you choose, make sure there are no harsh chemicals included such as parabens since these types tend not only irritate, but also cause damage overtime, which defeats the whole purpose behind using them anyway!