What are the benefits of AHAs in cosmetics?

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is one of the familiar ingredients in many types of skin care products. So what does AHA do for the skin?

‏1. What is AHA?‏

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is a group of acids of plant and animal origin used in a variety of skin care products , such as serums, toners, lotions, etc.

There are many different types of AHAs, but Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are the two most potent and well-studied AHAs. Both of these AHAs rarely cause skin irritation, so most over-the-counter AHA products contain Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid.

‏Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is used in many serums, toners, creams...

‏

‏2. What are the benefits of AHAs for the skin?

AHAs bring many benefits to the skin, such as:

‏ 2.1 Exfoliation

AHAs are used quite a lot to exfoliate the surface of the skin. This helps to remove dead skin, and has the ability to regenerate new skin surface for the skin. Excessive accumulation of dead skin cells makes the skin look dull and lifeless, and can even cause wrinkles , acne, age spots .

However, not all types of AHAs have the same exfoliating effect . In general, the more AHA a product contains, the stronger the exfoliating effect.

‏

‏ 2.2 Improves skin texture and reduces signs of aging

Over time, when exposed to the sun as well as free radicals inside the body, the skin begins to show signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow's feet...‏

AHAs help to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and with long-term use. This ingredient can act on the dermis, helping to promote the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. This helps to improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.

‏ 2.3 Brighten and improve skin pigmentation

The risk of hyperpigmentation increases with increasing age. In addition, age spots can appear when the skin is exposed to the sun. These brown spots often develop on areas of skin that are most exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and chest.‏

Using products containing AHA over time can help improve the aforementioned hyperpigmentation including melasma, age spots and sun damage.

‏Using products containing AHAs can help lighten and improve skin darkening.

‏

‏ 2.4 Reduce acne

AHAs can help prevent acne by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

‏3. Note when using skin care products containing AHA‏

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the safe concentration for using AHA products is less than 10% to limit the side effects of this active ingredient. Products with an AHA concentration higher than 15% should be consulted with a doctor before use.‏

Typically, serums, toners, and moisturizers used daily contain less than 5% AHA concentrations.

When you first use AHAs for skin care, you may experience some side effects such as stinging, irritation or burning sensation. So, to be on the safe side, you should test a small amount of the product on your arm before applying it to your face.

Also, the exfoliating effect of AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so apply AHA products at night and use sunscreen and sunscreen before going out. outside.