What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)?

Ever wondered what an AHA is? AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. The word “acid” might scare you, but in reality, AHA exfoliants are more gentle on your skin than most face scrubs or cleansing brushes.

There are several skin-exfoliating AHAs, but the two most effective, common, and well-researched are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Other AHAs, such as malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, also have their own benefits, but research on them is limited.

Benefits of AHA Exfoliants

Extensive research has made it clear that daily exfoliation is essential for smooth, even-toned, hydrated skin and a leave-on AHA product is among the best ways to exfoliate the skin.

Leave-on exfoliants gently and quickly remove built-up layers of dead surface skin to reveal the softer, younger-looking complexion hiding beneath. But that’s just one of the many benefits of adding exfoliants to your skincare routine. Our AHA products also benefit the skin with their hydrating and anti-aging ingredients.

How do AHA Exfoliants Work on the Skin?

When we’re young, our skin naturally sheds built-up layers of dead cells quickly. However, as we age, several factors slow this process, bringing it almost to a halt. Culprits like unprotected sun exposure, dry skin, oily skin, and other skin problems can lead to skin dullness, dehydrated skin, or tired and older-looking skin. The glow goes, and dullness grows.

A leave-on AHA exfoliant works on the uppermost layers of the skin’s surface, loosening the bonds between dead surface layers and the radiant skin beneath. Occasionally, using rinse-off AHA exfoliant peel tends to be more potent, offering multi-level exfoliation with a higher concentration of acids that do their jobs faster, often within minutes.

While AHAs benefit all skin types due to their ability to do everything from diminishing fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin’s firmness, texture, and tone, their hydrating properties and ability to improve visible signs of sun damage make them ideal for normal to dry skin types with advanced signs of aging.

It’s important to note that formulary concerns are crucial for a product to be both gentle and effective. Research has shown that AHA exfoliants containing glycolic acid or lactic acid in concentrations between 5% and 10% and with a pH between 3 and 4 are ideal for optimal, youth-reviving, non-irritating exfoliation.

How to Use an AHA Exfoliant?

It often takes some experimenting to see which AHA product works best for your skin. Some people can use higher concentrations of 10% without a problem, while others can only tolerate lower concentrations as low as 5%. Alternating the use of higher and lower strengths is the ideal solution.

Whichever AHA exfoliant you choose, apply it after using a face cleanser and skin toner. The other products in your skincare routine, like face serums, skin boosters, and face moisturizers, go on after your exfoliant in order from thinnest to thickest texture. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your face during the day, too.

AHA Exfoliant Tips for the Best Results

• There is no need to wait between steps for each product to absorb. The AHA will work even if you apply another product immediately before or after.
• It’s fine to apply an exfoliant to your under-eye area up to the edge of the orbital bone.
• Although daily exfoliation is optimal for many people, exfoliating every other day might work best for you. Again, it takes some experimentation.
• Don’t apply an AHA body lotion to freshly shaved legs. Shaving is a form of exfoliation, so there’s no need to double up on those days.

Learn more about chemical exfoliation and shop from Paula’s Choice Singapore’s range of skincare products online. 

References for This Information

• Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2015, pages 21–26
• BioMed Research International, 2015, volume 2015
• Dermatology Research and Practice, February 2015, volume 2015
• Clinical Cosmetic Investigative Dermatology, December 2014, pages 9–17, and November 2010, pages 135–142
• Archive of Dermatological Research, June 1997, pages 404–409