Hey guys!!!
AHA's(Alpha Hydroxy Acids) is water-soluble, exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, reveals healthy looking skin, and it is suitable for all skin types.
It helps stimulate collagen, hydrates the skin, brightens the skin, helps lessen skin texture, helps with acne scars, signs of sun damage, and dark spots.
There are different types of AHA's out there.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the most well known and is used in skin care and is also used by a professional in a chemical peel.
It is either used alone in a skincare product or combined with another AHA ingredients at concentrations of 5% and up. It helps to enhance skin's firmness and resilience while softening signs of sun damage.
The size of this acid allows it to penetrate the uppermost layers of the skin to reveal better looking skin. Also it hydrates the skin, and basically helps the skin retain the natural moisture.
Glycolic acid can be derived from sugar cane, but they only use the synthetic form of it because it is easier to stabilize.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid does everything that Glycolic Acid does, but it is bigger in size and it works a little bit slower. This is the second ingredient that is well known.
It is safe for sensitive skin.
Lactic acid can be derived from milk, but they only use the synthetic form of it because it is easier to stabilize.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is larger in size than Glycolic and Lactic acid, but it's still able to exfoliate and deliver its benefits.
It works best when combined with other AHA's. You will find it in select leave on exfoliants, and rinse off peels.
Malic acid is derived from apples, but just like the last two only the synthetic form is used because it is easier to stabilize.
Tartaric Acid
Tartaric Acid is larger than Malic acid and double in size than Glycolic acid.
It is combined with other AHA's. It functions in helping maintain the pH levels that other AHA's need to do their work. In other formulas, it helps provide more targeted exfoliation.
Tartaric acid is derived from in grapes, but only the synthetic version is used for the same reason as the previous acids.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid is usually used in higher concentrations (10% and up) so it will exfoliate the skin, but it is also irritating to the skin.
It is also used in low concentrations in products as an antioxidant as well as pH adjuster. It keeps formulas within the perfect pH range that products need to be in so they can be effective yet gentle.
Citric Acid is derived from various citrus fruits, but is also the synthetic form is used for the same reason as the others.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is the biggest acid AHA which means it slowly penetrates into the skin, but that makes it very safe for sensitive skin.
If you have dealt with irritation from the other acids from this list, this is the best one for you to use.
Mandelic acid is derived from almonds, but only the synthetic form is used for the same reasons as the others.
Those are the different types of AHA's out there.
Just make sure whenever you use an AHA in your skin care routine, always always always use sunscreen. Your skin is more likely to burn from the sun when you use these ingredients!
Do you use AHA's? Which one is your favorite to have in your skin care routine? Favorite products??
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