AHAs or “Alpha Hydroxy Acids” is a chemical exfoliant derived from natural substances and gently help to improve your skin concerns ranging from acne to flaky skin. It's an alternative from physical exfoliants, such as scrubs with small grains, brushes, anything else that causes us to physically rub against our skin. Physical exfoliants can be abrasive due to the uneven size of the grains, which can cause irritated skin and even micro-tears in the epidermis. Chemical exfoliants remove the dead and flaky skin without harming it.
Chemical exfoliators not only remove dead skin cells but they also aid in speeding up the cell turnover process which then leads to improved skin tone, less discolorations etc. They are helpful for all skin types! AHAs work by dissolving upper layers of dead skin cells. The only "downside" to using AHAs is that it is water soluble, which means that it won’t be able to penetrate deep into the pores.
There are many types of AHAs:
Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid comes from sugar crops and is considered the “monarch” of all AHAs due to their small molecular size, which allows the acid to penetrate the skin a little more than other variations.
Lactic Acid: Lactic Acid is a popular alternative to glycolic acid because it not only works in the same way, but its milder and moisturizes the skin while it exfoliates.
Mandelic Acid: Derived from bitter almonds, this acid is also a gentler form of AHA. Not only is this acid antibacterial, but it also exfoliates without brightening the skin which makes it a crowd favorite for those who have deep skin tones.
Malic Acid: Malic acid is found in many fruits such as apples and does well in brightening the skin. However, because it isn’t as strong of an exfoliant like lactic and glycolic acids, malic acid is typically found mixed with other AHAs to give it more power.
When to use it: Use it during the night to avoid irritation and UV skin damage. Apply a small amount on cleansed and dry skin. Wait a few minutes to let it soak in. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine afterwards.
>>If you’re using a chemical peel, keep the peel on for the recommended amount of time before thoroughly washing it off and apply a moisturizer. Remember to apply SPF in the morning and the following days after.