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AHA- Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHA, as popularly called is a water-soluble acid. It is like a gentle wipe for your skin to get rid of dirt and dust. AHAs are generally extracted from fruits such as oranges, lemons, and apples, and milk sugars. AHA is generally used in skincare products such as face wash, creams, moisturizers, face masks, etc. AHA helps in exfoliating dead skin cells, stimulating new cell growth, and giving smooth, supple skin.

AHAs if used in high concentration can damage the skin. It is recommended that AHA concentration should be somewhere between 5% to 10%, 10% being the ultimate threshold. AHAs have the power to improve skin texture and boost glow. If paired with the right ingredients, AHA is a gold ingredient for your skin. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants like Vitamin C and Niacinamide can be paired well with AHAs for transformative results. 

AHAs are recommended by dermatologists for most skin types. However, those with highly sensitive skin are generally recommended to go for other skincare products or AHA-based products with low AHA concentrations. Studies have established AHAs effectiveness against hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. 

Scientific Properties of AHAs

• Name: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
• Solubility: Water-soluble
• pH Stability: Most effective between 3–4
• Ideal Concentration: Between 5% to 10%
• Toxicity: Low, if used in the recommended concentration 

Benefits of AHA for Skin

AHAs have multiple skin benefits. Its wide usage in skincare products in the form of glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acids makes it a potent ingredient. Some of the skin-enhancing benefits of AHAs are:

Promoting New Skin Cell Growth

AHAs in face washes or toners help in getting rid of dead skin cells and dirt from the skin. This helps in the stimulation of new skin cell growth. AHAs like glycolic acid have smaller molecular sizes making their penetration into the skin easier.

Brightening Dull Skin and Promoting Even Skin Tone

Studies suggest that AHAs are highly effective against hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and scars left behind by tough acne. AHAs like lactic acid help reduce melasma, remove pigmented cells, and promote luminous skin. A research conducted in 2023 proved this theory and concluded that AHA based skincare products when used for 8 weeks regularly can help improve skin luster.

Treating Acne and Decongesting Pores

AHAs derived from sugarcane, fruits, or milk help in keeping skin clear. Since AHAs have cleansing and exfoliating properties, using AHA-based products helps clean pores and remove dead cells. This results in reduced appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.

Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles

AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acids boost collagen production in the skin. Research proves that 10% glycolic acid when used for 12 weeks, had significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and improved skin firmness. In fact, it is proven that glycolic acid has anti-aging properties, making it a popular ingredient in products formulated to fight signs of aging. 

Improved Product Absorption

AHAs in skin care products help with better absorption of active ingredients into the skin. Since it removes the layer of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, it helps better penetration of ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Hyaluronic acid for efficient results.

How Microplastics Prevent the Efficiency of AHAs in Skin Care Products?

Microplastics, although commonly found in skin care products, counteract the efficiency of the product. It physically obstructs AHA penetration into the skin which interferes with its function of cleaning dead cells off the skin properly. This may lead to a disrupted skin barrier, skin irritation, and inflammation.

AHAs when combined with microplastics lose their original efficiency and are unable to penetrate into the skin properly. Thus, further obstructing the absorption of other ingredients such as Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, etc. into the skin. Not only this microplastics have a tendency to diminish the efficacy of the ingredients. 

La Pink promises 100% Microplastic-free formulations for you to make the best out of the ingredients included. The microplastic-free products are clinically proven to address the problems and show visible results. 

How to Use AHAs?

AHA based skin care products have the potential to transform your skin and give you a radiant glow. All you need to know is, how to use them to your advantage and what are the best ingredients to pair them with. For example, if you want to boost hydration in the skin, look for products combining AHAs and Hyaluronic acid. If you want to deal with inflammation and brighten your skin, you should pick a product with ingredients mentioning AHAs and Niacinamide. 

The best way to include AHAs in your skincare routine is to start slow. Use an AHA-based face wash or toner twice or thrice in a week. It is recommended to use AHA based products in the evening or when the sun is not bright and shining to avoid burning and irritation. Next, apply moisturizer diligently. You should get in touch with a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin before hopping on to the AHA bandwagon.

AHAs are truly game-changing if you want to work on improving your skin texture, dullness, and radiance. They have the ability to assist in new cell growth, target hyperpigmentation, dullness, and combat signs of aging. It has rightly earned its spot in essential skincare ingredients. If used in the right concentrations, and combined with the right ingredients, AHAs bring lasting results.