aHA, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are used to treat many skin conditions. Find the best uses for aHA and if aHa is right for you. This article discusses What You Need to Know Before Using Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
What to Know About Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Here is what you need to know before using an Alpha Hydroxy Acid:
What is Alpha Hydroxy Acids or aHA?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or aHA, are natural acids from citrus fruit, grapes, sugar cane, or milk.
What Does aHA do?
Alpha Lipoic Acids are highly effective at making skin and wrinkles appear smoother.
How Does aHA work?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids remove and loosen dead cells from the skin surface and help the skin retain moisture.
An aHA works very gently by dissolving calcium ions. Calcium ions are the “glue” that binds skin cells to dead skin cells. The dead cells wash away without rubbing or scrubbing.
What Are the Benefits of alpha Hydroxy Acids?
AHAs improve skin moisture content. AHAs work on the skin surface and don’t penetrate as deeply as BHAs.
Which Hydroxy Acids are aHAs?
Some types of AHAs include lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acid.
What skin conditions do aHAs treat?
- acne, blackheads, clogged pores
- scars
- hyperpigmentation and age spots
- roughness
- seborrhea
- wrinkles
What Skin Types Can Use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (aHA)?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are ideal for Sensitive and mature skin because there is no excess scrubbing or rubbing to achieve results.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids Use Tips
- Start with a strength of 10% or less. Higher concentrations must always be diluted!
- Use for the minimum length of time. Rinse immediately if skin burns or hurts.
- Always Wear Sunscreen
- Limit use of other exfoliating topicals such as retinols until your skin adjusts.
What are other useful Hydroxy Acids?
AHAs work on the skin surface and don’t penetrate as deeply as BHAs.
Beta-hydroxy Acid (bHA) is an oil-soluble exfoliant made from natural sources such as fruit and milk sugars.
bHA is used to treat wrinkles, acne, blackheads, and sun damage. They also build collagen and have anti-bacterial action.
Salicylic Acid is a natural bHA. It comes from White Willow Bark
Summary of Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids include lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acid. They treat acne, wrinkles, skin texture and age spots. Start with 10% and don’t go higher than 35% unless you are a professional. Always wear sunscreen when using aHA.
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