Brightening Set with AHA

What are AHAs?

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of plant and animal-derived acids used in a variety of skincare products. These include daily anti-aging products, such as serums, toners, and creams, as well as occasional concentrated treatments via chemical peels.

There are seven types of AHAs commonly used in products available throughout the skincare industry. These include:

citric acid (from citrus fruits)
glycolic acid (from sugar cane)
hydroxycaproic acid (from royal jelly)
hydroxycaprylic acid (from animals)
lactic acid (from lactose or other carbohydrates)
malic acid (from fruits)
tartaric acid (from grapes)

Research on the uses and efficacy of AHAs is extensive. However, out of all the AHAs available, glycolic and lactic acids are the most promising and well-researched. These two AHAs are also less likely to cause irritation. Because of this, most over-the-counter (OTC) AHAs contain either glycolic or lactic acid.

AHAs are primarily used to exfoliate. They can also help:

promote collagen and blood flow
correct discoloration from scars and age spots
improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles
prevent acne breakouts
brighten your complexion
increase product absorption

1. They help exfoliate

AHAs are primarily used to exfoliate your skin. In fact, this is the foundation for all of the other benefits AHAs offer.

Exfoliation refers to a process where the skin cells on the surface shed off. This helps remove dead skin cells but also makes way for new skin cell generation.

As you age, your natural skin cell cycle slows down, which can make dead skin cells build-up. When you have too many dead skin cells, they can accumulate and make your complexion look dull.

Dead skin cell accumulation can also enhance other underlying skin issues, such as:

wrinkles
age spots
acne

Still, not all AHAs have the same exfoliating power. The amount of exfoliation is determined by the type of AHA you use. As a rule of thumb, the more AHAs contained in a product, the more powerful the exfoliating effect

2. They help visibly brighten skin

When these acids exfoliate your skin, dead skin cells are broken down. The new skin revealed beneath is brighter and more radiant. AHAs with glycolic acid can help break down skin cell accumulation, while products with citric acid can brighten your skin even further.

3. They help promote collagen production

Collagen is a protein-rich fiber that helps keep your skin plump and smooth. As you age, these fibers break down. Sun damage may also accelerate collagen destruction. This can result in sallow, sagging skin.

Collagen itself is in the middle layer of your skin (dermis). When the upper layer (epidermis) is removed, products such as AHAs can go to work on the dermis. AHAs may help promote collagen production by destroying old collagen fibers to make way for new ones.

4. They help reduce the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles

AHAs are known for their anti-aging effects, and surface lines are no exception. One 2015 study reported that 9 out of 10 volunteers who used AHAs over a three-week period experienced significant improvements in overall skin texture.

Still, it’s important to remember that AHAs work for surface lines and wrinkles only, not deeper wrinkles. Professional fillers from a doctor, as well as other procedures such as laser resurfacing, are the only methods that work for deep wrinkles.

5. They promote blood flow to the skin

AHAs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote blood flow to the skin. This can help correct pale, dull complexions. Proper blood flow also ensures that skin cells get the necessary nutrients needed via oxygen-rich red blood cells.

6. They help minimize and correct discoloration

Your risk for skin discoloration increases with age. For example, flat brown spots, known as age spots (lentigines), may develop as a result of sun exposure. They tend to develop on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun most often, such as your chest, hands, and face.

Discoloration may also result from:

melasma
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
acne scars

AHAs promote skin cell turnover. New skin cells are evenly pigmented. In theory, long-term use of AHAs may reduce skin discoloration by encouraging the old, discolored skin cells to turn over.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends glycolic acid for discoloration.

7. They help treat and prevent acne

You may be familiar with benzoyl peroxide and other acne-fighting ingredients for stubborn blemishes. AHAs may also help treat and prevent recurring acne.

Acne pimples occur when your pores are clogged with a combination of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. Exfoliating with AHAs can help loosen and remove the clog. Continued use may also prevent future clogs from forming.

AHAs may also reduce the size of enlarged pores, which are commonly seen in acne-prone skin. Skin cell turnover from exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids can even reduce acne scars. Some acne products also contain other AHAs, such as citric and malic acids, to help soothe inflamed skin.

And AHAs aren’t just for your face! You can use AHA products on other acne-prone areas, including your backside and chest.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take two to three months before you start to see significant acne improvements. It’s important to be patient while the products work to relieve acne over time. You also need to use the products consistently—skipping daily treatments makes it take longer for the ingredients to work.

8. They help increase product absorption

In addition to their own distinct benefits, AHAs can make your existing products work better by increasing their absorption into the skin.

For example, if you have too many dead skin cells, your daily moisturizer just sits on top without hydrating your new skin cells underneath. AHAs like glycolic acid can break through this layer of dead skin cells, enabling your moisturizer to hydrate your new skin cells more effectively.

How much AHA is needed?

As a rule of thumb, the FDA recommends AHA products with an overall AHA concentration of less than 10 percent. This helps prevent side effects from AHAs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you shouldn’t use products that are more than 15 percent AHA.

Daily use products — such as serum, toners, and moisturizers — contain lower AHA concentrations. For example, a serum or a toner might have a 5 percent AHA concentration.

Highly concentrated products, such as glycolic acid peels, are used less frequently to reduce your risk of side effects.

Are side effects possible?

If you’ve never used AHAs before, you may experience minor side effects while your skin adjusts to the product.

Temporary side effects may include:

burning
itching
blisters
dermatitis (eczema)

To reduce your risk of irritation, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using AHA products every other day. As your skin gets used to them, you can then start applying AHAs every day.

Also, use extra caution when going out in the sun. The peeling effects of highly-concentrated AHAs may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays for up to one week after use. You should wear sunscreen daily and reapply more frequently to prevent sunburn.

You should consult your doctor before use if you have:

freshly shaved skin
cuts or burns on your skin
rosacea
psoriasis
eczema

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also consult their doctor before use.

“Free From” – Skincare Products You Can Trust

Your skin will look and feel fabulous, and your heart can feel good about your use of Evulv's Organically Preserved products. They are all paraben, sulfate, phthalate, and gluten-free. They are also free from petrochemicals, fillers, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, propellants, or synthetic fragrance oils. All of our Organically Preserved Bases are non-toxic, vegan and never tested on animals, and small-batch crafted in the US.

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