Application of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in cosmetic and skin care products

In order to remove dead skin cells and help with exfoliation, you can use a combination called alpha hydroxy acid. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) refer to a group of acids that are naturally present in many fruits and foods. Most people turn to products containing alpha hydroxy acid to reduce dark spots or hyperpigmentation, as well as fade skin scars. In this article, what exactly is alpha hydroxy acid? We will give you more comprehensive information.

What is alpha hydroxy acid?

As we explained, alpha hydroxy acids are a group of acids that are naturally found in some foods. Many skin care products that contain AHA are used to exfoliate the skin. AHAs loosen the top layer of skin by breaking down the sticky substance that holds skin cells together. In this case, the skin is encouraged to make more cells and the circulation of cell growth increases. You can see alpha hydroxy acid in the composition of many skin serums, toners, creams and face exfoliators.

Types of alpha hydroxy acids

The most important types of AHA are:

• Lactic acid found in dairy products and fermented vegetables.
• Glycolic acid obtained from sugarcane.
• Another case is malic acid, which is present in apples.
• and tartaric acid, which is present in grapes.

The most famous and well-known AHAs are lactic acid and glycolic acid, but be careful that the function of all alpha hydroxy acids is similar to each other. Hydroxycaproic acid, which has an animal source, is another type of alpha hydroxy acid. In addition to exfoliators, AHA is used abundantly in brightening and anti-blemish creams.

What are the benefits of AHA?

AHAs have various uses for the skin:

Gentle exfoliation of the skin with the help of ACHA

Especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, use an exfoliator that contains AHA because it is less likely to cause skin irritation. The most important application of AHA is primarily skin exfoliation. When exfoliating, the surface cells of the skin, which are actually dead, are destroyed. But the way is opened for the production of new skin cells.

As we age, the natural cell cycle of the skin slows down, and as a result, the number of dead skin cells increases. When there are too many dead skin cells, they clump together and make the skin look dull. Accumulation of dead skin cells will lead to increased wrinkles, skin spots and acne. Note that the more AHAs there are in a product, the stronger the peeling effects will be.

Improve skin texture

Now that you know what alpha hydroxy acid is? It is better to know that acidic exfoliants such as AHAs can eliminate the problem of roughness and flaking of the skin without causing irritation. In this case, dry skin, blemishes and keratosis pilaris (chicken skin disorder) will be reduced.

Reduce wrinkles with products containing alpha hydroxy acid

As more time passes and a person is more exposed to the harmful rays of the sun, the circulation of new skin cells decreases. It means that replacement of dead cells with new cells happens less often. In this case, facial lines and wrinkles will increase. Alpha hydroxy acids help to remove dead skin cells and cause the underlying cells to rise up and reveal themselves. Long-term use of alpha hydroxy acids may increase collagen and elastin in the skin and combat skin sagging. In fact, AHAs are effective in increasing skin elasticity.

Reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage

Exfoliators containing AHA help to eliminate the darkness of the skin in some areas (hyperpigmentation). The main cause of hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin (skin pigment). Also, if the facial spots are due to ageing, sun damage, or melasma, you can still use AHA peels.

It is important to note that in people with dark skin, alpha hydroxy acids can cause dark spots and change skin tone. If you are concerned about this problem, consult a dermatologist before using products containing AHA.

Benefits of alpha hydroxy acid for pimples and acne

Accumulation of dead skin cells closes skin pores and causes pimples and acne. Alpha hydroxy acid is effective in treating and preventing acne by removing dead cells from the skin. Acne is more likely to occur when skin pores become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. Alpha hydroxy acids are not just for the face. If you have pimples in other parts of your body like chest or back, you can use products containing AHA.

Reduction of open pores in acne-prone skin

People with acne-prone skin often face the problem of excessive opening of skin pores. AHAs may be able to help reduce the size of large pores on the skin.

Increasing collagen production in the skin with AHAs

Collagen is a type of protein that helps maintain the health of your skin and plays an effective role in skin rejuvenation. With age, collagen production in the body decreases. Factors such as harmful sunlight also cause the destruction of collagen to occur faster. This causes the skin to sag and loosen. Collagen is located in the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. When the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin, is removed using products containing AHA, it is possible that these products can help boost collagen production. So, alpha hydroxy acid can help to rejuvenate the skin in this way.

What is the difference between BHA and alpha hydroxy acid?

Beta hydroxy acids are a similar group of acids that help exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA in skin care products. To compare AHA and BHA, pay attention to the following table:

As we mentioned in the table, BHAs are more suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. Because they can improve skin texture, reduce the possibility of skin blockage and eliminate blackheads and whiteheads.

How to use AHAs in skin care products

What is the use of alpha hydroxy acid? AHAs can be found in these products:

• cleaners
• Toners or tonics
• Face pads
• Skin serums
• Moisturizers

Some products containing alpha hydroxy acid should be washed off the skin after use, but others need to stay on the skin for a certain period of time. The concentration of AHA can affect the effectiveness of the product. According to dermatologists, it is better for people to determine their skin type before choosing products containing AHA and peeling type. In this regard, it is better to seek help from a dermatologist. How to use the product containing alpha hydroxy acid should be done according to the doctor’s order or the order written on the product cover.

In general, if AHA is in cleansers or detergents, you should massage it on the skin for 30 seconds and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Then you need to apply moisturizer. But if AHA is in the exfoliator, to use it, the skin must be cleaned first and then the desired product should be left on the skin for a few minutes. You can use exfoliators containing glycolic acid every week or every 2 weeks.

Warnings about using products containing AHA

Before using products containing alpha hydroxy acid, pay attention to the following points:

• Try a small amount of the product on a small area of ​​the skin and then apply it to your face.
• If the desired product irritates your skin and causes burning and itching, stop using it.
• If there is no reaction, use it according to the instructions written on the product.
• Do not use alpha hydroxy acid if you have a wound on your skin or have suffered a sunburn.
• Products containing AHA should not be used for babies and children.

AHAs and BHAs can increase sensitivity to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Therefore, after using products containing AHA, you should not forget to use sunscreen. When choosing products containing AHAs, the FDA recommends that you buy a product that:

• The concentration of alpha hydroxy acid in it should be 10% maximum.
• The product has SPF.
• And Ph (PH) is 3.5 or less.

Be sure to apply sunscreen after using AHA. When buying sunscreen, choose a product that has an SPF of 30 or more, is waterproof, and has a broad-spectrum label.

Complications of excessive use of alpha hydroxy acid

Excessive and frequent use of products containing AHA can cause problems and complications for the skin. Among these complications, the following can be mentioned:

• Skin irritation and burning
• Flaking and dry skin
• Blemishes and skin discoloration
• Increased sensitivity to other skin care products

If these side effects are observed, the use of the product should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted. In order to reduce the possibility of side effects, it is better not to use AHA products every day; Unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

What is the best amount of AHA in products?

In general, it is recommended to use products containing alpha hydroxy acid with a concentration of less than 10%. It is better not to use products with an AHA concentration of more than 15%. Skin serums, toners, and moisturizers generally contain lower concentrations of AHAs. For example, a serum or toner may have an AHA concentration of 5%. Products with a high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid peels) are used less often to reduce the risk of side effects.

How long does it take for AHAs to work?

In most cases, you can see the effects of using an AHA or BHA even after the first time. But if you want products containing these ingredients to have an effect on skin rejuvenation or removing blemishes, for example, you should continue using them for at least 12 weeks (3 months).

Using products containing AHA is usually not recommended every day. Even some experts consider consuming once every other day to be too much. Be sure to consult a doctor in this regard.

last word

What is alpha hydroxy acid? They are a group of acids that are found in food and are usually used in skin care products because of their exfoliating properties. AHAs can help improve skin texture, reduce dark spots, and fight skin aging. If you use alpha hydroxy acids, never, ever forget to wear sunscreen.