Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs are naturally occurring acids most often found in sugar cane, fruits and milk, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and herbs. These acids are also known as glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and succinic acid. They are weak acids that help remove dead skin cells and increase skins’ thickness, which smooth wrinkles.
As we age, dead skin cells build up on the outer layer of skin, which makes the skin look dull and rough. Alpha hydroxy acids penetrate through the dead skin cells and weakens the parts of the cells that anchor them together.
The Benefits Of Using Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs – glycolic acid and lactic acid are effective at removing dead skin cells and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid is slightly stronger than lactic acid, so it works better for deeper wrinkles and other signs of aging. Lactic acid is gentler and less irritating, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. AHAs work best when used topically. For example, our Ageless Perfection Cream contains minimal amount of alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and green tea extract for all the nourishing goodies in the formula to reach deeper.
This makes it easier for the dead cells to slough off the surface of the skin. Proper exfoliation is critical to healthy looking skin, and alpha hydroxy acids provide a quick and easy way to gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) work?
Removing the layer of dead skin cells
AHAs help to remove the old, often unevenly toned layer and uncover a fresh, new layer of skin free from the discoloration or age spots, improves the signs of acne, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, accelerates the natural process of skin’s beauty renewal and turnover, give the skin a healthy, lively glow by helping water bind to the skin and increasing hydration. This helps visibly reveal a fresh layer of skin that is more receptive to skin-nourishing ingredients and is able to absorb these ingredients faster and easier.
Natural AHAs can also help to increase the thickness of interior skin layers, which boosts the firm supportive structure of outer skin cells. This leads to firmer (which is more naturally youthful looking) complexion.
Let’s go into detail of some AHA can do in our skincare routine
AHAs Help Fight Aging
The most common type of AHA used in skin care products is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid helps exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin, which makes it easier for new cell growth to occur. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid helps exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin, which makes it useful for treating acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It also can help to firm and tighten skin.
AHAs Boost Collagen Production
AHA’s also boost collagen production, which improves the texture and elasticity of the skin. In addition, they reduce inflammation and redness, making them an ideal ingredient for acne treatment.
The most common form of alpha hydroxy acid is glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid has been used since ancient times to treat acne and other skin conditions. In recent years, research has shown that glycolic acid helps stimulate collagen production, which leads to smoother, softer skin.
AHAs Promote Healthy Cell Growth
AHAs promote healthy cell growth by stimulating the proliferation of new cells. This helps prevent aging and wrinkling, as well as improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Overall, these ingredients help to establish a healthier appearance while improving overall skin texture.
