What are AHA’s?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), also known as fruit acids, have been used in skincare for about 40 years. These natural acids, sourced from the likes of fruits and milk, offer remarkable benefits for skin health.

Common types of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. These compounds are recognised for their exfoliating and rejuvenating properties, supporting cell turnover and enhancing skin texture. Their incredible benefits have made them a go to ingredient in skincare, addressing various concerns such as photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that AHAs may reverse signs of photoaging, improve the appearance of wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity, tone, and hydration. This makes them a key ingredient in many anti ageing skincare products, helping to maintain a youthful and healthy complexion.

Where do AHA’S Come From?

AHAs are naturally found in many foods and milk sugars. Specifically:

• Glycolic acid: Derived from sugarcane.


• Lactic acid: Sourced from milk or fermented vegetables.


• Citric acid and malic acid: Found abundantly in fruits such as citrus fruits, apples, and pears.


• Mandelic acid: Sourced from bitter almonds.


• Tartaric acid: Derived from grapes

AHAs are found in various anti-ageing skincare products due to their benefits in exfoliating the skin. Additionally, AHAs are commonly incorporated into chemical peels and other dermatological treatments to enhance skin texture and appearance.

Unique Benefits of AHA’S:

AHAs offer several benefits, particularly in skincare:

• Exfoliation: They help peel and exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin.


• Treatment of skin conditions: AHAs work wonders on acne, scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, roughness, age spots, and seborrhea.


• Anti-aging effects: They have shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating the production of collagen and thickening the skin.


• UV protection: Some studies suggest AHAs may prevent UV-induced skin damage and have antioxidant properties.


• Skin barrier function: AHAs improve the skin's barrier function, improve firmness, and restore hydration.

Common AHAs, like glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid, and malic acid, each have their own unique benefits. For example, glycolic acid is effective in penetrating the skin and enhancing texture, while lactic acid is gentle and ideal for sensitive skin, providing radiance. Citric acid brings antioxidant benefits to the table, promoting brightness and texture improvement, while mandelic acid's antibacterial properties are great for acne prone skin. Lastly, malic acid's hydrating effects are perfect for those with dry or mature skin.

Precautions:

While AHAs work wonders for many, it's important to take some precautions:

• Increased sun sensitivity: AHAs can make your skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays, so it's crucial to use sunscreen especially after any treatments.


• Concentration and exposure time: The effects of AHAs vary depending on their concentration and how long they're in contact with your skin.


• Consideration for darker skin tones: AHAs may not be suitable for those with darker skin tones, as they may potentially cause pigmentation issues.


• Sensitivity concerns: If you have sensitive skin, you may experience stinging or burning sensations when using products containing AHAs.