What is Alpha Hydroxy Acid? How is it used?
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), also known as alpha hydroxy acid, is found in many skincare products today. But what exactly does it do? How should products containing alpha hydroxy acids be used? We'll explain everything in detail for you. Today, we will delve into these ingredients, commonly known as AHA and BHA. Let's get started!
Skincare is important to all of us. Regular skincare not only makes us feel better but also delays the signs of aging. This way, we always have a fresh and vibrant complexion. To slow down the formation of wrinkles, under-eye bags, or other factors that can appear on the face before reaching a certain age, we include certain acids and vitamins in our skincare routine. There are effective ingredients that help maintain the skin's elasticity and address issues like acne and blemishes, and AHA and BHA are among them. So what is AHA?
What is AHA? (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)
Many people who care about skincare and research ingredients are curious about what alpha hydroxy acid is. In general, we can say it is an organic fruit acid. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of compounds that can exfoliate the top layers of the skin. They have an exfoliating effect on the skin, making your face much smoother. Of course, this exfoliating effect is not at a level that harms the skin. It creates a controlled and gentle exfoliating effect by reducing the skin cell adhesion. As a result, the new skin you obtain becomes more moisturized and vibrant.
As we age, the renewal rate of our natural skin cells starts to decrease. As a result, our skin accumulates a large number of dead cells. If the face is not regularly cleansed, cared for, and purified, the accumulation of dead cells can lead to a lifeless appearance. This is where AHA, or alpha hydroxy acid, comes into play!
What Does AHA Do?
Wrinkles, signs of aging, and acne are seen in skin that does not have the correct skincare routine and fails to meet its needs. In the treatment process, it is important to be able to renew the skin. This is where the exfoliating effect of AHA comes into play. Exfoliation of the skin, which means peeling the skin and removing dead skin cells, helps the formation of new skin cells. If you want to achieve smooth skin in your skincare routine and get rid of dead cells on your face, you can choose skincare products containing AHA.
What are the Types of AHA Acids?
There are 7 different types of these acids. However, they are not present in the same proportions in every cosmetic or dermocosmetic product. By reading the ingredients section of the product you use, you can learn the AHA concentrations. Below, we have listed 7 AHA acids for you:
- Glycolic Acid - (Derived from sugar cane)
- Lactic Acid - (Derived from lactose or other carbohydrates)
- Citric Acid - (Derived from citrus fruits)
- Malic Acid - (Derived from fruits)
- Tartaric Acid - (Derived from grapes)
- Phytic Acid - (Derived from rice)
- Mandelic Acid - (Derived from bitter almonds)
Glycolic Acid is a type of AHA acid that is commonly used in many skincare products. It is known for its ability to penetrate the top layers of the skin and its small molecular size. It supports collagen production and is effective in reducing the visibility of pores.
Benefits of Using AHA
The most significant benefit of AHA, as it is a exfoliating ingredient, is skin renewal. It works well for sun-damaged, dull, and uneven skin tones. When AHAs exfoliate the skin, it removes dead cells, revealing a fresh layer of skin and achieving a brighter complexion. AHAs also support blood circulation to the skin, help with acne healing and prevention, and enhance the absorption of other skincare products. AHAs like glycolic acid can help remove the layer of dead skin cells, allowing the products you use to penetrate more effectively.
Tips for Using AHA
To answer the question of how to use AHA, it's important to consider the different types of AHAs available and the concentration in the product you are using. Follow the instructions provided with your specific product for the most accurate guidance. If you are using other skincare ingredients, consult a healthcare professional to prevent any potential sensitivities or reactions.
Some AHA products should be rinsed off, while others can be left on the skin. The strength of AHA depends on the concentration of AHA in the product and its type. Nowadays, AHA is commonly found in cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers.
Can Niacinamide and AHA/BHA be Used Together?
When starting to use two different acids in your skincare routine, it's important to be cautious. This doesn't necessarily mean that it will cause problems for everyone's skin, but it's best to avoid irritating the skin while getting the best results. Niacinamide can be used in the same skincare routine as AHA and BHA. However, it's always recommended to patch test a small area of your skin before using them together.
Can AHA and BHA be Used Together?
It is not recommended to use AHA/BHA formulations containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid together. When these ingredients are used consecutively, they can neutralize each other's effects and potentially cause irritation. However, this doesn't apply to all combinations of AHA and BHA. When considering how to use AHA and BHA together, you should take into account the specific products and their compatibility with your skin.
Can AHA be Used in the Summer?
AHA ingredients tend to make the skin more sensitive compared to BHAs. As a result, AHA exfoliants should be used 3-4 times a week and only at night. BHA exfoliants can be used daily, even during the summer months. If you prefer using these ingredients, it's essential not to forget sunscreen to protect your face and skin from the sun. Considering the exfoliating effect of AHAs, it's advisable to incorporate AHA-containing products into your nighttime skincare routine.
Best Time to Use AHA
As mentioned earlier, if you are using products that may cause peeling or tightness, it's best to use them at night with the support of a moisturizing serum or cream. It's important to carefully examine the products and ingredients in your skincare routine to determine the optimal order. Proper skincare and correct product sequencing will help you achieve results more effectively.
At what age can AHA be used?
There is no specific age range that must be followed for the use of acids. You can choose to use them to renew and revitalize your skin before it starts to look dull. Taking preventive measures before problems arise is always beneficial. However, if you are undergoing acne treatment or have other skin issues, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using this acid.
Tips for Using AHA
AHA-containing cleansers or toners are intended for cleansing the skin. However, if you are using this ingredient in serums or moisturizers, make sure to apply them to clean skin. Read and follow the instructions of your product carefully. There are many serums available that contain AHA, and the best way to use an AHA-BHA serum is indicated by the product itself.
Which are the Purest Solution Products containing AHA?
We can provide you with some recommendations for products that contain AHA and BHA. "The Purest Solutions Exfoliating Facial Peeling AHA %10 + BHA %2 " is specially formulated for skin in need of renewal. It is enriched with a formulation of 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Ascorbic Acid) and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid). It also contains soothing Tasmanian Pepperberry extract and moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid. This solution has a healing effect on enlarged and clogged pores.
Why is it important to use a moisturizer? Provide Your Skin with the Needed Hydration!
One of the most important steps of the daily skin care routine is to moisturize the skin as much as possible. Moisturizers help to maintain the moisture balance of the skin and to achieve a healthier and more vibrant appearance. During the day, our skin loses its moisture. When the skin loses its moisture, the problem of dryness first arises. Dehydrated skin can cause many skin problems. Exfoliation, irritation, redness and lifelessness may occur on the skin that is weakened against external factors. For this reason, it is necessary to turn to products that can be used to supplement moisture.
What are the Effects of the Sun on Our Skin?
Sunlights can have both positive and negative effects on our skin. While getting an adequate amount of sun can serve as a source of Vitamin D and enhance skin health, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can lead to serious negative outcomes such as sunburn and skin cancer.
Matify and Go! What is T-Zone Oil Eraser Mask?
A mattifying skin mask is a skincare product designed for shiny and oily skin. Mattifying skin masks for the T-zone Oil Eraser Skin Mask target excess oil on the T-zone to mattify the skin and reduce shine. Additionally, they clean the pores and help prevent the formation of acne and blackheads by deeply purifying the skin.
What is Tinted Sunscreen? Benefits of Tinted Sunscreen for the Skin
Using sunscreen is important to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, prevent skin cancer, and keep our skin healthy. However, it can be challenging to find a sunscreen that suits your skin's needs and tone. Tinted sunscreens are formulated to provide protection against UV rays while also giving a subtle tint that matches your skin tone during the summer season. In today's content, we will discuss what tinted sunscreens are and their benefits for the skin. Let's get started...
Skin Care Routine in Summer and Things to Consider
During the summer months, along with sunny, hot, and humid weather, our skin can undergo a series of changes. It is important to adapt to these changes and maintain our skin's health by following the right skincare routine. Below, you can find detailed information about the changes that occur in our skin during summer, the effects of summer months on the skin, points to pay attention to, the ingredients of skincare products used, and suitable cleansers, toners, skin serums, and facial peels.
Which Ingredients Create Sun Sensitivity?
It wouldn't be wrong to say that skincare and cleansing always make us feel better. However, one of the most important rules in skincare is the right timing. There are fantastic products available that are anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, and anti-spot with amazing ingredients we use or consider using.
Skin Care in the Summer Months
Changing weather conditions can have a positive or negative impact on our skin. Our skin actually tells us the steps we need to take when adjusting our routines according to the seasons. What we need to do is to turn the negative effects into positive ones for our skin through some changes. Let's take a look at these steps.
What is Retinol and What is it Used For?
Retinol is a ingredient that plays an important role in skincare, particularly in anti-aging products. Considering the benefits it provides to the skin and its combination with the right products, it's no coincidence that retinol is frequently encountered. So, what is retinol? What is it used for? How is it applied to the skin? We have answered all these questions for you. Let's begin with our detailed information about retinol.
What is Arbutin? What are its benefits for the skin?
Skincare is crucial for achieving healthy skin, and it involves the use of various materials and ingredients. One of these is a natural compound called arbutin. Arbutin is known for its skin-lightening and spot-reducing properties. In this content, we will answer questions such as: What is arbutin? What are its benefits for the skin? And what should be considered when using it?
What Are Peptides? What Are They Used For?
In recent years, there has been a buzz around peptides and their potential benefits for skincare and overall health. Though they are already present in our bodies, these small yet powerful molecules have been praised for their ability to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and even promote weight loss. From anti-aging creams to dietary supplements, peptides are now a popular ingredient in many products on the market. But what exactly are peptides, and how do they work? In this article, we will explore the science behind peptides and their various uses, revealing why they are quickly becoming a must-have ingredient in the world of health and beauty.
Why should fragrance not be used in skin care products?
Using skin care products containing fragrance appeals to a large majority because with each use, it not only appeals to our skin but also to our soul. However, the most important point to remember is the fact that fragranced components are damaging to the skin, even if only minimally, with each application.
Daily Skincare Routine: How It Should Be and How The Products Should Be Ordered?
It ain’t no secret that we want to choose products that are suitable for and effective on our skin. This is because we want our skin to always look young, fresh, lively, and glowing. Unfortunately, some problems such as blackheads, acne, and comedones prevent us from achieving this appearance. So what should we do in this case? How should the daily skincare routine be? The answers to all of these questions are waiting for you in our content.
Are Freckles Skin Spots?
Freckles, which can be the most beautiful accessory for some and a nuisance for others, are small skin spots encoded in our genes as hereditary. Freckles occur as a result of increased melanin production when the skin protects itself from the sun. Today, we will share details about facial freckles, which are among the newest beauty trends. We will also answer questions such as "Can freckles be treated?" and "Do facial freckles disappear?" Let's get started!
Is your skin dehydrated or dry? Ways to Recognize and Moisturize Dry Skin
What does dry skin mean to you? We are here with new content that will contribute to your skincare routine in the winter months! Have you recently felt that your skin is tight, sensitive, and drier than usual? Or has it always been like this? The sensitivity, dryness, and dullness you experience indicate that your skin is losing moisture. Although the symptoms may be the same or similar, let’s remember that there are actually big differences between dehydrated and dry skin. Therefore, before looking for a moisturizer or sunscreen for dry skin, you should analyze whether your skin is really dry or just dehydrated. So how can you tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Here are the differences between dry and dehydrated skin...
What is hyaluronic acid?
We all hear the name of hyaluronic acid frequently nowadays and we see it in many product’s ingredients list. Do we know this so called ‘acid’ well enough?
ANTONIO BANDERAS, HEALTH COACH
Athletes who engage in "blood doping" pumping blood into their systems to boost their number of blood cells and enhance their performance, run the risk of strokes.