Alpha Hydroxy acid, or AHA for short, is found in many skin care products today. So what exactly does it do? How are alpha hydroxy products used? We have explained them all in detail for you. Today, we will examine these ingredients that we often hear about as Aha and Bha in depth. Let's get started!
What is Alpha Hydroxy Acid and How is it used?
Skin care is very important for all of us. With regular skin care, we feel better and delay the signs of aging. In this way, we always have a fresh and lively face. We include some acids and vitamins in our care in order to slow down the formation of wrinkles, under-eye bags and similar factors that may appear on the face before reaching a certain age. There are very effective ingredients in keeping the elastic level of the skin strong and solving problems such as acne and blemishes. AHA and BHA are some of them. So what is aha?
What is AHA? (Alpha Hydroxide Acid)
What is alpha hydroxy acid? Many people who care about skin care and do content research are curious about the answer to the question. In the most general sense, we can say that it is an organic fruit acid. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of ingredients that can exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin. They have a peeling effect. Thus, they make your face much smoother. Of course, this peeling effect is not at a level that damages the skin. It creates a controlled and light peeling effect by reducing skin cell bonding. In this way, the new skin you get becomes more moist and vibrant.
As we age, the rate of renewal of our natural skin cells begins to decrease. As a result, our skin accumulates excessive dead cells. A face that is not regularly cleaned, cared for and purified will have a lifeless appearance due to the accumulation of dead cells. Aha, this is where alpha hydroxy acid comes into play!
What Does AHA Do?
Problems such as wrinkles, age spots, acne are seen in skins that do not have a proper care routine and whose needs are not understood. It is of great importance to be able to renew the skin during the treatment process. The aha, whose peeling effect we are talking about, sprouts renewal here. Skin exfoliation, in other words, peeling the skin, helps new skin cells to form by removing dead skin cells. If you want to achieve smoothness in your skin care and remove the dead cells that form from your face, you can choose skin care products that contain aha.
What Are AHA Acids?
There are 7 different types of these acids. However, they are not found in the same proportions in every cosmetic or dermocosmetic product. You can learn the aha ratios by reading the ingredients of the product you use in detail. We have listed 7 aha acids for you below.
- Glycolic Acid - (Obtained from sugar cane)
- Lactic Acid - (Obtained from lactose or other carbohydrates)
- Citric Acid - (Obtained from citrus fruits)
- Malic Acid - (Obtained from fruits)
- Tartaric Acid - (Obtained from Grapes)
- Phytic Acid – (Obtained from rice)
- Mandelic Acid – (Obtained from Bitter Almond)
Glycolic acid is the preferred type of AHA acid in many skin care products. It is frequently used due to its ability to penetrate to the uppermost layers of the skin and its molecular size. It supports collagen production and is effective in reducing the visibility of pores.
What are the Benefits of Using AHA?
Since the meaning and effect of AHA comes from its peeling components, we can express its most obvious benefit as skin renewal. It is very good for sun damaged, lifeless and dull skin, and skin with tone inequalities. When AHAs peel your skin, dead cells disappear. In this way, the new skin underneath is revealed and a brighter face is obtained. It supports blood flow to the skin. It is effective in healing acne and preventing new formation. It also increases the absorption rate of other skin care products. AHAs such as glycolic acid can help the products you use penetrate more effectively by removing the layer of dead skin cells.
What Should You Pay Attention to When Using AHA?
To find an answer to this question, first of all, it is necessary to answer the question of how to use Aha. As we mentioned above, there are 7 different types of this acid. Moreover, they are included in different proportions in each care product. For this reason, follow the instructions for use of your product for the most correct use. Apart from this, if you use different ingredients, consult your doctor to prevent sensitivity that may occur in the combination.
Some products containing AHA need to be washed off, while others can be left on the skin. The strength of the AHA will be determined by the AHA concentration in the product and the type of product. Today, it is usually found in skin cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers.
Can Niacinamide and AHA Be Used Together?
First of all, we recommend that you be careful when you start using 2 different acids at the same time in your skin care. Of course, this does not mean that it will cause problems for every skin type, but it is still useful to pay attention to the rule in order not to irritate the skin while getting the best effect. Niacinamide can be used in the same skin care routine as AHAs and BHAs. However, we always recommend that you test it on a small area of your skin before starting to use it in the same routine.
Can Aha Bha be used with Niacinamide? Yes, but as we always say, be careful not to include it in the same routine. It would be beneficial to use one product in day care and the other in night care. By the way, let's talk about the bha content right away. BHA refers to organic acids that are oil-soluble. As with AHA acids, BHA also cleans the dead skin on the skin, allowing the skin to breathe and refresh.
Can AHA and BHA be used together?
It is not recommended to use with AHA/BHA forms such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. When you use these ingredients on top of each other, they can neutralize each other's effects. More importantly, they can cause irritation. However, this does not happen with every aha and bha combination. If you are looking for an answer to the question of how to use aha bha, you should consider the ingredients you combine. You should discover their compatibility with your skin structure together.
Can AHA be used in the summer?
AHA ingredients tend to be more sensitive to the skin than BHAs. For this reason, AHA exfoliants can be used 3-4 times a week and only at night. BHA exfoliants can also be used daily in the summer months. If you prefer these ingredients, you should definitely not neglect sunscreen. You can choose an effective sunscreen to protect your face and your entire skin from the sun. Considering that it has a peeling effect, sensitivity and redness may occur. For this reason, you can include products containing AHA in your night care.
When is the Best Time to Use AHA?
As we mentioned above, it is possible to use ingredients that will cause peeling or tension on the face with a moisturizing serum or cream in night care. It is useful to examine the products and components in your care routine well. In this way, you can rank each product in a way that will create maximum effect. Correct skin care and correct product order will allow you to get the effect in the shortest time.
At What Age Should AHA Be Used?
There is no statement that acids should definitely be used before this age range. You can choose to renew and revitalize your cells before your skin starts to look pale. It is always positive to take precautions before a problem occurs. However, if you are receiving acne treatment or have other skin problems while using this acid, we recommend that you consult your physician.
Tips to Follow When Using AHA
Cleansers or toners containing aha are for cleansing your skin. However, if you use this content in serums or moisturizers, be sure to use it on clean skin. Read the instructions for use of your product carefully and apply it. There are many serums containing aha. Therefore, how to use aha bha serum? The question is also frequently researched. The best use for these products will be in the product itself.
What are the Purest Solution Products Containing AHA?
There are some suggestions we can offer you for products containing aha and bha. The Purest Revitalizing Skin Tone Equalizing Facial Peeling Serum is specially formulated for skin in need of renewal. 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Ascorbic Acid) and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) formulation is a solution enriched with soothing Tasmanian Pepper extract and moisturizing Hyaluronic acid. It has a healing effect for enlarged and clogged pore forms.
