Welcome back to Ingredient 101 where we break down skin care products one ingredient at a time. Today, we’re talking about the infamous AHA aka Alpha-hydroxy acid!
What is AHA?
AHA is a chemical used to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, getting rid of any dead skin cells and revealing the healthy skin cells below.
Your skin already has a renewal process that regenerates new cells every 27 days. But as you age, that process slows down. Using AHA will accelerate the shredding of those dead cells, and leave you with smoother, younger looking skin.
What Skin Types Benefit the Most From AHA?
While all skin types can benefit from AHA, dry and aging skin are the ones to see the best results. In fact, AHA helps retexture and brighten rough flaky skin while also adding hydration and moisture. Furthermore, it also increases collagen production which is needed for more mature skin.
NOTE: Always apply sunscreen after using AHA because your skin is more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.
What Skin Care Products Contain AHA?
THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION is one of the brand’s best sellers. This solution reduces acne and brightens skin with a blend of glycolic and lactic acids that will get rid of all that dirt, oil, and makeup that lingers deep inside your pores and cause all kinds of breakouts and skin problems.
Right now it retails for around 6.3 GBP making it super affordable!
MALIN + GOETZ RESURFACING GLYCOLIC PADS will improve both texture and clarity from the first use. They are highly saturated with AHA. So it’ll make your pores cleaner, and fine lines smoother. Just make sure to use your SPF, because this product is strong.
40 GBP is quite a hefty price tag. But you get 50 pads to use once or twice a week.
DR. DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA PEEL EXTRA STRENGTH FORMULA. This is a two-step daily peel. The first part is a cotton pad saturated with AHA to reduce fine lines, scars and pores in just a few swipes. The second part is pad saturated with a blend of retinol and antioxidants that will give you the smoothest, glowing, even complexion.
It comes in packs of 5, 30 or 60 priced at 19, 89 and 149 GBP. So it’s definitely pricey. But if you can afford it, it’s worth it.
Personally, I got to try them in a 3-piece sample and they were so good. The only reason I didn’t get a pack to use is the price tag.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission is you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
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