Top 8 Best AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) Prudcts For Clear & Radiant Skin

• What is AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid?

Alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, is 1 of 2 hydroxy acids which is usually used in cosmetics for exfoliation and hydration. They are especially popular in anti-aging skincare products. AHA can be synthetically created or naturally derived from fruit, nuts, sugar or dairy products.

• What are the Benefits of AHA?

Clinical trials have shown that hydroxy acids bring significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, tone, texture, and smoothing wrinkles.

In fact, alpha hydroxy acids were originally used in dermatology to treat other serious skin conditions, such as hyperkeratosis.

However, when they found that AHA also promoted softer and smoother skin, lighter blemishes, faded wrinkles and age spots; it quickly began to play an important role in cosmetic skin care.

Further studies have also shown improvements in the skin's barrier function and firmness in recovery.

Major benefits of AHA include:

◆ Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation (acne spots)

◆ Rejuvenate dull, lifeless skin

◆ Smoothen out skin texture

◆ Even skin tone

◆ Combat mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads

◆ Restore hydration and maintains proper moisture levels in the skin

◆ Improve skin's barrier function and skin firmness

◆ Improve the effectiveness of other skincare products

The higher the concentration of the acid and the lower the pH (the measure of acidity) of the product, the more effective it will be.

However, the strength of the formulation is also related to its ability to cause skin sensitivity.

One way to minimize this is by raising your skin’s tolerance to acids and lowering your skin’s pH levels through AHA toners.

• What are the different types of AHA?

Glycolic acid is a very popular AHA because of its smaller molecular structure. Derived from sugar cane, it can penetrate the skin and break up the sticky bonds between dead skin cells, so that you can get rid of those nasty, dull creatures for good.

Lactic acid has bigger molecules than glycolic but smaller molecules than mandelic acid. This makes it a gentler AHA that is a great starter acid for most people. It does everything that glycolic acid has, but because it has bigger molecules, the effects take a little bit longer.

Mandelic acid is derived from almonds, which has bigger molecules than lactic acid, so it does not penetrate quickly into the skin and it also shows slower effects. This makes mandelic acid very suitable for people who have very sensitive skin that is easily prone to rashes and irritation.

Malic acid is made from apples but can also be created synthetically. Malic acid molecules are larger than glycolic and lactic acid so it penetrates more slowly like mandelic acid. At low concentrations, malic acid is a great supplementary AHA alongside glycolic or lactic, because together they can penetrate at different speeds and so affect the skin at different levels.

Tartaric acid occurs naturally in grapes but is also made synthetically. Tartaric acid has very large molecules, almost twice as much as glycolic acid molecules. Although it is capable of exfoliating skin, it is used primarily as a pH adjuster to prime the way for a stronger acid like glycolic or lactic acid to go to work.

Citric acid is derived from citrus fruit. But it also is found in berries and other fruit. Like tartaric acid, citric acid is primarily used as a pH adjuster in skincare formulas to help keep it within a certain range so that other more potent acids have an optimal environment for effectiveness.

• AHA side effects

Alpha Hydroxy Acid provides many amazing anti-acne and anti-aging effects on your skin. But they may not work for everyone because there are a number of side effects.

Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include burning, swelling, stinging, itching, redness, peeling and skin discoloration.

We all have skins of various thicknesses and various tolerance levels for AHA concentrations. Some people may find that they can only tolerate a very low concentration of alpha-hydroxy acid, and if they try an acid that is higher than their tolerance, they will dramatic peeling and burning. Others may find that their skin can tolerate high levels of acid without even minor peeling or irritation. It may take some trial and error to figure out how your skin reacts to various concentrations.

• The Best AHA Prudcts
  

1. SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel

Glycolic Renewal Cleanser is a soft-foaming gel that exfoliates with a dual-acid blend while effectively cleansing impurities and long-wear makeup without stripping the skin of moisture. This gel cleanser contains 8% glycolic free acid value, brightening phytic acid, refreshing aloe barbadensis leaf extract, and hydrating glycerin. The result? Dullness and rough texture are improved for skin that feels renewed and looks brighter. 

2. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Achieve superior exfoliation with the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation from The Ordinary. Boasting 10% Lactic Acid, the potent formula provides gentle exfoliation and changes skin tone.

Exfoliation tends to cause minor irritation, inflammation or sensitivity, however the Peeling Formulation is fortified with a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative, which can prevent this condition and leaves the skin feeling calm and comfortable.

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3. COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

Purify and refresh your complexion with the COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid; a renewing, resurfacing treatment dedicated to improving skin tone and texture.

Harnessing the powers of 7% Glycolic Acid and Apple Water (an ingredient containing natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids), the lightweight exfoliant expertly removes dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities, whilst helping to minimise the appearance of whiteheads, fine lines and roughness.

4. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

This gel exfoliant gently dissolves built-up layers of dead skin to reveal a smoother, brighter, more radiant complexion. Formulated with 8% AHA (glycolic acid), it helps to fade signs of sun damage and corrects uneven skin tone while improving the appearance of wrinkles.

Nevertheless, the gel also contains several soothing ingredients to counteract any potential irritation from the peel – such as extract of chamomile flower and green tea, sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA.

5. Derma E Overnight Peel

If you are new to AHA exfoliants and not sure how much your skin can tolerate, you might want to start out with a lower, yet effective concentration. Derma E Overnight Peel contains 5% glycolic acid as well as lower amounts of lactic and malic acids . It also contains a mix of emollient ingredients such as jojoba oil, glycerin and stearic acid which will soothe and moisturize dry skin.

The only bad thing about the Derma E Overnight Peel is the (tiny) amount of lemon fruit extract which is only there for fragrance while the passion fruit extract does have some skin-soothing properties.

6. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

This 12% AHA+BHA night serum helps to refine and resurface skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion in the morning. T.L.C. Framboos™ enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for maximum absorption. Blended with raspberry extract, it delivers effective exfoliation without harsh side effects.

7. Vivant Skin Care 8 Percent Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Serum

Vivant Skin Care 8% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 serum gently exfoliates the skin to reduce acne, signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Formulated with mandelic and lactic acids, it slowly resurfaces and illuminates the skin to promote a smooth and rejuvenated texture.

This serum is ideal if you are just starting an exfoliation regimen.

8. Cane + Austin Miracle Pad + 30% Glycolic Acid Pad

These powerful peel pads are not for the faint of heart or sensitive of skin. In addition to glycolic acid, they also contain lactic, tartaric, and salicylic acid. This powerful combination works effectively to diminish signs of aging and discoloration, enhancing your skin's natural glow. 

They're appropriate for daily use for those of you who have hearty skin, and they will help clear up acne and hyperpigmentation without any problems.

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