AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
AHAs are water-soluble that dissolves in water working on the top layer of the skin. It mildly exfoliates the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, promoting their shedding. This exfoliating action helps to remove dull, dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath which can improve skin texture and tone, making the skin appear more youthful and radiant. AHAs can be beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin. By exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, AHAs help to prevent breakouts and reduce the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Additionally, AHAs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm redness and irritation associated with acne. Exfoliation with AHAs can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can block pores and prevent skincare products from penetrating effectively. By clearing away this barrier, AHAs allow other active ingredients in your skincare routine to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximizing their efficacy. AHAs have humectant properties, which means they can attract moisture to the skin. This helps to hydrate the skin, improve its moisture retention capacity, and create a smoother, plumper appearance.
Ingredients that pair well with AHA:
- Hydration: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid
- Barrier Repair: Ceramides (used after exfoliation)
- Skin Calming / Anti-Inflammatory: Panthenol, Allantoin
- Anti-Aging Support: Niacinamide (separate step), Peptides
- Skin Repair: Beta-Glucan, PDRN
Not-Ideal Pairings:
A strong exfoliant, such as BHA in the same routine.
💡 Why: AHAs exfoliate the surface. Combining too many exfoliating or stimulating actives may increase irritation risk.
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