AHA is one of the most familiar skin care ingredients. It helps remove dead skin cells, reduce acne, and improve signs of aging. However, how to use AHA properly? Below, Dermalogica will share with you the method of using AHA for beginners. At the same time, suggest some products containing AHA that are effective and safe for the skin. Let's follow along!
What is AHA?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) include acids from natural sources such as cane sugar, milk, almonds or grapes. These include:
- Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane)
- Lactic Acid (derived from milk)
- Malic Acid (derived from pears and apples)
- Citric Acid (derived from oranges and lemons)
- Tartaric Acid (derived from grape extracts)
All of these chemicals essentially create a mild peeling layer on the skin. AHA concentrations are typically between 4-15%. Some products may contain AHAs in higher concentrations. For regular exfoliation, you should use a concentration of 5-10%.
Uses of AHA for skin
Exfoliate
The first use when using AHA for beginners is to exfoliate dead cells on the face. Besides, this active ingredient also promotes the self-production of new skin cells.
As you age, skin cell turnover gradually slows down. This can cause dead skin cells to build up. This makes your skin look dull. Dead skin cell buildup can also give rise to other skin problems. Such as wrinkles, age spots, acne...
However, not all AHAs have the same exfoliating ability. The amount of product needed to exfoliate will depend on the type of AHA you use. The more AHAs a product has, the stronger its exfoliating effect.
Skin lightening
When these active ingredients exfoliate the skin, dead skin cells are removed. New skin is revealed underneath, so it becomes brighter and more radiant. Another thing that you should keep in mind when learning how to use AHA for beginners. It is AHA in the form of Glycolic Acid that can help break down dead skin cell buildup. Meanwhile, products with Citric Acid can brighten your skin.
Promote collagen production
Collagen is a fibrous protein. Helps keep your skin plump and smooth. With age, these collagen fibers become depleted. Sun damage can also accelerate collagen destruction.
Collagen depletion can lead to loose, sagging skin. AHAs can help promote collagen production by destroying old collagen fibers to make room for new ones.
Wrinkle reduction
Another outstanding effect of AHA for beginners is improving aging. However, AHAs are only effective on fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin. AHAs have no effect on deeper wrinkles.
Enhance blood circulation to skin cells
AHAs have anti-inflammatory properties while also helping to promote blood flow to the skin. This can help improve pale, dull skin. Because skin cells receive nutrients through oxygen-rich red blood cells.
Evens out skin tone
The next effect of AHA for beginners is to even out skin tone. The risk of skin appearing dark and unevenly colored patches increases with age. In addition, brown spots on the skin can also appear due to the harmful effects of UV rays.
They often develop on areas of the body exposed to the sun most often. Such as your chest, arms, and face. Uneven skin tone can also be caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or acne scarring.
AHA promotes skin cell turnover. New skin cells will give you a smooth glow and minimize brown spots. Dermatologists also encourage you to use Glycolic Acid to help your skin become brighter, healthier and more evenly colored.
Treat or prevent acne
Pores become clogged due to the buildup of dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria. From there, acne forms. Exfoliating with AHA ingredients can help clear clogged pores. Regular use will reduce acne and leave skin cleaner and clearer.
Another use of AHA for beginners is to improve large facial pores. This is often seen in oily and acne-prone skin. Exfoliating with Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid can even reduce acne scars. Some acne products contain other gentle AHAs. Such as Citric Acid and Malic Acid to help soothe inflamed skin.
Increase product absorption
In addition to the above outstanding benefits, AHA also helps products absorb into the skin more effectively. This helps maximize the effectiveness of these skin care products.
For example, if there are a lot of dead cells clinging to the skin, the moisturizer will only sit on the top layer. Unable to provide adequate nutrients to the new skin cells below. AHAs like Glycolic Acid can slough off this layer of dead skin cells. Enables your moisturizer to nourish new skin cells more effectively.
How to use AHA for beginners
It is recommended to start with just one AHA application per week. This method will give your skin time to get used to the change in pH. Then slowly increase frequency of use.
If you have oily or combination skin, prone to acne? You can use a Salicylic Acid-based exfoliant three to four times a week. Note depending on skin reaction. Most people with mature skin can exfoliate once a day. It is important that the products you use are of good quality and gentle on the skin.
Some notes when using AHA for beginners
If you have never used AHA before? You may experience minor side effects when you first start using AHA.
Temporary side effects may include:
- Skin irritation
- Itchy
- Blistering
- Dermatitis (eczema)
Dermatologists recommend using AHA products every other day. This helps reduce the risk of irritation. Once your skin gets used to them, you can start increasing how often you use AHAs.
In addition, you should also be more careful when going out in the sun. Concentrated AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays for up to a week. You should apply sunscreen every day and reapply more often to avoid sunburn.
When should you consult a doctor?
When using AHA for beginners, you should consult your doctor in the following cases:
- Freshly waxed skin
- Minor wounds or burns on your skin
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also consult their doctor before use. If your doctor says you can use AHA products. Consider a product specifically designed for pregnant women.
Which AHA product is good for the skin?
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant detoxifying exfoliant
An AHA product for beginners that you should try! Activated charcoal detox exfoliation will definitely not disappoint you. The product contains activated carbon in the formula. Helps purify toxins and sebum on the skin. Gives you smooth and healthy glowing skin. Combined with AHA Malic Acid and Lactic Acid along with papaya extract. Helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells without causing skin irritation and at the same time brightens the skin.
In addition, the product contains Niacinamide, red algae extract to help improve aging. Gives you skin full of vitality and firmness. Combined with rice bran extract to help your skin become evenly bright, white, smooth and healthy. Please accompany Dermalogica in the process of caring for your skin!
Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant Skin Vitamin Exfoliation
If you need an AHA product for beginners and to help rejuvenate your skin? Dermalogica's Vitamin exfoliation is a great suggestion for you. AHA exfoliating active ingredient in Lactic Acid form. Helps your skin feel fresh, smooth and full of vitality. At the same time, it improves clogged pores and reduces acne.
Another advantage is that the product helps the skin become more moist and smooth with sunflower seed oil extract. In addition, the product contains Retinol in the formula to rejuvenate the skin. Combined with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, licorice extract and green tea extract. They help nourish your skin to be youthful and healthy, reducing skin inflammation.
Do you understand more about how to use AHA for beginners? Dermalogica hopes this sharing will help you have more options for radiant skin. If you need further advice, please contact us via hotline 0911370011. Dermalogica experts will quickly answer all your questions in detail.