Ahh, AHA’s - yet another bundle of letters, curated by the skincare industry, for you to get your head around. But don’t worry, here at Fresh Face Skin we’ve got you covered.
In this blog we’re going to uncover all things AHA’s (that’s Alpha Hydroxy Acids to the pro’s). So, if you too are struggling with your skin feeling dull and lifeless and are looking to achieve smooth, glowing skin, look no further than the incredible power of AHA’s! These natural acids, found in fruits, nuts, sugar cane, and milk, have taken the skincare world by storm. In this guide, we'll explore how AHAs work, their incredible benefits and how to use them safely, ensuring you see the best results, without long term barrier disruption!
Unveiling the Magic of AHA’s
AHAs are a group of organic acids that occur naturally in certain foods. They are widely used in cosmetic treatments and products for their exceptional exfoliating properties and various skin benefits. They work by gently loosening the top layer of dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresh, radiant skin, while adding unique benefits to the skin, depending on the type of AHA and its properties... keep reading to find out more!
The Many Benefits of AHAs
AHA’s offer a wide range of benefits for skin needing a little pick-me-up and re energise!
1. Gentle Exfoliation for Healthy, Radiant Skin
Unlike harsh mechanical exfoliation methods such as abrasive brushes or scrubs, AHA’s provide a gentle and effective way to remove dead skin cells, dissolving surface dead skin cell build up, rather than physically scrubbing it off. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, as they exfoliate without causing surface irritation or inflammation.
2. Refining Skin Texture
If you're longing for a smoother skin texture, AHA’s are your secret weapon! These acid exfoliants can eliminate rough and flaky skin, bu dissolving the surface build up and as a result, reducing the appearance of surface dryness and congestion. With regular use, your skin will become noticeably softer and clearer in complexion, more supple and your pores more refined.
3. Combatting the Signs of Aging
As we age, the turnover of skin cells naturally slows down, leading to the appearance of dullness and fine lines and wrinkles beginning to form. AHA’s come to the rescue by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresh, youthful skin underneath. Over time, they can help to energise your skin cell function; boosting collagen and elastin production, maintaining healthy skin structure and elasticity... Say hello to plumper, more resilient skin! When focusing on treating ageing concerns with AHAs, lactic acid will help to control unhealthy pigment, while adding moisture back into the skin, for a gentle, ageing focused treatment and exfoliation.
4. Fighting Acne and Breakouts
AHA’s can be a valuable ally in your battle against acne and underlying congestion. By removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts, AHAs help prevent acne formation. Incorporating AHAs such as glycolic acid - into your skincare routine can promote clearer, healthier skin and provide an antibacterial benefit to your skin, helping to reduce the occurrence of pesky pimples.
Incorporating AHA’s into Your Skincare Routine
Now that you understand the remarkable benefits of AHA’s, it' time to learn how to use them effectively in your skincare routine.
AHA At-Home Skin Peels
For more pronounced skin concerns, such as rough texture, ageing, congestion or hyperpigmentation, AHA peels can be a transformative treatment. And now, thanks to Fresh Face Skin, you can achieve a safe and effective skin peel from your own home.
We’ve created our very own at-home skin peel in the form of our AHA Enzyme Exfoliator and peel in one. It works by gently removing dead skin cells all whilst brightening, calming inflammation and clearing your skin of surface impurities. Luckily for you, this product can be used for a variety of skin types, meaning everybody can benefit from AHA’s at home.
For skins concerned with acne, congestion, pigment and ageing - we recommend applying our AHA enzyme exfoliator to a clean, damp skin and leaving on as a mask, for 3-10 minutes, 1x week. The action of leaving this exfoliator on the skin for a period of time, will allow the enzymes and glycolic AHA acid to dissolve surface dead skin - instantly brightening skin tone and softening skin texture, while energising cell function - increasing collagen and elastin production and skin healing time. This application will also allow the variety of powerful plant based extracts to - strengthen collagen and elastin fibres, calm inflammation, clear bacteria and remove stubborn surface pigmentation.
Remember - using AHAs is a marathon and not a race! Listen to your skin! If your skin 'burns' (hot, uncomfortable sensations that are intensifying) then rinse the product off with cool water and follow with your Soother treatment. This is a sign your skin may be dehydrated and as a result, the AHAs are abosrbing too fast into your skins surface, causing skin sensitivity and reactiveness. If this is the case, ensure you slowly build up your application time (start 1x weekly for 1-2 mins and build slowly, 1x weekly from there) and work with your skin and your skins lipid barrier (the water and oil that sit on the surface to protect your skin) and not against it. Rushing the introduction of AHAs within your homecare routine can cause your skin to go backwards and not forwards, so listening to your skin and the signs it is signalling to you, is essential for maintaining a healthy skin and lipid barrier.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of AHAs and their incredible benefits within your skincare routine, I’m sure you’re keen to get started. From gentle exfoliation to combating signs of aging, AHA’s have the power to transform your skin quickly and allow your skincare products to do their job, effectively!
Give your skin that fresh face skin glow and at home skin-pick-me-up heading into the silly season ahead!
