If you’re like many women, you’re concerned about keeping your skin looking youthful and fresh, free from fine lines and wrinkles. In your quest to find the right skincare regimen, you may have come across products with ingredients called “Alpha hydroxy acids”.
Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs are an essential ingredient in any anti-aging skincare routine due to their ability to help exfoliate away dull, dead skin cells to make room for smoother, younger-looking skin to be revealed in its place.
In this article, we’ll cover the subject of alpha hydroxy acids in depth, discussing what they are and the benefits they provide for your skin. We’ll also provide some tips for shopping for skincare products made with AHAs.
Alpha hydroxy acids have a long history of use for skin care. These acids date all the way back to ancient Egypt when Cleopatra herself bathed in milk for its skin-rejuvenating benefits. Today, AHAs are a common additive to skin care products, including cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and masks.
Where do AHAs come from, and what are they?
Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from the natural sugars found in fruit and milk. They are a group of naturally occurring acids that, when formulated properly, have the ability to exfoliate and penetrate the uppermost layers of the skin. The result is smoother, fresher, and more hydrated skin that also becomes firmer over time. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are the two most commonly used for skin because they have a unique ability to penetrate the skin, delivering results below the skin’s surface. These are also the AHAs that have the most scientific evidence to support their benefits.
The primary function of AHAs in skin care products is exfoliation. Alpha hydroxy acids cause the cells in the uppermost layer of skin (the epidermis) to loosen and slough off, revealing younger-looking skin beneath. They can also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin cells, which aids in revealing fresh, vibrant skin.
In addition to exfoliating the skin, AHAs are reported to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as improving rough skin texture and mottled pigment with continued use. They can be found in a variety of concentrations in retail skin care products but tend to work best in concentrations ranging from 5% to 8% with pH values between 3.0 and 4.0.
Though AHAs provide a wide variety of benefits for the skin, they can increase skin irritation and sun sensitivity. Because of this, it is very important to always apply an SPF when going outdoors.
What is interesting about this is the fact that AHAs can reverse some of the damage caused by UV exposure but, at the same time, makes the skin more susceptible to these effects. The lesson to take away is that skin care products containing AHAs need to be used in conjunction with sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, such as Yon-Ka’s SPF 50 and SPF 25.
Alpha hydroxy acids can be found in a variety of natural plant materials, which is why it makes for a perfect addition to our products. Most AHAs are used in combination, and their specific benefits depend on the concentration.
When shopping for skincare products containing AHAs, pay attention to what products they’re being used in. Though AHAs can be found in cleansers, moisturizers, foundations, and eye contours, it is best to use them in your primary exfoliant to exfoliate and smooth the skin. Moisturizers and eye contours containing AHAs can also be beneficial, but cleansers are not very effective because AHAs need to be absorbed into the skin for the maximum benefit. Make sure to use your AHA products as directed, and not overuse them to avoid irritation and inflaming the skin.
Yon-Ka Paris is a luxury skin care brand that offers several product lines featuring AHAs. Here is a quick overview of some of the AHAs you’ll find in Yon-Ka Paris skin care products and where they come from:
If you’re looking for a top-quality skin care product featuring natural AHAs, Yon-Ka Paris has what you need. Our formulas feature multi-acid blends to provide an even, more uniform exfoliation with minimal irritation. We believe in healthy, gentle exfoliation that is progressive, not aggressive. This allows our products to deliver visible, consistent results that addresses specific skin issues while supporting the overall health and healthy appearance of the skin.
In addition to these skin care products, Yon-Ka Paris also offers exclusive, professional only products featuring alpha hydroxy acids. If you’re a skincare professional, contact us today to learn all the benefits of becoming a Yon-Ka Paris Partner.
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