Are AHAs Good for Your Skin?

Your “AHA” Moment: These Natural Exfoliants Pack a Punch 

No good skincare routine is complete without exfoliation. This step power washes away dead and damaged skin cells to deliver a dewy glow. One of the most effective ways to exfoliate is with Alpha Hydroxy Acids.  Alpha hydroxy acids—AHAs—naturally break down the debris on the surface of your skin, making way for fresh, new cells to form, resulting in a youthful, rejuvenated complexion. 

Where do AHAs come from?

AHAs are chemical compounds that come from foods like sour milk and sugar cane, or from fruits and plants. Because they are naturally derived, they tend to offer gentler exfoliation than more abrasive scrubs. And they’re time tested; legend has it that Cleopatra bathed in a bath of sour milk to give her skin a vibrant glow.

What do AHAs do?

AHAs dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together in the top layer of skin, the epidermis, so new, fresh cells can come to the surface. Over time, this process can help brighten your skin, as well as:

• Smooth the look of fine lines & wrinkles
  Shedding dead skin cells helps to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles and can even help to jumpstart the cellular renewal process. AHAs are also hydrophilic, meaning they attract water which can lead to a plumper complexion. 
• Even out your skin tone
  As more new cells are brought to the skin’s surface, dead, damaged cells are shed, for a more uniform complexion. 
• Visibly reduce dark spots and acne scars
  AHAs help get rid of the old, discolored cells so that new cells that have not been exposed to sunlight and other aggressors can form. 
• Prevent breakouts.
  Pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads occur when dead skin cells, oil, and debris get trapped in your pores. Cleaning out your pores regularly helps keep them toned. 
• Minimize the appearance of pores.
  By cleaning out the dead skin cells in your pores, AHAs help deter your pores from expanding. 
• Soften the skin’s texture
  As old, dry, and damaged cells are swept away, healthier, more supple ones take their place which improves skin’s texture. 

AHAs also act as supporting players for the rest of your routine because they break down the dead skin cells and impurities that act as buffers between your skin and powerful products like serums and moisturizers. Proper exfoliation helps these skin solvers penetrate deeper to more effectively target your skin concerns. 

Like any powerful skincare ingredient, we recommend starting things slow. Add an AHA to your ritual once or twice a week at first to see how your skin responds, then increase as you see fit. Cheers to vibrant days ahead.