Alpha Hydroxy Acid
The AHA Path to Radiant Skin
AHA, which means alpha hydroxy acid, is a common component of skin care products and chemical peel solutions. A great thing about this peeling agent is that it is naturally-made. Compared to the other chemicals used in facial peels, it is the mildest and safest.
How does it differ from beta hydroxy acid?
Beta hydroxyl acid or BHA is both water and fat soluble. This means that BHA can effectively penetrate through the pores that contain sebum and de-clog them from the dirt and dead skin cells. This is the reason why BHA is the ideal ingredient in products and facial treatments to remedy acne. On the other hand, alpha hydroxy acid is only water soluble. AHA is mostly utilized in anti-aging and improving the overall skin condition of an individual.
What are other uses for AHA?
The solution alpha hydroxy acid could also be used to remove blemishes, address uneven pigmentation, treat sun-damaged skin and fight acne to a lesser extent. But again, AHA’s primary use is to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
How does AHA work on the skin?
The mechanism of action of alpha hydroxy acid is it loosens the “glue” that holds the upper layer of the skin together. This will result to the sloughing off of dead skin cells to uncover the healthier and fresher skin underneath. This allows the alpha hydroxy acid to “seep” into the dermis, the secondary and vascular layer of the skin, and stimulate it to thicken its coating and collagen content as well.
Different types of AHA
AHA has subtypes. There are lactic acid, citrus acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and the popular glycolic acid. Lactic acid comes from sour milk, bilberries and tomato juice. Citric acid, as its name implies, is derived from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and pineapples. Malic acid is a derivative of apples. On the other hand, tartaric acid is grape extract. Glycolic is an acid natural element of sugar cane.
Where could people have AHA chemical peels?
Folks can visit skin clinics or health institutions to have a professional perform the alpha hydroxy acid peel. They could find a lot of bottled products that contain alpha hydroxy acid at beauty shops or online too. Consulting a skin experts is still recommendable as they would know the right concentration of this chemical that should be used on people’s problematic skin areas.
Are there complications after undergoing an AHA peel?
Complications are rarely to happen as alpha hydroxy acid contents in skin products have very low concentration. The titration is usually 10% alpha hydroxy acid. Having a dermatologist or doctor perform the peel is, of course, considerably safer as they know the correct concentrations to utilize per patient. But just like the other kinds of chemical peels, an AHA peel will result to minor issues such as redness, skin irritations, stinging sensations and flaking. If a person overdid an alpha hydroxy acid peel or used a product that has a higher titration than recommended, it could result to blistering, discoloration of the skin and burning.
Important to know
Although an alpha hydroxy acid peel is comparably milder than most facial peels, people are still required to put on sunblock as it makes the skin very sensitive. And again, it is suggested that before buying alpha hydroxy acid peels that can be done at home, consult an expert to avoid skin inconveniences.