What are AHAs?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) offer exfoliation as an alternative to manual exfoliation, working primarily by dissolving the bonds between skin cells to allow the removal of dead cells and a subsequently smoother skin surface. AHAs are derived from naturally occurring organic acids, such as those found in fruits, milk, and sugar, making them an eco-friendly choice for skincare.
How do AHAs work?
Alpha hydroxy in skincare offers a smoother skin texture and negates the use of harsh scrubs for exfoliation since they work on the skin’s surface, and are water-soluble. They’re generally preferred for normal to dry, sun-damaged skin, due to their ability to enhance natural moisturising factors within the skin. They’ve also been proven effective in reducing the visible signs of sun damage, including uneven skin tone. AHAs work by encouraging skin cell renewal, which helps reveal healthy, radiant skin.
Among the most popular AHAs, glycolic acid is known for its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, effectively improving texture and promoting cell turnover. Lactic acid, another well-known AHA, is especially effective for sensitive or dry skin types due to its hydrating properties. Malic acid, often found in apples, is a naturally gentle AHA that promotes hydration and improves skin texture. AHAs also include citric a
Who should use AHAs?
AHAs are effective on oily or congested skin, acne, wrinkles, and general skin texture and tone (pigmentation).
How are AHAs used?
The alpha hydroxy acid ingredient can appear in face washes, masks, serums and creams.
Can AHAs be used on the body and face?
AHAs are relevant for body and face use due to their ability to help skin gently exfoliate its buildup of dead skin cells. For those with acne-prone skin, combining AHAs with salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) can further enhance exfoliation and reduce breakouts.
How can AHAs benefit different skin conditions?
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble exfoliants that work on the skin’s surface to dissolve and lift built-up dead skin cells. By encouraging smoother cell turnover, AHAs can help improve uneven texture, dullness, congestion and the look of pigmentation – while also supporting better hydration and a more even-looking complexion.
- Rough, dry texture: Helps smooth and refine the feel of rough or dry skin by gently exfoliating flaky build-up.
- Keratosis pilaris: Can help soften and smooth bumpy texture by loosening the dead skin cells that contribute to bumps.
- Dark spots and uneven tone: Helps brighten and even out the look of pigmentation, including post-breakout marks and sun-related discolouration.
- Melasma: May help improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation as part of a broader routine (sun protection is essential).
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Helps improve skin smoothness and the appearance of fine lines by supporting surface renewal.
- Breakouts / congestion: Helps clear away dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Sun-damaged skin: Helps refresh dull, sun-stressed skin and improve overall radiance and texture.
- Dehydrated / Dry skin: Can support hydration by improving the skin’s ability to hold water, leaving it looking more balanced and plump.
- Enlarged pores: Can help minimise the look of pores by keeping the surface smoother and reducing visible congestion.
- Loss of firmness / elasticity: Over time, smoother turnover can help support a firmer, more refined
- appearance.
DU’IT products with AHAs
