When we talk about exfoliation routine, usually grain scrubs and loofah is what come first. Fast forward to today now we have different types of exfoliators that work just as well as mentioned, and honestly, it can be a game-changer in your exfoliation routine.
The different type we’re talking about is AHA, a chemical exfoliator deemed gentle for all skin types.
At the essence, the exfoliation routine is all about purging out dead skin cells, dirt, impurities, and various (and unnecessary) elements that get mixed up with oil on the skin so they can function as properly as they should.
Still, skin that sheds dead skin cells is normal is part of the biological mechanism to bring out the new one so the organ is able to work as optimally as possible.
The opposite?
The skin that has slowed down the shedding of dead skin cells will have an appearance of rough and dull-looking skin, something that aging skin will have.
So yes, exfoliation is needed as part of your skincare routine to ensure top-notch functionality for your skin. And as opposed to traditional exfoliators of using loofah and grain scrubs that can be damaging to the skin (especially if you’re doing way too much), using chemical exfoliators will work wonders for your skin and like I said, a game-changer.
And that’s what chemical exfoliator AHA is.
Stands for alpha-hydroxy acids, AHAs are a series of acids extracted from natural sources (mostly plant-based) and we know them as glycolic, citric, lactic, and mandelic to name a few.
Different acids have distinct properties that we can utilize to suit our skin’s needs. These AHAs can’t penetrate through the derms, hence they are best used as exfoliators to work on the surface of the skin – so they help to unclog pores and draw out the gunk, smoothens the skin, and brings out the glow, as well as increase hydration for the skin.
And what people love the most about these acids is that apart from not being generally abrasive to the skin, the ingredient can be formulated into various ingredients – cleansers, toners, serums, and face masks with varying concentrations that all skin types can certainly benefit from.
To note, the other type of acid known as BHA (stands for beta hydroxy acids) works similarly to AHA, although the functions are slightly limited.
The only BHA to date is salicylic acid, the oil-soluble acid that works to dissolve excess sebum, unclog pores, and purify the skin making it wonderful for oily and acne-prone skin types.
With all of the craze in using AHA for the skin that shows how good the ingredient is, keep in mind that it’s still, well, an acid. A case of overuse can happen, where too much, too frequent of exfoliation can damage the skin, especially at the skin barrier.
A compromised skin barrier means leaving the whole derm vulnerable can lead to various issues from itchiness and irritation, dehydration, inflammation, acne breakouts, or even bleeding.
To reap the benefits while minimizing the side effects of using AHA, it’s always a good idea to start small – low percentage within 1-3% concentration to let your skin adapt and preferably in the form of cleansers and toners as opposed to leave-on products such as serums.
Watch out for any tingling sensation or irritation, and apply a hydrating moisturizer to soothe the skin, preventing the side effects as much as possible.
