What is AHA in skincare and what does it do?

Skincare can sometimes sound a little complicated. All of a sudden the Internet is blowing up with terms like AHA, BHA and Niacinamide and though it may sound a little scary, we can assure you it isn’t - it’s simply the science side of skincare. 


AHA, also known as ‘alpha hydroxy acid’ is a water-soluble acid produced from sugary fruits and plants. It can be naturally produced or synthetically made. There isn’t just one type of AHA either, the most common types you’ll find on the skincare market are lactic and glycolic acid. They come in many forms too and can be found in toners, serums, moisturisers and more. 


AHAs are becoming increasingly popular in the skincare community, and there’s a clear reason why: it’s great for the skin. AHAs exfoliate the skin’s surface, therefore ‘peeling’ away dead skin cells and leaving a smooth and fresh complexion. Due to its properties, AHA is perfect for normal to dry skin types. While making skin look and feel firmer, it also hydrates, evens out skin tone and pigmentation, smooths out texture and works to eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and ageing. It's also great for reversing signs of sun damage too. 


If you’re wondering whether you should incorporate into your skincare routine - the answer is yes! But if you do, be sure not to mix it with vitamin C or retinol, as these ingredients don’t particularly get along with AHAs and can dry out skin and cause irritation. 


If you have a normal to dry skin type, incorporating an AHA can help keep your skin hydrated, smooth and it will definitely thank you for it in the long run. 

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