Using Acids In Skincare: Learn How They Work and Which Ones Give You The Best Results: A blog outlining the different types of acids and how to use them.

Glycolic acid and lactic acid are natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the top layer of skin. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, and is made up of small molecules that allow for better penetration. It’s best to use for treating fine lines, wrinkles, acne and sun damage. Lactic acid is considered a weaker AHA; however its larger molecules allow it to exfoliate dead skin cells along with excess oil, dirt or makeup. This helps even out skin tone without drying. here are some important ways aha works! 

What are alpha hydroxy acids?

Aha works by smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles, improving skin texture and tone, unblocking and cleansing pores, and improving skin condition in general. It causes exfoliation on the of the surface skin. Normally, AHAs are gentle on skin and do not cause irritation. These acids act as chemical exfoliants. They dissolve the the bonds between your skin cells and accelerate the natural shedding process of your skin, helping you get rid of the dead skin cells easily, revealing softer, smoother, and brighter skin.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that works to improve cell renewal and exfoliation by loosening the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. It’s derived from sugarcane.  Glycolic acid is effective for dry, flaky ,rough, bumpy skin. It works best for lightening pigmentation and acne as well as overall rejuvenation of your skin. glycolic acid is an exfoliant. It helps shed dead skin cells and reveal the newer, brighter layers underneath by acting on the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) glycolic acid is so small that it can penetrate deeper into your skin. Glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, it helps skin feel firmer and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.  

Lactic acid

Lactic acid does everything glycolic acid does, but  a bit slower because it’s a little bit larger in , which slightly reduces its ability to penetrate skin’s outermost layer.  Sensitive skin types or those dealing with a damaged skin barrier and experience irritated skin that is a result, might do better with lactic acid. Lactic acid offers the same benefits as glycolic acid, but because it has a larger molecule size, it does not penetrate as deeply. People with sensitive skin will find lactic acid to be the gentler acid between two

For acne

both glycolic and lactic acid work to exfoliate surface layers of skin and dead skin cells, this process also unclogs pores. In this case, both glycolic acid and lactic acid are effective in reducing and preventing acne by exfoliating  open comedones, blackheads and whiteheads.

For hydration

Alpha hydroxy acids are hydrophilic, meaning they attract and bind water to your skin’s surface which improves hydration and skin texture. Dry skin is usually a combination skin issue, in that it is usually accompanied by other issues such as irritation and discomfort, visibly scaly skin that sheds, and overall skin texture problems. Alpha hydroxy acid can help with many of these issues as well in addition to hydrating your skin and improving dry skin.

Brighten skin and collagen production

The acids exfoliate your skin, dead skin cells are broken down. The new skin revealed beneath is brighter and more radiant. AHAs can help break down skin cell accumulation.

Collagen is an essential protein fiber that keeps your skin plump and smooth. As you age these fiber breakdown. Sun damage also accelerates collagen destruction. Collagen itself is in the middle layer of your skin (dermis). When the upper layer is removed AHAs can go to work on the dermis. This may help promote collagen production by destroying old collagen fibers to make way for new ones.

By using products such as AHAs, you may help promote collagen and elastin production by destroying old fibers. This allows the growth of new fibers.

Hyperpigmentation and sun damage

AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid help in reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma. Glycolic acid is used to treat freckles and hyperpigmentation because it can penetrate the skin easily. Lactic acid is used to treat melasma because it is a gentle AHA with the ability to even skin tone.

Better product absorption 

AHAs can penetrate your skin and break the layer of dead skin cells. This allows topical skin creams to be absorbed within the deep layers of your skin. Once the layer is cleared, your skin’s absorption levels increase, allowing you to see results faster.

Scientists have learned that alpha-hydroxy acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can exfoliate skin cells, keeping them young. Skin care AHA is the basic chemical compound exfoliant, which can be derived from different sources. There are many benefits of AHA and will help you to protect your skin. You should use them regularly in Your skincare routine.