AHAs: what they do and how to use them

AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids have revolutionised the cosmetics market thanks to their many benefits and uses, making them suitable for any skincare routine, but do you really know what they do and how you can use them?

What are AHAs?

AHAs are so-called alpha hydroxy acids, a group of natural acids mainly extracted from fruit, dairy and plants. They fall within the chemical exfoliant category. Among the most commonly used AHAs, we find:

• Glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane).
• Lactic acid (derived from milk).
• Citric acid (derived from citrus fruits).
• Malic acid (derived from apples).
• Tartaric acid (derived from grapes).

Each of these active ingredients has slightly different properties, but they all share an exfoliating action, promoting fresher, healthier-looking skin. This exfoliating property makes AHAs the perfect actives for boosting the effectiveness of your skincare routine.

What are AHAs used for?

AHAs offer multiple benefits for the skin. Some of the benefits and uses of alpha hydroxy acids include:

• Gentle exfoliation: they help remove dead skin cells and cleanse the pores very effectively. This exfoliation stimulates skin renewal, improving texture. The result is brighter, softer and smoother skin.
• Reducing dark spots or hyperpigmentation: precisely because of their exfoliating action, AHAs help even out skin tone and improve the appearance of dark spots. For this reason, they are great allies in treating post-inflammatory marks and blemishes associated with acne.
• Acne treatment: AHAs help unclog pores (the main cause of breakouts), so they help prevent acne. They also help reduce inflammation in blemishes.
• Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines: regular use of AHAs stimulates collagen production, increasing collagen and elastin synthesis for firmer skin, helping to combat loss of firmness. In addition, by exfoliating the skin, they help smooth wrinkles.

How to use AHAs correctly

Although AHAs offer many skin benefits, it is important to use them correctly to avoid irritation, dryness or flaking caused by their use. Here are some tips for safely introducing AHAs into your skincare routine:

• Start with products that contain a low concentration of AHAs if this is your first time using them.
• Always apply them at night; this helps reduce any changes caused by sun exposure and allows the skin to transform more effectively, as the skin "works" and renews itself overnight.
• Follow a good daily cleansing and moisturising routine.
• Do not use them on the same night that you apply retinol or its derivatives.
• Using sunscreen is essential, as AHAs can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, helping to prevent possible skin changes.
• Increase use gradually in your routine, so your skin can build tolerance and adapt to them.
• Carry out a patch test; you can apply a small amount of product to a small area of the face, behind the ears or on the inside of the wrists to make sure it does not cause a reaction or allergy on your skin.

The best creams and exfoliants with AHAs

Avène Cleanance Sérum Exfoliante AHAs

Lactic acid, succinic acid and glutamic acid come together to form a trio of acids that is more effective than salicylic acid. Thanks to its formula, Avène Clenance Sérum Exfoliante AHAs is the perfect cosmetic product for treating and preventing both acne and the post-inflammatory marks and blemishes that can remain after a spot. They help prevent clogged pores, regulate sebum production, stimulate skin renewal, improve texture and even out skin tone. Rounding off the list of star ingredients is Avène thermal spring water, which soothes, strengthens and rebalances the skin barrier. 

It is a very interesting product because even sensitive skin can benefit from its properties.

When should it be used? Apply at night, after cleansing, to dry skin on the face. 

CeraVe Gel Control-Imperfecciones

It combines the effectiveness of a BHA (salicylic acid) with AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid), niacinamide and 3 essential ceramides. The formula of Gel Control de Imperfecciones de CeraVe helps improve the appearance of blemishes while maintaining the full integrity of the skin barrier. It also minimises pores, treats marks and blemishes, and repairs the skin barrier.

How to use: Apply at night, after cleansing, to dry skin on the face. 

Sesderma DAESES Crema Lifting

The excellence of DMAE, firming actives, oligopeptides and glycolic acid, combined in a single product. The cocktail of active ingredients in Crema Lifting DAESES de Sesderma offers:

• An immediate firming effect.
• It stimulates collagen and elastin production, giving our skin greater firmness and elasticity.
• It enhances the lip contour and smooths so-called smoker's lines.

In short, our skin will look firm, juicy and plump.

When should it be used?: It can be applied morning and/or night after cleansing and after applying serum.

AHAs: one of the most powerful tools in skincare

AHAs become great allies thanks to the wide range of benefits they offer our skin. They provide 360º care that transforms the skin, but they do require special care when using them.

That said, both exfoliants and creams with alpha hydroxy acids should be introduced gradually into your routine, starting with a low concentration. Cleansing, hydration and sun protection become the key steps to reduce the risk of irritation and dryness.

Adding AHAs to your skincare routine will reveal fresher, more radiant and rejuvenated-looking skin.