Alpha Hydroxy Acid for Skin

Alpha hydroxy acids, commonly known as AHAs, are powerful exfoliants that increase skin radiance when added to your weekly skincare ritual. These ingredients can be added to cleansers, moisturisers, and serums, as they are highly effective at evening skin tone and texture, leaving skin soft and smooth. Join us as we take a deeper look at AHAs, and explore some of the best acids for your skin type and goals.

What are AHAs?

AHAs are a group of naturally occurring, water-soluble compounds derived from plant sources such as sugarcane. These organic acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and mandelic acid, which chemically exfoliate the skin – as opposed to a scrub which manually exfoliates it. This helps remove dead skin cells and encourages skin cell renewal for a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion.

How exactly do AHAs work?

The skin's natural cell renewal process, which sheds dead skin cells to replace them with new ones, takes around four weeks to complete. Unfortunately, ageing can slow down this process, which is where AHAs become helpful. These acids work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the surface of your skin, signalling the epidermis to stimulate the cell renewal process. This gentle chemical exfoliation process reveals the new, healthy skin beneath, promoting a smoother complexion, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and improving skin texture. AHAs also stimulate collagen production, enhancing your skin's natural ability to heal and renew.

The exfoliation process of AHAs is especially beneficial for addressing skin concerns such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring. AHAs can even help with issues like age spots and melasma by promoting a more even skin tone.

Glycolic acid vs. citric acid

As mentioned, there are six types of AHAs, but if you look at your exfoliating products, you’ll find that glycolic acid and citric acid are among the most common. These two ingredients have distinct characteristics and are suitable for different skin types and concerns.

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is well-known for its effectiveness in exfoliating the skin. It has a small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeply. Glycolic acid is an excellent choice for those with normal to oily skin, and it can help with issues like acne and skin texture.

As the name suggests, citric acid is derived from citrus fruits and is a milder AHA with larger molecules – the second-to-largest of all AHAs. This makes it a great choice for individuals with sensitive skin, looking to improve skin tone and smooth texture. It's also a powerful antioxidant that can help combat the signs of ageing and reduce hyperpigmentation.

What are the benefits of using AHAs?

AHAs are added to skincare products to deeply cleanse the skin – unclogging pores to minimise acne and breakouts while improving skin texture. By encouraging skin cell renewal and collagen production, they also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. AHAs are particularly effective in addressing common skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scarring, promoting a more even skin tone.

It's important to note that while AHAs offer a host of benefits, they should be used with care to avoid potential irritation.

Are AHAs suitable for sensitive skin?

AHAs can increase skin sensitivity, especially when exposed to the sun. As such, it's best to use AHAs at night, and protect your skin during the day by wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure. Those with sensitive skin should experiment with skin cycling to find a routine that allows them to enjoy the benefits of AHAs without overwhelming their sensitive skin.

Our go-to AHA serum

When choosing an AHA product, you’ll want to consider your skin type and concerns. To even texture, reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines, and boost radiance, look to Lotus AHA Gentle Resurfacing Serum. This comforting night serum combines glycolic and citric acids with youth-preserving Super Lotus and prickly pear flower extract to support skin renewal for a smooth, radiant complexion. Formulated within a specific pH range, skin is comforted while you sleep – gentle enough for daily use. Plus, it works on all skin types* and tones**, including sensitive skin!

*normal, dry, oily, combination

**based on the Fitzpatrick scale