Exfoliation is an important step in the quest for healthy, glowing skin, and is a great addition to a skincare regime. Allowing the build-up of dry, dead skin, sweat and bacteria on the skin results in dull complexions and clogged pores. The natural process of body goes through to grow new skin and shed the old can be affected external factors (cold weather, indoor heating) as well as stress. But constantly scrubbing our faces with harsh physical exfoliants can do more harm than good.
Fortunately for us, that’s where AHAs come in. In this post, we will explore what AHAs are, how they affect the skin, and the possible negative side effects of using them. We will also discuss how the type of AHAs and how they are applied can help to negate those negative effects, and why both those factors make ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum a great option.
Why AHAs are great for the skin
Physical, or manual, exfoliants remove dirt and dead skin cells by rubbing the skin with grainy particles or abrasive surfaces. They are effective, but when over-used they can come at a cost, causing micro-tears that weaken the skin’s barrier.
Chemical exfoliators, like AHAs, work to loosen dead skin cells without damaging the fresh skin underneath. They are gentler on the skin and for that reason are popular with both skincare professionals and at-home users.
AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, like those used in ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum, are a group of naturally occurring acids commonly used in skincare products for their exfoliating and anti-aging properties. AHAs work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, allowing them to be sloughed off more easily, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. But they can do a lot more than exfoliate.
Using AHAs long-term could increase collagen and elastin production, leading to plumper, firmer skin. They can also reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun damage), acne, and fine lines and wrinkles. AHAs also have humectant properties, which means they can attract moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump.
Are AHAs the same as retinols?
The short answer is no. AHAs reveal younger, fresher skin through exfoliation, while retinols increase cell turnover, producing new skin cells and bringing them to the surface more quickly. Both can be used to improve the look and texture of the skin, and to fight signs of aging. However, both also have the potential to irritate the skin, so it’s best to stagger their use, and to find an AHA product that is designed specifically not only to exfoliate, but to also soothe the skin and to work within a larger skincare regime.
Let’s look at the potential side effects of AHAs, and how the ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum has been designed to address them.
The downside to AHAs
While AHAs can be incredibly beneficial for the skin, they can also cause negative effects if not used correctly. Some potential negative effects of AHAs include:
Irritation: AHAs can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity if used in high concentrations or if the skin is not accustomed to them.
Sun sensitivity: AHAs can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, as they expose fresh new skin, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Dryness: Overuse of AHAs can lead to dryness and flakiness, as the acids can strip the skin of natural oils.
It’s also important to note that harsher AHAs can cause damage to darker skin tones. Talk to a skincare expert, such as an ALLSKIN | MED Specialist, to find out if AHAs are right for you.
How to mitigate the side effects of AHAs
It can sound daunting, but managing potential irritation from AHAs isn’t complicated. As mentioned above, adverse reactions can be increased if you are combining AHAs with retinols, so you might want to alternate the days you use the products.
AHAs can be found in a variety of products, from cleansers and toners to creams and serums. They are also used in clinical applications such as peels. Because of the possible irritation caused by exfoliating with AHAs, you want to make sure you are using a product that will also soothe the skin, hydrate and reduce the possibility of irritation, like ALLSKIN | MED’s Retexturising Serum.
ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum
The ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum is a lightweight formulation that features a potent cocktail of four different AHAs that deliver both immediate and gradual release. This is important because the more gradual release helps to stop skin from becoming irritated, especially for those new to AHAs. Different types of AHAs have varying molecular weights, which can affect their penetration into the skin. For example, glycolic acid has a smaller molecular weight than lactic acid, which means it can penetrate the skin more deeply. Using a combination of AHAs allows the serum to treat the skin more effectively.
In addition, it uses hydrating ingredients as well as niacinamide to calm skin further and reduce any irritation, as well as an anti-oxidant cocktail of vitamin A, C and E that brightens the skin alongside the work of the AHAs.
What’s in the Retexturising Serum AHA complex?
Immediate and gradual release AHA complex
- Glycolic acid increases skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production
- Citric acid increases exfoliation and softens the skin
- Lactic acid increases exfoliation
- Shikimic acid, derived from star anise, provides additional exfoliation
Skin soothers and hydrators
- Niacinamide and liquorice root extract help to soothe the skin, reducing any potential irritation caused by the AHAs
- Moisturising complex increases skin hydration and helps to reduce dryness and potential irritation caused by exfoliation
Anti-oxidant complex
- Vitamins A, C and E help to neutralise free radical damage
For those looking to revive their skin and improve texture and luminosity, the ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum would make a perfect addition to an existing routine. Its sophisticated formulation, designed to minimise irritation, makes it ideal for use alongside other active products in the ALLSKIN | MED range.
Find out more about incorporating AHAs into your routine with the ALLSKIN | MED Retexturising Serum by speaking to your nearest ALLSKIN | MED clinic.
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