Alpha Hydroxy Acid is named after it is extracted from the fruit. Lemons, oranges, apples, and even sweet sugar cane have their presence. Although almost all the alpha hydroxy acids used in the cosmetics industry are synthesized by the chemical industry, this does not prevent manufacturers from using words such as “natural” and “fruit essence” to attract consumers. You don’t have to worry whether the “chemical” and “synthesized” alpha hydroxy acids are as good as natural ones, their essence is the same, but the former is cheaper.
There is a story that the ancient Egyptians already knew how to bathe the yogurt (containing lactic acid) to make their skin smoother and softer. However, it was not until 1974 that Dr. Eugene J. VanScott and Dr. Ruey J. Yu proved the efficacy of alpha hydroxy acid in dermatology through experiments and introduced it to the medical community. In the past forty years, AHA has developed to the fourth generation. Their three basic functions are peeling, moisturizing and anti-aging. And the latest alpha hydroxy acid is already quite mild, which can satisfy more consumers.
After the low concentration of alpha hydroxy acids (below 3%) penetrates the skin, it will promote the skin to synthesize more mucopolysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide, which not only has the effect of moisturizing but also strengthens the skin’s barrier function and resists more damage. The lactic acid found in yogurt is itself a very important component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and the content can be as high as 12%. if there is not enough lactate in the skin, the ability to moisturize and resist external damage will decrease. The lactic acid added to skincare products has a good affinity with the skin. But it may still cause some irritation to the skin.
When the concentration rises to 4% and the PH value drops blew 4, the product has the effect of mild exfoliation. At the same time, to ensure the safety of use, it is necessary to ensure that the PH is greater than 3. At this time, we already have an exfoliating product.
Healthy skin has a stratum corneum with normal metabolism, which means that a certain amount of dead cells must gradually loosen the connection with other parts every day until they are completely separated. However, dryness, excessive moisturizing, or other reasons often cause this metabolic disorder, the keratin can not fall off normally, and then dandruff, acne, acne, and other problems begin to appear. AHA can shake the joints and help the keratinous surface to break away.
While solving these problems, AHA often gives people a surprise–the skin turns fair! The melanin produced in the basal layer will follow the metabolism, move from the production site to the stratum corneum, and then fall off. AHA accelerates this process and does not solve the problem from the source of melanin production.AHA is quite effective for darkening skin and spots caused by sun exposure, as well as acne marks. If it is natural freckles or moles, it can do nothing-these spots are in the dermis below the basal layer, and no skincare products can do anything. It can be dealt with by medical cosmetology.
The concentration of AHA continues to increase, and the ability to exfoliate keratin is stronger, which brings about “resurfacing”. This kind of dangerous operation can only be done by professionals. If the concentration of the product used is between 20%-30%, you can turn to a beautician; if the concentration reaches 40%, you must have the guidance of a dermatologist. Under such great stimulation, the dermal tissue fluid will have extravasation, inflammation, redness, swelling, and tingling are unavoidable. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment. Whenever safety comes first.
Another major effect of AHA is anti-aging. The concentration does not need to be too high to accelerate the synthesis of collagen, regulate the secretion of certain cytokines, correct skin dysfunction, and of course make the skin firmer and more elastic.