If you're looking to achieve smooth, glowing, and even-toned skin, incorporating Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) into your skincare routine can be a game-changer. AHA's work by exfoliating the top layer of the skin, promoting cell turnover, and revealing brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.
In this blog post, we will share the ultimate AHA skincare routine, consisting of nine steps, and the benefits of each AHA. Each type of AHA has unique benefits for the skin, including:
Glycolic Acid:
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of all the AHA's, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin.
Exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a popular ingredient in anti-aging products.
Can also improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other types of discoloration.
Lactic Acid:
Derived from milk, lactic acid is a gentle AHA that is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Moisturizes and softens the skin, making it an effective ingredient in hydrating products.
Exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.
Can also improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other types of discoloration.
Mandelic Acid:
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is a gentle AHA that is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Has anti-bacterial properties that make it effective in treating acne-prone skin.
Exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.
Can also improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other types of discoloration.
Step 1: Cleanser
Start your AHA skincare routine by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser. Look for a cleanser that contains glycolic or lactic acid to help exfoliate and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. Glycolic acid is the most effective AHA for exfoliation and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while lactic acid is a gentler AHA that can help brighten and hydrate the skin.
Step 2: Toner
Next, apply an AHA toner to further exfoliate and remove any remaining impurities. Look for a toner that contains glycolic or mandelic acid for optimal results. Mandelic acid is a gentle AHA that can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
Step 3: Serum
Apply an AHA serum to help brighten and even out your skin tone. Look for a serum that contains glycolic or lactic acid and vitamin C for maximum effectiveness. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors and further brighten the skin.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Gently pat an AHA eye cream under your eyes to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Look for an eye cream that contains glycolic or lactic acid and caffeine to help brighten and de-puff your under-eye area.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Apply an AHA moisturizer to hydrate and nourish your skin while promoting cell turnover. Look for a moisturizer that contains glycolic or lactic acid and hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can help retain moisture in the skin and improve the skin's elasticity.
Step 6: Weekly AHA Peel
Incorporate a weekly AHA peel into your routine to further exfoliate and promote cell turnover. Look for a peel that contains glycolic or lactic acid and follow the instructions carefully. A weekly AHA peel can help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other types of discoloration.
Step 7: AHA Body Lotion
In addition to your face, you can also use AHA's on your body. Apply an AHA body lotion to help exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Glycolic acid is an effective AHA for body care and can help improve the appearance of rough, dry skin.
Step 8: AHA Lip Treatment
Last but not least, apply an AHA lip treatment to help smooth and soften your lips. Look for a treatment that contains glycolic or lactic acid and apply it before bed. AHA lip treatments can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the lips and improve their overall texture. Incorporating AHA's into your skincare routine can help you achieve smooth, glowing, and even-toned skin. By following this eight-step AHA skincare routine, you can optimize the benefits of AHA's and achieve the perfect skin you've always wanted.