Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Here’s What They Can Do To Make Your Skin More Beautiful

Written By Jennifer Raskin / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

The world of skincare has been abuzz with alpha hydroxy acids for some time now. It’s no wonder since these plant and animal-derived acids do so much good. You’ll find them in cleansers, toners, creams, and peels.

Each of the seven different alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs for short) have their own benefits. The most commonly used ones are citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. Research shows that glycolic and lactic acids are the least likely to irritate skin which is why you’ll usually see them in the skincare products you can buy.

What You Can Expect From Skincare With Alpha Hydroxy Acids

There are a number of wonderful benefits to be had from using products that contain AHAs to beautify your skin.

Exceptional exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids

All skin needs help with healthy skin cell turnover. The most important benefit of AHAs is that they exfoliate maturing skin and leave it looking brighter and more youthful.

Visible improvement to brightness with alpha hydroxy acids

As that exfoliation goes on, new skin is revealed that looks more radiant and glowing. That’s the result of exfoliation, which doesn’t require rough scrubbing to get results.

Improved collagen production with alpha hydroxy acids

For skin to look plump and smooth, it needs to keep producing collagen. As we age, that production slows down and those fibers responsible for keeping skin bouncy degenerate.

The UV rays from the sun can also speed up the destruction of collagen. How do AHAs help? They get rid of those old, broken collagen fibers so your skin can form new ones.

Smooth over wrinkles with alpha hydroxy acids

If aging skin is your concern, let AHAs come to the rescue. They help smooth those lines and wrinkles on the surface of your skin and help keep you from forming those deep-down wrinkles.

Better circulation and blood flow with alpha hydroxy acids

For healthy skin, it takes good circulation to deliver oxygen to your skin cells. If your skin is looking dull try AHAs to boost that blood flow and give your skin what it’s been missing!

Color correction with alpha hydroxy acids

Age spots can make you look so much older than the year on your driver’s license. Whether it’s too much sun or genetics, you can use AHAs to help fade them away and show off new, revitalized skin.

Clear things up with alpha hydroxy acids

If breakouts are plaguing you, AHAs could be the answer. They can treat and even prevent acne by getting rid of those dead skin cells which start that whole breakout cycle and give you the clear skin you deserve.

According to the FDA, you should stick with AHA concentrations that are less than 10 percent to prevent potential side effects. When using a new skincare ingredient in your regimen, it’s important to test a small area first to watch for side effects. AHAs are usually well-tolerated though can leave you with temporary itching, burning, or blisters.

Another important thing to note is that AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to those sun rays. With summer coming up, it’s more important than ever to remember your sunscreen and to keep applying it while you’re out there enjoying the beautiful weather - so stay safe out there!

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Nick Arnot on Unsplash