Ever wondered, what is AHA, in skin creams that we use and go on discussing? Which also helps us with a quick fix to a clear skin in rush hour? It is none other than Glycolic acid, also known as AHA or alpha hydroxy acid. It is a colorless and odorless hygroscopic crystalline solid, highly soluble in water. It is derived from chloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide's chemical reaction. If you talk about uses, the reason why it is a major ingredient of a lot of skin care products is its excellent skin penetration property. Adding to the plethora of the advantages, it can also be obtained from natural resources as well, like sugarcane, sugar beets, unripe grapes, pineapple and so on. That is why face creams with it are in such a demand.
Face Cream
This cream is good for all the skin types - from normal to dry. It refines and smoothens the skin texture, cleanses pores and exfoliates it. It also decreases the rate of hyperpigmentation. However, these are not meant for moisturizing your skin, so a moisturizing skin cream needs to be used in combination with it. Eye creams, having it when contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol, are good to keep the skin around the eyes healthy. But in these creams, the amount of glycolic acid is less compared to the skin products meant for usage except for the eyes. Well, if you observe that your skin has become radiant and wrinkle free, after using such creams, you can surely say thanks to the wonders of AHA! But because of its acidic content, it is quite obvious that it is sometimes sidelined by its face peel.
Face Peel
By far, the most extensively used face product is the peel containing AHA. You might get a shock when you come to know that these peels have 50% concentration or more. But relax, when you think of what you are going to use it for, it is hardly an issue to worry about, even if you are actually using a hazardous acid. These are non-surgical and non-invasive facial treatments, which as the name suggests, peel off the dead skin. By peeling off the dead skin, it reveals a younger looking and glowing skin. Now, these typically work by removing an extremely thin layer of the skin, and removing the damaged cells of the skin. This leads to getting rid of wrinkles, skin discoloration, age spots and sun damage. Majority of times, such peels are administered in tandem with microdermabrasion. Beginning with 20% to 30% glycolic solution and going up to 70, these are applied across a series of sessions. Just like a face peel, its face wash is a very popular skin care product. This is an important component of facial skin care.
Face Wash
These are mainly used for skin exfoliation and cleansing, again. These have a maximum glycolic content of 15%. A particular type of face wash, for example, a face wash with a higher glycolic percentage would not be suitable for someone with a sensitive skin. Thus, it is best to buy the product considering your skin type.
All these products are great for the skin, unless you overdo it. Now I guess you would be ready the next time someone asks you the secret of your glowing skin, you can flaunt your knowledge!
