AHA fruit acid

Acid and skin care do they go together?

We find a large number of different acids for the most varied of purposes on the INCl lists of most cosmetic articles. How come?

Acids used in cosmetics can be divided into two groups: AHA and BHA . While in the group of BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) only salicylic acid is relevant for skin care, numerous members of the AHA family are used in care products.

What is the difference between the individual acids and what is their effect? ​​

Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) include glycolic, lactic and various fruit acids, which have been used successfully in skin care since the 1980s. They work according to the following principle: Our skin cells renew themselves regularly every four weeks.

This means that new cells are constantly forming on the "inside" of the skin, and at the same time the old skin cells are gradually being shed off on the "outside" of the skin, so that the new cells move from bottom to top. The old and dead skin cells on the surface have a protective function, but at the same time they can make the skin look dull and uneven. If one of these cells clogs a pore, it can also lead to inflammation, pimples and blemishes.

AHA fruit acids ensure that the connections between old and new skin cells are loosened, so that the old cells can be better "disposed of" by the skin. In this way, the young skin cells migrate upwards faster, the skin appears clearer and fresher. Without the barrier of dead skin cells, other skin care products can be better absorbed.

Since the "new skin" is more sensitive to UV radiation, you should only use products with AHA at night and ensure adequate sun protection during the day.