Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds. AHAs are derived from animal or plant products (such as fruits and milk). They are commonly used in anti-aging skin care products as these acids help in reducing signs of aging (such as wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines) and improve the skin texture and elasticity. Usually, AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) are gentle on the skin and do not cause any irritation. These acids act as chemical exfoliants. They dissolve the intercellular bonds (the bonds between your skin cells) and facilitate the natural shedding process of your skin, helping you get rid of the dead skin cells easily, and revealing softer, smoother, and brighter skin.   Benefits Of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

1. AHAs Are The Best Exfoliators For Your Skin

The shedding and regeneration of cells is a continuous cycle. However, when you age, this process slows down. As a result, dead skin cells accumulate on your skin. This makes your skin dark and dull and also cause age spots. AHAs help your skin in its natural process of shedding dead skin cells.

2. Make Your Skin Bright

When your skin sheds the dead cells, it reveals a fresh layer of cells beneath. This new layer is brighter and radiant. Your skin automatically appears fresh, plump, and more elastic.

3. AHAs Boost Collagen Expression

Collagen is the fiber that keeps your skin looking young and smooth. As you age, the collagen production in your skin decreases. Also, photo damage caused by excessive sun exposure and environmental damage further affects collagen synthesis. AHAs help in collagen regeneration by eliminating the old collagen fibers.

4. Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines

AHAs work on wrinkles and fine lines and reduce their appearance. A study involving 52 volunteers between the ages of 30 and 55 years were given topical products containing AHAs. They were studied for 21 days, and significant improvement in their skin texture was noted at the end of the study

5. Help in Reducing Hyper pigmentation

AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid help in reducing hyper pigmentation, dark spots, and melasma. Both these acids are commonly used in chemical peels and other dermatological procedures for treating dark spots. Glycolic acid is usually used to treat freckles and hyper pigmentation because it can penetrate the skin easily. Lactic acid is used to treat melasma and has shown good results.

6. Help Treat Acne

AHAs also help treat mild to moderate levels of acne. Clogged skin pores cause acne, and AHAs can help remove the clogs. They also prevent any further clogging.

7. Improve the Efficacy of Your Products

AHAs can penetrate your skin and break the layer of dead skin cells. This layer of dead cells prevents topical skin creams from being absorbed within the deep layers of your skin. Once the layer is cleared, your skin’s absorption levels increase.

8. Minimize Sun Damage

Exposure to the sun can cause substantial damage to your skin – like dark spots, tanning, wrinkles, and hyper pigmentation. Using AHAs can minimize the effects of sun exposure on your skin