AHA experience! This ingredient gives radiant skin during the winter time
In winter, our skin needs extra love. Especially when we are struggling with blemishes, pigmentation spots or dull skin. There is a popular ingredient for this: fruit acid aka "AHA". L'Officiel Austria presents the Top 3 AHA fruit acid products that should not be missing in your skincare routine.
Summer glow even in winter
Do you want to maintain your summer glow in winter? Then consider adding AHA acids in your main daily skincare routine. Apart from AHA, there is also BHA and PHA, all of which serve an important purpose: They rid the skin of dead skin cells and thus promote the regeneration of the skin.
All three acids (AHA, BHA and PHA) have the property of removing the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin in different ways. It "fuses" with skin oil to form a layer. This layer is only insufficiently removed by normal cleansing and is a barrier to let the skin absorb other products.
That is why the addition of an acid product - especially in the winter months - is particularly important.
Just a short reminder before we move on with our AHA guide:
- BHA: Betahydroxy acids are oil-soluble and particularly good for combination skin or an oily T-zone. At a concentration of 2%, it can be used daily with SPF to minimise pores and refine skin texture. We recommend herefore Paula's Choice famous Skin Perfecting BHA Peeling.
- PHA: Polyhydroxyalkanoates have larger molecules than AHA acids and do not penetrate deep into the epidermis. Therefore, when added to cosmetic products, they are ideal for sensitive skin, which can also enjoy the benefits of a chemical peel to help skin care products penetrate.
So, what is AHA?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are found in many facial care products today and accelerate the skin renewal process when used correctly and regularly. When people talk about AHA, they are often talking about acids such as glycolic, lactic, almond, malic or tartaric acid.
When using AHA, not only is cell renewal stimulated, but the skin's appearance becomes visibly more radiant. Especially when you combine it with cream and serum afterwards that fit your skin type.
This way, you can give yourself a "natural glow" even in winter.
How to use AHA?
It is particularly important to note that with ingredients such as acids, correct application as well as skin care before and after is essential to achieve the desired effect. Before application, the skin should first be tested to see how it reacts to the ingredient. The simplest method is to apply the product to the back of the hand and observe for a few hours whether or how the skin tolerates the ingredient. For sensitive skin, the application of even small amounts can cause irritation. Apart from this, there are cases where it can lead to severe itching as well as aggravation of the skin condition.
Once tolerance has been tested, it is recommended to use AHA 1-2 times a week at first. Products containing AHA should be applied to dry skin in the evening directly after cleansing. This is followed by a moisturising serum (if available) and finally a night cream to seal in all the products.
Since AHA peels exfoliate the skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, it is even more important to use sunscreen during the day in all circumstances. Otherwise, the use of AHA can have a bad effect on your skin. If you are planning to travel to mountain-regions during winter time you should stop using AHA acids beforehand to avoid any damage.
The most important tip: always be patient, because the best results are only achieved with time and repeated usage.
These are the top 3 AHA products for winter
Babor's peeling gel combines 10% precisely balanced acids with 10% antioxidants such as vitamin C and thiotaine. The peeling gel allows new skin to emerge at an accelerated rate and protects it from premature ageing. With regular use, the skin appears more revitalised, radiant, and with a more even complexion.
The "Radical Skincare" Exfoliant Pads are a mixture of different acids and gently but efficiently remove the "old burdens" of the skin, unclog pores and activate cell renewal at the same time. Pimples and blackheads are visibly reduced with regular use, the skin's appearance is finer-pored, clearer, and firmer and the skin tone is more even.
If the skin is sensitive, it is recommended to wash off the skin after approx. 3 minutes after application and continue with the care.
The Daily Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross consisting of five different acids is a gentle peel that counteracts the three known signs of skin ageing without irritating. This formula is especially ideal for first-time users and for all skin types and should be used on cleansed skin.
Each treatment contains two steps with a tissue inside: First, the exfoliant step is the peeling one, the second one compliments it by addig a special "Anti-Aging Neutralizer" serum to it. Afterwards, the skin feels much softer and can absorb serums and creams better.
