How Alpha Hydroxy Acids Can Transform Your Skin

Today I wanted to spotlight alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and their incredible power to transform the skin. I personally started using an AHA product for the first time about 2 months ago, Reveal 10, and my skin has never looked better in my entire life. My face is so incredibly soft and smooth and the tiny lines that were forming around my eyes have plumped up dramatically. No product I’ve ever put on my face has made such a visible difference in my skin. Seriously.

So here’s everything you need to know about AHAs and how they work:

The most common alpha hydroxyl acids are lactic acid and glycolic acid. These two acids in particular penetrate the skin very well and are often used in skin care products. In addiction, there is a good deal of scientific data on the effectiveness of both acids.

The main benefit of an alpha hydroxy acid is its ability to exfoliate the skin. They essentially remove the “glue” from the upper layer of skin that holds onto the old, dead skin cells. By effectively removing that top layer of skin, the alpha hydroxy acids serve to help new skin grow. Lactic acid primarily exfoliates the top, dead layer of skin while glycolic acid (a smaller molecule) goes deeper into the skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids reduce the look of wrinkles, help to reduce the likelihood that winkles will develop, make skin smoother and (with months of daily use) can help skin that’s uneven and hyper pigmented become smoother and more even.

It’s also believed that in addition to helping new (younger looking and fresh) skin to grow, alpha hydroxy acids also stimulate the growth of elastin and collagen, both of which become depleted with age. (source: Paula’s Choice Skin Ingredient Glossary)

AHAs and Sensitive Skin

The reason I had never tried AHAs until recently is because I have sensitive skin and was afraid it would be too strong or cause a reaction. So I started cautiously with a patch test on the side of my face for a few nights and since I had no averse reaction I began using it on my entire face. It tingled for about 30-60 seconds after applying, which alarmed me at first. I called my mom (a cosmetic chemist) she said any good AHA product should tingle. The ideal pH for an AHA product is between 3 and 4, you will know this is the case if your skin tingles after you apply the product.

Also, to note for those with sensitive skin. Acids don’t work like retinoids, which repair skin by kick-starting inflammation. They dissolve the upper layers of cells to trigger repair. Plus, unlike with scrubs, the skin is not damaged by abrasives. So if you’re sensitive, acids are actually a wise choice. Just be sure to patch test first!

Possible side effects/ Important things to note

AHA products can increase your sensitivity to the sun by as much as 50%, so it’s essential that a good sunscreen is used.

Irritation is another possible side effect of Alpha Hydroxy Acid use. Some of these symptoms might include redness, burning and itching. If the symptoms continue after you have used the product for some time and your skin has had a chance to adapt, try using a product that contains less of the AHA concentration.

AHA Product Recommendation – Reveal 10 

Vasseur Skincare’s Reveal 10 is a potent combination of glycolic and lactic acid. It has been one of our top best selling products for several years and has a cult following amongst Vasseur Skincare customers.

Vasseur’s formulation is in an organic base without any synthetics, chemical preservatives or fillers and we use the best quality acids available (unneutralized acids with highest bioavailability). In addition, Reveal 10 is in an airless container which keeps the ingredients active and protects them from contamination and free radical formation.

If you would like to try Reveal 10 you can use coupon code REVEAL through November 15, 2015 for 15% off. There is a no questions asked money back guarantee on any and all products.

http://www.vasseurskincare.com/reveal-10/

coupon code REVEAL for 15% off through November 15^th, 2015

Thanks for reading, stay tuned for more skin care ingredient spotlights!