Nowadays, the name AHA can be found on numerous skin care products. But what is actually behind it and what positive effects does the best-known fruit acid actually have on the skin? The miracle healing ingredient is said to smooth wrinkles, clean skin with pimples and blackheads in depth, and therefore help with oily skin, improve pigmentation, and remove dead cells from the skin's surface. Apparently the glycolic acid peeling and cream keep their promise - because they are always very popular and are not only offered by beauticians and pharmacies, but are also available in specialist retailers. You can find out in the article what is behind the trend and what you should pay attention to when buying and using a cosmetic product containing AHA.
Glycolic acid peeling and cream – what does the term AHA fruit acid mean?
Glycolic acid was originally obtained from sugar cane juice and was therefore considered a completely natural fruit acid. Nowadays it is also obtained and processed synthetically, among other things. Regardless of the procedure and method, glycolic acid, together with four other fruit acids, belongs to the group of alpha hydroxycarboxylic acids. The abbreviation of this complicated name is AHA and can be found on the labels of numerous cosmetic products. Here are the other fruit acids that occur naturally and also onepositive effect on the skinshould have:
- Glycolic acid obtained from sugar cane
- Lactic acid isolated from milk
- Citric acid is obtained from fruits such as oranges and lemons
- Malic acid, from apples and pears
- Tartaric acid, obtained from grapes
Glycolic acid is mostly used in the cosmetics industry because it is considered effective and harmless to health. Its smallest molecular structure compared to the other four acids enables better absorption and therefore a deeper effect into the skin. Their effect relates to the destruction of the connections between old skin cells, so that even hardened skin flakes can be loosened. This may sound frightening at first glance, but the process actually has many advantages - the skin is smoothed, feels soft, and the dull complexion is removed. No wonder glycolic acid peeling is so popular.
What advantages does it offer?
A glycolic acid peeling and further skin care with the AHA fruit acidoffers several advantages:
- Stimulates blood circulation and contributes to a fresh complexion
- Promotes the synthesis of collagen and thus firms the facial skin
- Removes dead skin cells and therefore accelerates skin renewal.
- Can effectively treat pigment spots.
- Suitable for all skin types: for oily skin, the upper layer of skin is thoroughly cleansed, dry skin is made more resilient
- Can be combined with other care products as it significantly increases the receptivity of the facial skin. Creams and masks can also work deep into the pores.
What results can you expect?
- The complexion looks fresh and the skin feels more supple.
- Redness and pigment spots may partially disappear.
- Small wrinkles are also no longer visible.
- Can be perfectly combined with products against the aging process.
- Pimples and blackheads can also partially disappear - this is because when the top layer of skin is removed, the skin flakes no longer clog the pores and therefore the skin can breathe better.
Apply cosmetic products with glycolic acid at home
The cosmetic products that are available in stores usually contain between 6 and 10 percent AHA fruit acid and are therefore considered harmless and can also be applied at home. In any case, it is very important to obtain detailed information in advance about the correct use and, if in doubt, to seek further advice from your doctor. In particular, allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin that is prone to redness should first discuss the effect of the cosmetic product with their doctor and then, to be on the safe side, first apply it to a small area of skin on the forearm to test its tolerance.
Since the glycolic acid gently removes the upper skin cells and the lower layer of skin is new and sensitive, it is advisable to apply the care products in the evening. This gives the skin enough time to regenerate until the next morning. Regardless of the season, you should always wear sunscreen during the day. The new skin is very susceptible to sunburn.
If you buy several products that contain AHA fruit acid, make sure that they are from the same series and offered by one manufacturer. In this way, the percentage of AHA fruit acid in the individual products will not exceed the permitted 10%. Opinions differ when it comes to the 10 percent rule - some doctors claim that below 10 percent the effectiveness of the products decreases significantly, others claim that above 10 percent the solution is too strong. In any case, beginners can start with low concentrations.
Which products can contain glycolic acid? Practically almost all of them - from moisturizing creams, also creams for the eye area, mousturizing creams, etcFacial cleansing products such as masks, cleanser, even serum. On the packaging the ingredients are listed in descending order; normally the AHA fruit acid should be listed either as the abbreviation AHA or as glycolic acid at the top of the active ingredients. You can also find the concentration percentages there.
How to make glycolic acid peeling at home – instructions and frequently asked questions
And so you can make a mild glycolic acid peeling yourself using a gentle, purchased peeling mask - first remove the makeup, degrease the facial skin and rinse thoroughly. Then let the skin breathe for 5 to 10 minutes, then apply the peeling - first treating the insensitive areas of the face and then the sensitive areas. You should also strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially regarding the peeling duration. At the end, carefully remove the peeling. It may be that the acid needs to be neutralized afterwards - in this case, too, you should strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions so that the skin is not damaged. Appropriate aftercare and sun protection are very important for the final result. It's best to avoid any makeup at all the next day.
The best time for a glycolic acid peeling is the winter season, because then most of the day is spent indoors anyway. Although the beauty treatment itself takes little time, the skin should be able to recover afterwards. So it's best to stay at home for a weekend and protect your new, sensitive skin from the elements. You should continue to clean and care for your skin as usual in the coming week. In any case, avoid further deep pore cleansing with peeling masks. You can do the chemical peeling with AHA fruit acid every one to two weeks, depending on your skin type and the effect on the skin.
Interesting facts about the glycolic acid peeling:
- If you have sensitive skin, caution is advised - but even people with sensitive skin may be able to exfoliate with a low AHA concentration every month if their doctor allows it.
- It is not true that the skin is worn out and ages faster if a chemical peel with fruit acid is done every 2 weeks. The glycolic acid cleanses the skin and only removes the dead skin cells that are currently falling off anyway.
- Before applying a self-tanner, the skin should be smoothed with a peeling - the skin should be thoroughly cleansed with the peeling mask at least 24 hours before using the self-tanner.
- Pigment spots can be partially removed with a peeling, but if there are no visible results after the first treatment, it is better to consult a doctor and under no circumstances use a stronger solution.
Medical glycolic acid peeling – what does the term mean?
In contrast to cosmetic products with AHA fruit acid, a medical glycolic acid peeling uses much stronger solutions (between 30% and 70%). These are only used by doctors and beauticians because they are familiar with the procedure. Basically, the stronger the solution, the deeper it penetrates the skin. Mild peeling has a concentration of 30% to 35% and is mostly used as a treatment for pimples, immature skin and small wrinkles. We are taking a close look at this variant because it is considered gentle cleaning.
The duration: a chemical peeling with AHA fruit acid takes from 5 to 20 minutes - the duration depends on the skin type and accordingly the necessary preparation and follow-up care. Treatments are usually carried out every 2 to 4 weeks. The first results can be seen after at least 6 treatments. After that, you can visit the doctor every two to three months.
The side effects depend closely on the duration of the treatments, the solution, and how often you visit the doctor. Very slight warmth and tingling sensations are basically considered normal. Redness may also occur. No matter how intense you experience the side effects, inform your doctor and get detailed advice about them.
Skin care with glycolic acid – it can be combined with these active ingredients
The various cosmetic manufacturers offer special skin care series with glycolic acid - these also contain other active ingredients, enzymes and plant extracts. Here are some examples of combinations and their effect on the skin:
- After treatment with glycolic acid, a nourishing mask with collagen and clay can moisturize the skin.
- Rosehip extract provides vitamins that help build collagen and counteract scarring.
- Aloe vera juice or extract has strong anti-inflammatory effects against skin blemishes.
- Hyaluronic acid improves the elasticity of the skin and can counteract the formation of wrinkles.
- Allantoin has a moisturizing effect.
- Green tea extract serves as a peeling base.
- Phytosterols have a smoothing effect.
There are numerous variants for both intensive and mild skin care with cosmetic products containing glycolic acid. The peelings, masks and creams offered in stores usually contain between 3% and 10% AHA fruit acid and are therefore considered skin-friendly and mild. In the beauty center, on the other hand, a peeling with a slightly stronger solution is usually used - between 30% and 35%. Basically, the higher the percentage, the deeper the effect. You should never test products above 10% alone at home, and even with those with a concentration below 10%, always follow the manufacturer's instructions - otherwise there is a risk of injury.
The fruit acid is considered to be well tolerated and can have positive effects on people with both oily and dry skin. Anyone who chooses this can also reduce pigment spots, make the complexion more even, significantly improve the complexion and of course reduce wrinkles. Provided that he adheres to a few simple basic rules:
- Clean the skin carefully and allow time for preparation and follow-up treatment.
- Do not apply makeup after the treatment, protect the new skin from the sun's rays with sunscreen cream and do not apply self-tanner until at least 24 hours after the peeling.
- It's best to stay at home for the weekend and not expose your skin to the elements, but let it regenerate.
- The best time for a chemical peel is in winter, when the sun isn't shining as brightly.
- While cosmetic products with a solution of less than 10% are safe for weekly use, visits to the doctor should be at least two weeks apart.
- After six treatments at the doctor and after at least 6 weeks of cleaning at home, the first results are visible.
- During this time, the skin is cared for as usual, with no further deep cleansing such as mechanical peeling or special masks.
- It is better to take a break in spring and summer and only continue with the glycolic acid peeling in autumn and winter if necessary.
The AHA fruit acid peeling is a gentle, deep cleansing with glycolic acid naturally obtained from sugar cane. Compared to other fruit acids such as malic acid or citric acid, it has smaller molecules that penetrate the skin and gently remove dead skin cells. As a result, the skin feels more supple, the complexion becomes more even, and small wrinkles disappear. So it's worth testing the new miracle cure in cosmetics yourself - maybe it's exactly what your skin needs.
Dermaplaning also works like a peeling.Find out more about it here.
