When people hear about alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), many questions arise. Here are some common questions and responses.
- If I do a lot of AHA exfoliation, will my skin become thinner? AHAs help remove thick dead skin (stratum corneum). Excessive accumulation of the stratum corneum will make the skin dull, lose luster, and hinder nutrient absorption. Therefore, reducing the accumulation of the stratum corneum is necessary. Moreover, AHAs penetrate the basal layer of the epidermis and promote collagen growth, which makes the epidermis healthy and elastic, so it will not make the epidermis thinner!
- Does AHA make the skin more sensitive? This is not the case. If you already have thin skin, suffer from eczema, allergies, or rosacea, and do not properly use high-concentration AHAs, it will cause a chemical burn and damage the skin. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before deciding whether to undergo AHA treatment. It is worth reminding readers that many skincare products on the market contain different types and concentrations of AHAs, so be sure to pay attention.
- After AHA exfoliation, if exposed to the sun, will it easily cause spots or darkening? After the AHA treatment, the thick dead skin becomes thinner, so the damage caused by ultraviolet rays is more apparent. Therefore, it is essential to take sun protection measures after AHA treatment. If the sun protection measures are complete, it will not increase the number of spots or cause darkening of the skin! Suggestions are as follows: If you use low-concentration AHA products, use SPF30 or above, PA++ or above sunscreens; if you use higher-concentration AHA exfoliation, such as Modified Jessner’s, TCA, etc., it is recommended to not only use sunscreen but also avoid going out during strong ultraviolet rays. When going out during the day, wear a hat as much as possible, and the brim should be wide. Minimize the chance of skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
- Can AHA not be used for a long time? In fact, AHA can accelerate the epidermal metabolism, increase the thickness of the dermis, and make the skin smoother and more elastic. Metabolism slows down with age, so regularly using appropriate AHA can regulate skin metabolism.
I hope this sharing can reduce misunderstandings about AHA!