Glycolic Acid AHA
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid, but don't be put off by the word 'acid'. When used correctly, glycolic acid products (AHA exfoliants) are gentle on skin and great for repairing a dry, sun-damaged complexion.
Glycolic acid products for dry skin
Is glycolic acid an AHA?
Exfoliation is an essential step in your skincare routine. AHA (glycolic acid) exfoliants gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells, helping to reveal the healthy layer of skin underneath. If you have normal to (very) dry skin, some abrasive exfoliants can leave skin drier and more irritated than before. However, the ingredients in AHA glycolic acid products are much gentler than other products that exfoliate your skin, such as harsh scrubs. AHA acids are one of the fastest ways to reveal soft, smooth, radiant-looking skin.
Daily use of a glycolic acid exfoliant will enhance the effectiveness of the other products in your routine as they will be absorbed faster because they don't have to penetrate a layer of dead skin cells first.
Different types of AHAs
BHA exfoliants clean deep inside your pores while AHA exfoliants mainly work on the skin's surface making them particularly suitable for dry skin. This helps the skin to hold onto more moisture. There are various alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and mandelic acid. Read on to discover the difference between these acids and how glycolic acid products work for dry skin.
How to use and buy AHA glycolic acid exfoliant products
Are you looking for a product with glycolic acid? Look at our range of AHA exfoliants. From gel textures to glycolic acid lotions and AHA creams formulated specifically for dry skin, find the AHA product that is most suited to your skin.
How should you exfoliate?
If you are new to using glycolic acid exfoliators, we recommend initially using one twice a week and then gradually build up usage to once or twice daily. Apply after cleansing and toning. A liquid AHA exfoliant is best applied with a cotton pad. Use a glycolic acid gel or glycolic acid lotion the same way you would a day or night cream. Apply it over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Then simply follow the rest of your skincare routine. For daytime, follow with a moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater as the last step in your routine.