Water-soluble acids that loosen desmosomes between dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover. That’s AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) in a sentence – and it’s worth understanding what each part of that process means.
Water-soluble acids that loosen desmosomes between dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover. This mechanism is consistent across properly formulated products, which means the real variable is concentration and delivery system.
Typical working concentration is 5–15% (otc); up to 30% (professional). Best suited to normal, dry, combination skin. Primary applications: exfoliation, brightening, smoothing, anti-aging.
Works well with: Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid. Avoid combining with: Benzoyl peroxide, retinol (same routine), physical scrubs.
Umbrella term for glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic, citric, tartaric acids.