There are a myriad of beauty products flooding the market every other day, assuring supple, wrinkle-free, and glowing skin. Each product comes with one main ingredient and if you are wondering how these components work, read about them in detail.
In our earlier articles, we wrote extensively about niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, retinol, vitamin C serums etc and in this post, we will be discussing about another popular component Polyhydroxy Acids or PHAs.
Also Read: Niacinamide: Uses, Skin Healing Benefits, And Side Effects Of This Wonder Ingredient
What Are Polyhydroxy Acids?
One of the recent trendy beauty ingredients famed to ease fine lines and revamp skin beauty from deep within is Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs).
This new chemical exfoliator is your skincare game-changer that works well for all types of skin. Evidence reveals that PHAs can promote skin hydration and enhance skin cell regeneration that helps lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, when compared to similar beauty ingredients they are less irritating even to sensitive skin types.
Rejuvenate Your Skin Glow And Radiance, Shop From Our Extensive Range of Beauty and Skincare Products
What Are PHAs?
Polyhydroxy acid is a mild chemical exfoliant, which works to exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface and helps one attain supple and radiant skin.
Regular exfoliation aids to clear away dead, dull-looking cells, lessening hyperpigmentation and enhancing skin texture. PHAs aid to lock moisture, uplifting skin’s barrier function and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This beauty ingredient facilitates the diffusion of other active ingredients applied to the skin. Additionally, PHAs are credited to have potent antioxidant traits that avert free radical damage to collagen and skin cells. Gluconolactone, galactose and lactobionic acids are the most common PHAs used in skincare essentials.
How Do PHAs Differ From AHAs and BHAs?
PHAs are a kind of hydroxy or fruit acid. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are other types of hydroxy acids. All three are blended with skincare essentials to help reverse sun damage, lessen the appearance of wrinkles, and thus make the skin look more toned and hydrated. However, PHAs are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are often added to skin care products to cure acne, scars, dark spots, dry skin, and ageing. While BHAs like salicylic acid are anti-inflammatory in nature and are mostly suggested for oily or acne-prone skin.
AHAs may result in swelling and burning and make the skin more sensitive to the sun. While BHAs are less irritating than AHAs, the FDA warns they can still make your skin more sun sensitive. Most studies reveal that PHAs are very effective and less likely to irritate the skin than other hydroxy acids.
Also Read: Malic Acid: Uses, Health Benefits And Side Effects
Skin Healing Benefits Of PHAs
PHAS is believed to make your skin brighter, smoother, hydrated and revamp overall skin radiance when used regularly. PHAs can be used at home frequently to chemically exfoliate the skin without enduring any critical procedures. Further, they are cost-effective and confer amazing anti-ageing incentives.
PHAs can be used by anyone, however, people with sensitive skin may be most benefitted as it doesn’t cause any irritation like other face peels or chemical exfoliants. Also, natural hydrating quality help to lock moisture, which is specifically vital for sensitive skin. Apart from this, PHAs are mild enough to be used during pregnancy and perfect for acne-prone skin and help to even out texture and tone
Types Of PHAs
Gluconolactone: This is most popular PHAs that not only works to exfoliate skin but also hydrate and offer potent antioxidant uses.
Lactobionic acid: This is an oxidized form of milk, which works as both an exfoliator and a humectant.
Galactose: This one is less common than the others, but it works to exfoliate your skin gently.
How Often To Use PHAs?
PHAs can be safely used thrice to four times a week, as they are more gentle than other acids. However, the right amount depends on the individual skin type. It is always suggested that you should start gradually and increase frequency as tolerated by your skin.
Can PHAs Be Combined with Other Ingredients?
PHAs can blend well with other active ingredients and can be easily added into a regular regimen that already has products containing vitamin C or retinol. However, ensure to start slowly so that there’s no irritation. Bakuchiol is a gentle retinol alternative that can be formulated with PHAs. Remember to layer your skincare products from thinnest to thickest and wait for each product to dry out before applying the next one.
