AHAs And Vitamin C
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Vitamin C are both well accepted ingredients found in anti-aging skincare. While they both make related claims, in reality they are very dissimilar components and each serves a distinctive purpose.
AHAs are found in everything from cleansers to night creams. They are derived from various sources like sugar cane, milk and fruit and help retexturize skin by gently exfoliating the dry, dead outermost layers of skin while moisturizing the newly revealed layers. They add glow to complexions that have started to look dull, dry or flaky.
AHA is a generic term that is used to describe different types of acids designed to achieve different results:
• Glycolic acid derived from the sugar cane plant, it is used primarily in chemical peels and serums because it has the strongest exfoliation properties.
• Lactic acid that comes from sour milk has powerful hydrating properties and is commonly found in moisturizers.
• Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark deeper in the skin to unclog pores in addition to reducing fine lines. It is extremely beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
While AHAs are exfoliants, vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals when used for skincare.
Our skin is constantly assaulted by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules formed in the skin when it is exposed to pollution, the environment, smoke or sunlight. These break down the collagen and elastin found in skin, which are essential to keeping skin firm and healthy. Vitamin C is believed to strengthen collagen and elastin in the dermis that has been damaged by free radicals.
There are many offshoots of vitamin C found in products, and studies have shown that the ingredient is most stable and effective in its L-ascorbic acid form. To prevent the vitamin from oxidization look for a product in an airtight brown glass bottle or metal tube, which will screen out light and prevent air from seeping in and breaking down the vitamin.
Both AHAs and Vitamin C help reduce signs of aging, but to see optimum results faster use them in conjunction with each other. If you have a dry skin, use the vitamin C cream or serum in the morning and an AHA-based cream at night. For oily or combination skin, an AHA or salicylic acid cleanser or toner works excellently in the morning, followed by a vitamin C serum at night.
Breast Cosmetics from St.Botanica
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