Is hyperpigmentation causing you dark spots and uneven skin tone?
Relax. We have got you covered. Hyperpigmentation is a real skin concern. However, it might not be painful physically, but we understand that it can cause emotional distress. Darker patches, blemishes and uneven skin tone, a lot of factors like excess melanin production, unprotected sun exposure, acne scars etc. contribute to it.
Relax! If you are dealing with hyperpigmentation, know that you are not alone and it can very well be prevented. Wondering how?
AHAs - Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Research says that AHAs are highly effective in managing hyperpigmentation and exfoliating skin to the core. This multitasking superstar ingredient leaves skin soft, supple and smooth with even skin tone.
Read this article to learn more about AHAs and how you can incorporate them in your skincare regimen to prevent or get rid of blemishes.
What are AHAs and how they work?
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or AHAs are a group of natural fruit acids widely used in skin care products. They are known for their significant exfoliating properties. AHAs work by loosening the top layer of old skin cells. It further encourages the growth of new skin cells underneath, leaving skin even -toned and radiant.
Research studies have shown their efficacy in treating acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, roughness, age spots, and seborrhea.
One of the most popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skin care is Glycolic acid. Research studies show that it is highly effective at getting into the skin and treating skin concerns related to aging, acne and hyperpigmentation.
The skincare industry uses seven types of AHAs in its products, including -
- citric acid (found in citrus fruits)
- lactic acid (found in sour milk and tomato juice)
- glycolic acid (found in sugar cane)
- and others
5 significant benefits of AHAs for hyperpigmentation
It has been scientifically proven that AHAs are gentle on the skin, have a prolonged skin-repairing effect, and are safe to use on almost every skin type. Now let's explore the many benefits of AHAs for your skin!
1. Suppresses excessive melanin production to clear dark spots
Excess melanin production is one of the reasons that contribute to hyperpigmentation. The pigment melanin gives skin its color. Many factors, sunlight being the major one can result in excess melanin production, resulting in dark spots, dull and uneven skin tone.
How AHAs help?
They help to suppress excessive melanin production by hindering the activity of the tyrosinase, an enzyme that helps in the production of melanin.
2. Have super exfoliant powers to shed off dead skin cells
The main purpose of AHAs is to exfoliate your skin. In fact, all of the other benefits associated with AHAs are based on this.
The process of exfoliation involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin's surface. This also prepares the way for the regeneration of new skin cells.
With ageing, the natural cell cycle of your skin slows down, causing dead skin cells to accumulate on your skin. Over time, dead skin cells can clog your pores and dull your complexion. The accumulation of dead skin cells can also exacerbate other skin issues, such as wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and age spots.
Accumulated dead skin cells → Clogged pores → Dull complexion & Uneven skin tone
Exfoliation with AHAs removes dead skin cells at the cellular level, making way for evenly pigmented new skin cells to grow. This in turn leaves your skin even toned, radiant and soft.
Removal of dead skin cells → New skin cell regeneration → Radiant & even tone skin
3. Have antioxidant properties to reverse sun damage
Sun exposure is one of the main reasons for inducing age spots, melasma, and even worsening the existing hyperpigmentation. Sun rays trigger melanin production and also lead to oxidative stress in skin through free radical generation.
AHAs have antioxidant properties and they act as free radical scavengers. They help skin repair itself and correct visible damage.
4. Lock in the moisture to keep skin plump and hydrated
AHAs lock in moisture in your skin , which keeps it soft and hydrated. Humectants present in AHAs keep your skin hydrated by attracting water to the surface. They have the ability to draw water into the stratum corneum, the top layer of the skin. As a humectant, it gives an immediate improvement in the way that the skin looks less ashy, dry, and dull.
5. Boosts collagen production to reduce wrinkles and fine lines
The loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation, losing skin’s elasticity making it more vulnerable to damage. While restoring skin’s natural radiance, research says that AHAs offer incredible anti-aging benefits to your skin. They help in collagen synthesis promoting a youthful skin.
How AHAs help?
AHAs have anti-aging properties. They have been considered highly effective in promoting increased gene expression of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the dermis and epidermis, which in turn improves plumpness and hydration of the skin.
Research article published in the National Library of Medicine (2015) reported that 9 out of 10 volunteers who used AHAs for almost a three-week period experienced significant improvements in overall skin texture.
How to introduce AHAs in your skincare routine?
Before incorporating AHAs in your skincare regimen, it is imperative to know how much concentration of AHAs to be used. Due to their great exfoliating properties it is suggested to build AHAs into your skin care regimen gradually to avoid irritation and inflammation to the skin.
Incorporating AHAs in your first step of skincare regimen i.e, cleansing is a wonderful way to cleanse and exfoliate skin at the same time. Using AHAs based cleansers gently exfoliate the dead cells on regular basis leaving your skin soft, supple and rejuvenated.
The Bottom Line
Know that specific skin concerns require extra attention and the right and specific ingredients to target those concerns. AHAs help treat hyperpigmentation effectively and in addition they come up with other multi faceted benefits for your skin. Using AHAs will promote healthier-looking and more radiant skin, as well as prevent many issues before they appear.
Healthy and happy skin is your way!
