15 best alpha hydroxy acid products of 2021 to brighten and tighten your skin

Let’s talk about acids. No, not the kind make you trip – we’re talking about things that take your skin to the next level, brighter: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). This group of exfoliating acids is best known for being part of the secret sauce found in chemical mask. But as their popularity grows, these intensive ingredients have found their way into our favorite topicals and home treatments. Before we dive in best alpha hydroxy acid products, we contacted several board-certified dermatologists to analyze how these powerful active ingredients promote our skin.

What is alpha hydroxy acid?

Based on Orit Markowitz, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin, AHAs are derived from sugar cane or other plant sources (think citric acid), which is what sets them apart from their beneficial oily skin counterparts, beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and gentler, friendly to sensitive skin polyhydroxy acid (PHA). The most common AHAs in skin care products are glycolic acid, the most intensive under the umbrella of the AHA, and lactic acid.

What are the skin care benefits of alpha hydroxy acids?

Markowitz says that AHAs have the ability to target the surface layer of the skin, thus creating a smoother complexion with a more even skin tone. Board Certified NYC-based Dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD note that AHAs remove the outer layer of dead and damaged skin from your face, revealing softer and brighter skin. “AHA helps to even out skin tone due to melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, “she previously said Seductive. Alpha hydroxy acids can also stimulate facial skin to produce firming agents collagen, reducing the shape of wrinkles in the process.

The skin care benefits of alpha hydroxy acids are numerous, but dermatologists also stress that this particular group of active ingredients can make your skin a little more sensitive than usual, especially when exposed to sunlight. sunshine. So when using AHA products for the first time, try incorporating them into your nighttime routine, and use sunscreen during the day to protect your pores from sun damage.

Now that you’ve completed the alpha hydroxy acid basics course, it’s time to put all this knowledge into practice. Below, check out 15 skin treatments with these powerful exfoliating ingredients.