What Are AHA Exfoliant Creams?

What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)?

Many modern day exfoliation creams now contain low levels of Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is made from naturally occurring acids found in fruits such as, grapes, apples, pineapple, papaya, lemon, lime, & blackberries to name but a few. These fruit acids are natural exfoliates that perform a number of functions at the level of the stratum corneum on the skin's surface. They loosen and dissolve dead cells from the skin's surface and help to regenerate new skin cells, aid in the control of acne, smooth rough dry skin, improve the texture of sun-damaged and aging skin and retain moisture which leaves your skin healthy and vibrant.
AHA's are a good ingredient to be included in natural skin care products, as long as the AHA's are still in their original content, ie: as part of a fruit hydrosol for example. That way, the ingredients in the fruit (other than the AHA's) will buffer the acidic effect of the AHA's and thus your skin is far less likely to be irritated or have an adverse reaction to the product.

How AHA Exfoliant Creams work.

 Alpha hydroxy acids work mainly as an exfoliant. They cause the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin. Alpha hydroxy acids may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after months of daily application. Alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products work best in a concentration of 5% to 8% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

Are AHA Exfoliant Creams Safe?

Because of concerns over the side effects of alpha hydroxy acids, the FDA in 1997 announced that alpha hydroxy acids are safe for use by consumers with the following guidelines:
• The AHA concentration is 10% or less
• The final product has a pH of 3.5 or higher
• The final product must have an effective sunscreen in the formulation or warn people to use sunscreen products.

Using AHA Exfoliant Creams


Using an exfoliant is one of the most important steps in skin care. If you think about it, what is the point of using a good moisturizer on your dead skin cells? None, right? So, using an exfoliant cream containing AHA once or twice a week is a great investment in your skin and your skin's health.
People with dry skin should only exfoliate once or twice a week, while those with oily skin can exfoliate two to four times a week. Stop using an exfoliant if you find your skin becoming irritated or developing a rash. Remember to moisturize your skin after exfoliating, to soothe it and keep it from drying out.

IR Beautina’s Radiant Gold Skin Care Range has an excellent Exfoliating AHA Essence which is a gentle exfoliating facial scrub. All of IR Beautina products stocked by Amazing Thai Beauty are designed to nourish, heal, repair, restore and protect the skin.
IR Beautina Radiant Gold Exfoliating AHA Essence - Amazing Thai Beauty