Do you use AHA? You might not even know what it is. AHA stands for the acronym, which is “Acid Hyaluronic Acid.” It’s a type of acid in our skin and other parts of the human body.
It helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels and also aids with cell regeneration and growth factors. As you age, your body produces less and less of this acid until you don’t have any at all. But how often should you use it?
Would you like to know the answer to that question? Of course, who wouldn’t want to know how often they should use AHA. The truth is that there are many different opinions on this topic.
Some people may never say because it will make your skin more sensitive, and others claim monthly or weekly application is best. This blog post will answer all your questions about AHA, including when to take it, what dosage to take, and more. Read on.
How Often Should You Use AHA?
Different websites have different opinions, but once a week is ideal if you go by scientific evidence. Many scientific studies claim that is the best frequency. Dr. Leslie Baumann, a well-known dermatologist, says that once every ten days is the maximum you should go in between your AHA treatments.
She claims it’s safe to use to increase the frequency, but only once every few months and not weekly.
What Dosage Should You Take When Using AHA?
The dosage depends on the strength of your acid. According to a study done by the Department of Dermatology at the University of California Irvine, you should take a 5% acid if you have lighter skin and a 10% acid if you have darker skin.
That is because the melanin in darker skin gives the AHA more protection from UV rays, which could cause damage. However, regardless of your skin tone, always wear sunscreen when using AHA.
Should You Use AHA With Other Products?
You can mix it with your moisturizers and serums depending on the strength of the acid. Start slowly by combining 5% or 10% AHAs with your regular facial cleanser if you are new to acids. Soon, you’ll graduate to mixing the acids with your moisturizers and serums.
When Should You Use AHA?
You can use it before going out in the sun, but only for a short period. That is because sunlight will increase your sensitivity to AHAs. If you’re going to spend a long time in the sun, it’s safest to use AHA at night. It might take you some time to build up your tolerance for AHA.
How Often Should You Use AHA After Skin Problems?
Skin damage is a complex problem with many factors involved. If you have trouble recovering from sunburns or other skin problems, you can use your AHA daily to help with the recovery process.
However, it would be best if you only were doing that in areas that have been damaged or burned. It won’t be effective or healthy for any other part of your body.
What Are the Side Effects From Using AHA?
You will feel a slight stinging sensation when you apply it. That is normal, but if the stinging becomes painful or unbearable, you might want to reduce your usage. You can also mix your AHA with lotion if the acid is vital for you.
When Should You Stop Using AHA?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before using AHAs. They aren’t for everyone, so you should ask your doctor if it’s okay to use them. If not, many other acids will give you the same benefits without causing any damage or harm.
How Should You Care For Your Skin After Using AHA?
Apply sunscreen right after treatment to protect your skin from damage. It would be best if you were doing that every day regardless of whether or not you’ve used AHA. If you don’t wear sunscreen, the side effects and long-term results could be worse than what you’re expecting.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Using AHA?
AHA results may vary, but most people have seen improvements in their skin after 6-8 weeks. That includes faster cell turnover, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, smoother skin texture, and more.
Once your skin starts repairing itself, you will see that these effects will last longer than expected. You will also notice that any side effects you experienced at first will disappear.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Skipping AHA?
If you stop using your AHA, your skin will not revert to how it was before. If you want healthy skin, maintain a good skincare routine so that your results last longer. It’s best to keep the practice by using your AHA or any other acids that are ideal for your skin type.
How Do You Make Sure The Acid Is Not Expired?
If it smells weird, feels grainy, turns a darker color, or has solidified – it’s probably expired. You can’t use a product past its expiration date, so pay attention to the date on the package.
Store the acid in a cool area and be gentle if you aren’t using it every day. Don’t drop or shake your jar; it will cause breakage and won’t do anything to help your skin look better.
What Are Good Tips To Make Sure My Acid Is Always Fresh?
AHA naturally degrades over time, so it will not be practical after 6-8 months. You can make your acid last longer by storing it in a dark and dry area with the lid on tight. It’s best to keep your AHA away from humidity and heat because that will cause it to become more unstable and effective. If you have a container, make sure it’s a dark jar with a tight seal so that no moisture can get in or out.
Conclusion
Acids are an essential part of a healthy skincare routine. They are great for removing dead skin cells, evening out your skin tone, and keeping your pores clean. These benefits also make acids perfect for fighting blemishes and exfoliating the face.
If you’re not sure where to start or what type of acid is best for your skin type, consult a dermatologist if you feel like you need more help.
