One thing is certain: AHA peels, also known as fruit acid peels, are a real miracle weapon for radiantly beautiful skin.
But just because it says AHA on a package doesn't necessarily mean that it always contains the same ingredients. AHA acids, or even There are many types of alpha hydroxy acids . Below we will give you an overview of the different forms and introduce them to you in detail.
Glycolic acid
Let's start with the superstar of the AHA portfolio: glycolic acid. Together with lactic acid, it is one of the most effective and best-researched alpha-hydroxy acids.
Like all other fruit acids, glycolic acid is obtained from a natural product, namely sugar cane. It consists of particularly small molecules and can therefore easily penetrate the top layers of the skin and thus achieve its fantastic results. In addition, it can help the skin retain moisture better and improve its resilience. The best results are achieved with a glycolic acid content between 5 and 10 percent.
lactic acid
The name suggests it: lactic acid is obtained from milk. It has a similarly effective effect as glycolic acid and is therefore also often found in care products. Its molecules are slightly larger than those of glycolic acid, which means it works a little more on the surface of the skin. For an optimal peeling effect, the acid in a skin care product should be contained in a concentration of between 5 and 10 percent.
malic acid
An apple a day keeps the doctor away – and as the icing on the cake, it makes your skin shine! This AHA fruit acid is, who would have thought, contained in apples. Compared to glycolic and lactic acid, the molecules contained in malic acid are slightly larger, but this does not affect its peeling and antioxidant effect. In a slightly lower concentration of one to two percent, it is an optimal supplement for products that already contain glycolic or lactic acid. By combining different AHA acids in peelings, different layers of skin can be addressed in one product.
Tartaric acid
The name of tartaric acid also suggests which fruit it is obtained from. That's right, from grapes. The molecules of tartaric acid are slightly larger than those of malic acid. It is often used as a supporting additive in combination with other ingredients to achieve the correct pH value.
Citric and mandelic acid
The citric acid contained in citrus fruits has a peeling effect from a concentration of 10 percent, but with a low pH value of 2.2 it can easily irritate, especially sensitive skin.
However, it is still contained in many skin care products, even if only in small doses, to develop its antioxidant effect or to regulate the pH value of a product.
Mandelic acid, on the other hand, is one of the AHA acids that is least often found in care products because it has the least research results compared to the other acids. However, studies show that mandelic acid can stimulate the skin's production of sebum, which could be particularly interesting for people who tend to have dry skin.