If you have trouble with acne, rough skin or fine lines, you may already be familiar with chemical exfoliants like AHA & BHA. As skin care enthusiasts, we just love how effectively they exfoliate and make our skin look smooth and glowing.
For those new to skin care acids, they may seem a little daunting to put on your skin; but don’t worry, they’re perfectly safe. However, people with sensitive skin may find AHA and BHA a little too strong for their skin, which is why we’re so happy that PHAs have entered the market.
What are PHAs?
PHAs or Poly Hydroxy Acids are multi-benefit chemical exfoliants. They are dubbed “the next generation of AHAs” because they have similar efficacy to AHAs but are gentler on the skin, making them an excellent go-to for people who find AHAs & BHA too strong. Unlike most other exfoliating acids, PHAs even moisturise the skin while they work!
What do PHAs do for the skin?
• Effectively and gently exfoliate – may be tolerated by those with sensitive skin
• Smooth and refine skin tone and texture
• Soften rough skin
• Brighten complexion and minimise fine lines
• Hydrate the skin
• Protect the skin from free radicals caused by e.g., UV light & pollution
How do PHAs work?
PHAs work by weakening the “glue” (keratin) that holds dead skin cells together, so that dead skin cells can be removed and reveal fresh new skin underneath and encourage skin renewal. Because PHAs are made up of larger molecules than AHAs, they penetrate the skin more slowly making them gentler and generally more suitable for all skin types.
Where can I find PHA?
If you want to find products with PHA, look out for Lactobionic acid, Galactose and Gluconolactone which are all different kinds of Poly Hydroxy Acids. As always with acids, start slowly and do a skin patch test to make sure it’s compatible with your skin, and even though PHA doesn’t increase your sensitivity to UV-light, we suggest using sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.
If you want to try PHA, we suggest starting with our pure-skin range, which features Gluconolactone in certain products. It is formulated for all skin types but can be especially helpful for those with oily or blemish-prone skin. Gluconolactone in the Pure Skin products help clear the surface of dead skin cells, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss and has a mildly protective antioxidant effect.
Here are some products from the range to try:
Pure Skin Clarifying Toning Solution
Pure Skin Mattifying & Cooling Face Lotion
