A complete guide to body exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), according to experts
Thanks to brands diversifying their skincare lines, you’ve got your pick of the lot with body AHAs. Lotions and creams can be your go-to's for daily use as they double up as body moisturisers. Body serums can target specific areas by delivering concentrated doses of AHAs right where you need them most. For a deeper clean, a tub of exfoliating scrub can be popped open during your weekly ‘everything shower’. But if you have sensitive skin, tread carefully as they can be abrasive. Use them sparingly on damp skin and in gentle circular motions to avoid over-exfoliation. Dr Niketa also settles the debate about the role of liquid body cleansers in exfoliation, “Some body washes contain AHAs to provide exfoliation while cleansing, though the contact time may be shorter than with leave-on products.”
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A complete guide to body exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), according to experts
Go beyond homemade ubtans and sugar scrubs
DAILY INDIATIMES NEWS NETWORK
By Sumona Bose
A complete guide to body exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), according to experts
As someone who grew up in an Indian household, I was introduced to body care and body exfoliation long before I stumbled onto my first Vogue Beauty Secrets video. From mustard oil massages to besan ubtans and sugar/honey scrubs, weekly body exfoliation sessions were a mainstay. But as an adult, a busy lifestyle and the (digital age induced) need for faster results introduced me to body exfoliators—ones specially formulated with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). But as it is with any active ingredient, AHA's too come with a laundry list of usage tips that you need to consider before going all in. Here’s what the experts want you to know.
Why do you need AHAs for body care?
AHAs are popular ingredients for body exfoliation because of their ability to gently exfoliate the skin and promote a brighter and smoother complexion,” says Dr Niti Gaur, MD and Founder of Citrine Clinic, Gurgaon. Regular exfoliation can lead to improved skin texture, smoothing of rough patches and removal of dead skin cells, which also allows other skincare products to penetrate better. It also helps with skin concerns like including acne, keratosis pilaris, and hyperpigmentation. “AHAs have also been shown to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can improve skin elasticity and firmness over time,” adds Dr Niketa Sonavane, Founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai.
What are the best AHAs for the body?
The skincare community is loving a couple of AHAs for the body right now. If you're wondering which one would be most compatible with your skin type, here’s a breakdown
1.Glycolic acid: A potent exfoliator ideal for normal to combination skin, it is a fan favourite for its skin renewal action, which is does by diving deep into the skin and tackling signs of ageing head-on.
2.Lactic acid: This one’s a gentler option and works well for those with dry and sensitive skin types. A USB of lactic acid is its dual ability to exfoliate and hydrate at the same time.
3.Mandelic acid: Ideal for deeper skin tones, this AHA is gentle yet effective, thanks to its larger molecular size, which reduces irritation. Its antibacterial properties can also address stubborn ‘bacne’.
How to include body AHAs in your routine
Thanks to brands diversifying their skincare lines, you’ve got your pick of the lot with body AHAs. Lotions and creams can be your go-to's for daily use as they double up as body moisturisers. Body serums can target specific areas by delivering concentrated doses of AHAs right where you need them most. For a deeper clean, a tub of exfoliating scrub can be popped open during your weekly ‘everything shower’. But if you have sensitive skin, tread carefully as they can be abrasive. Use them sparingly on damp skin and in gentle circular motions to avoid over-exfoliation. Dr Niketa also settles the debate about the role of liquid body cleansers in exfoliation, “Some body washes contain AHAs to provide exfoliation while cleansing, though the contact time may be shorter than with leave-on products.”
Precautions to take with body AHAsPrecautions should be taken when using AHAs for body exfoliation to avoid potential side effects such as irritation, redness, or sun sensitivity”, explains Dr Niti. Some things you should keep in mind are:
Precautions should be taken when using AHAs for body exfoliation to avoid potential side effects such as irritation, redness, or sun sensitivity”, explains Dr Niti. Some things you should keep in mind are:
strength as your skin adjusts.Patch test: Sniff out any potential sensitivity or allergic reactions to the product by patch testing it on your forearm, before you commit to using it all over.
Use body SPF: AHA's can and will make your skin more sun-sensitive, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin is essential.
Get a consultation: While body AHAs are available in quite tolerable formulations, pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis warrant a trip to the dermatologist to decode the right way to use it.
