Length / Less than 5 minutes
Natural skincare, it’s a beauty movement here to stay, and an always-on hot topic. But, what about natural AHA’s? Commonly found in your skincare routine for (very) good reason, and in our new product Tailor Elevate. AHA’s, also known as, ‘Alpha Hydroxy Acids’, are world-renowned for their ability to stimulate skin cell turnover and brighten complexions. But, the AHA acids gaining much-deserved popularity are fruits acids and finger lime extract, thanks to their natural efficacy and skin-nourishing properties. Let’s have a Tailor talk about it, shall we?
Your guide to skincare acids
There are many types of acids used in skincare products, each offering unique skin-loving benefits to the skin. From BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) known for their deep pore cleansing ability, to AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) known for resurfacing the skin, and then everything in-between e.g,. hyaluronic acid and ascorbic acid. Here’s a brief guide for you…
This Tailor talk will focus on AHA’s in skincare. For more information on BHA’s, check out our blog here, for hyaluronic acid, have a read of our blog here, and then for ascorbic acid, go see our blog here.
What are AHA's?
Well, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are water-soluble acids derived from fruits and other natural sources. They work on your skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, encouraging them to shed and allow more evenly pigmented, youthful skin cells to come to the skin’s surface. This skin cell turnover process can help reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. Sign me up?!
It’s important to note, as a natural brand (ofc), while synthetic AHAs exist, more and more consumers are opting for natural alternatives, which tend to be more gentle and loaded with added skin-loving benefits from their botanical sources. Let’s have a look at some examples…
Fruit Acids
Fruit-derived AHAs are some of the most well-known natural exfoliants in your skincare routines. “AHAs are a group of organic carboxylic compounds including glycolic acid (from sugar cane), citric acid (from citrus fruit), lactic acid (from pickled vegetables), malic acid (from apples) and tartaric acid (from grapes).” Let’s take a look at these fruit-derived AHA’s, shall we?
- Glycolic Acid: Derived from sugarcane, this AHA is popular for its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin for effective exfoliation. As well as, helping to smooth fine lines and reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Lactic Acid: Sourced from fermented fruits like tomatoes and blueberries, lactic acid is a milder AHA, perfect for those with sensitive or dry skin. It helps exfoliate while maintaining the skin's moisture levels, leaving the complexion smooth and hydrated.
- Malic Acid: Derived from apples and pears, malic acid offers both exfoliating and hydrating properties. It's a gentle AHA that helps in removing dead skin cells, improving texture without causing irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Tartaric Acid: Extracted from grapes, tartaric acid provides mild exfoliation and helps regulate the skin's pH balance. It can enhance the effectiveness of other AHAs when used in combination, and is often found in anti-ageing products due to its ability to smooth skin texture.
- Citric Acid: Found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, citric acid not only exfoliates but also offers antioxidant protection, helping to defend skin from free radicals.
Finger Lime Extract
One of the most exciting developments in natural AHAs is the use of finger lime extract, a fruit known for its high content of citric acid and other beneficial compounds. “Finger lime contains organic acid that boasts of exfoliating properties that can successfully remove dead skin cells.”
Finger lime, often called "caviar lime" due to its appearance, has been used in traditional practices for its healing properties. And in skincare, this powerhouse ingredient offers several benefits:
- Gentle exfoliation: Like other AHAs, finger lime extract helps gently peel off dead skin cells. Its naturally derived nature makes it ideal for sensitive skin types, reducing redness or irritation.
- Brightening: The citric acid in finger lime extract helps to brighten the complexion by promoting faster skin cell turnover. Regular use can help fade pigmentation spots, resulting in a more even skin tone.
- Hydration boost: What sets finger lime extract apart from other AHAs is its ability to deeply hydrate while exfoliating skin. It contains natural humectants that attract water to the skin and lock in moisture, leaving your skin in it’s best form, soft and plump.
- Antioxidant rich: Besides being a source of AHAs, did you know finger lime is actually packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C? And this is known for its skin-brightening and anti-ageing benefits. These antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV rays.
Why choose natural AHA's for your skincare routine?
So, the appeal of natural AHAs like fruit acids and finger lime extract lies not just in their exfoliating properties, but also its other benefits, so you can call it multi-purpose. These other benefits include hydration, antioxidant protection (doesn’t replace your SPF), and anti-inflammatory effects, leaving your skin with a new normal, healthy and radiant. Not only this, but if your skin is particularly sensitive, natural AHAs tend to be kind to your skin type.
How natural AHA’s fit into your routine
When using skincare products with natural AHAs, in particular our favourites, fruit acids and/or finger lime extract, for best results, we’d recommend applying them every 2-3 days.
Tailor Elevate, our AHA
AHA’s, including the much-loved fruit acids and finger lime extract can be found in our new product, Elevate. However, it’s important to note we’ve included an additional 0.5% lactic acid into our mask formulation, to act as a buffer to bring the product down to an optimal pH (4.4), to allow our skin to get the most out of this fruit acid blend & finger lime extract. This is because, AHAs are typically most effective at a lower pH and higher acidity. For example, “AHA ingredients work in an acidic pH range... At higher pH levels they may lose effectiveness.” While lactic acid at 0.5% wouldn’t be potent enough on its own (the recommended concentration is 2-10% when used as the primary AHA), the fruit acids in our formula serve as the main AHA, creating a synergistic effect with the other ingredients to enhance overall effectiveness.
So, what an interesting Tailor talk that was? Well, at least I thought so. Whether you’re tackling dark spots, smoothing out fine lines, or just chasing that radiant glow, adding natural AHAs to your skincare routine is the glow-up move. Think of it as leveling up, naturally and with a whole lot less drama! Anyway, until next time.
Love,
Tailor x
References:
Oakley, H. A. A., & Elghblawi, D. E. (n.d.). Alpha hydroxy acid facial treatments. DermNet. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/alpha-hydroxy-acid-facial-treatments
Sharma, P. (2023, April 20). Finger Lime: Benefits, Nutritional Content, And Uses Of This Citrus Fruit: Easy Recipes Inside. Netmeds.com. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/finger-lime-benefits-nutritional-content-and-uses-of-this-citrus-fruit-easy-recipes-inside#:~:text=Active%20components%20in%20finger%20lime,successfully%20remove%20dead%20skin%20cells
Gong, E. (n.d.). The Formulator’s Guide to AHA and BHA Skincare. Formula Botanica. https://formulabotanica.com/aha-vs-bha-skincare/#:~:text=AHA%20ingredients%20work%20in%20an,levels%20they%20may%20lose%20effectiveness.