Natural AHA for the Skin

Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA is responsible for making our skin look and feel younger. As we grow older, it takes more time for our skin to regenerate. Older cells needs to be exfoliated to make way for new, smoother cells.  Various exfoliation processes exist.

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation uses a grainy substance or a rough cloth to physically scrub off the old skin cells.
Popular exfoliants are salt, sugar or coffee scrubs or a loofah. For a more gentle scrub, prefer ground cornmeal, oatmeal scrubs or muslin cloth.

Chemical Exfoliation

Fruit or milk acid is used to take out dead skin cells from your skin in a “peeling mask”. As these are acidic substances, sometimes there may be burning or create tingling sensations when used in high concentrations.

Natural AHA Sources:

• Lemons or Grapefruit

The strongest source of AHA: lemon is very effective for skin lightening especially for melasma and uneven skin tone. You will feel a slight tingle when you apply lemon and grapefruit to your skin so avoid the eye area and avoid immediate sun exposure.

• Papaya

Crush the papaya and apply directly onto your face. When you eat papaya, you may also use the leftover peels (with some flesh attached) to rub on your face.

• Pineapple

Pineapple peels are a bit itchy and very rough on sensitive skin. Use fresh, crushed or blended pineapples and apply onto your face like a mask. You can also use fresh pineapple juice.

• Tomato

A natural anti-ageing mask! Use the tomato’s flesh or the seed pulp to apply onto your skin.

• Plain Yoghurt

As it contains lactic acid, plain organic yogurt is perfect for facial treatments. Apply directly on your skin or mix with any fruit mentioned above for a yoghurt fruit mask.

 

Don’t forget: 

Use these masks for 10-30 minutes then rinse. If you feel a slight tingle or burn, rinse off ASAP! You have to feel how your skin reacts.
AHA makes your skin sensitive to the sun. Use these masks at night so your skin can rest and avoid immediate skin exposure. Ideally you will apply some RENU 28 Gel afterwards.

Remember, AHA will make your skin more sensitive so please don’t forget to be careful with your skin afterward. Choose good products and avoid sun exposure.