AHAs: an active ingredient like no others

As early as in the Antiquity, several civilizations were using AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) for their beneficial action on the complexion, and the texture of the skin. However, their chemical structure was not known yet. By the middle of the 20-th century, scientists began to characterize AHAs. A team of researchers were able to demonstrate that AHAs could quicken cell renewal in the skin. This exfoliating attribute of AHAs was confirmed afterward by numerous clinical studies. 

AHAs are found naturally in several fruits and plants, hence the name "fruit acids." Today, there are approximately twenty identified and characterized AHAs. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid, all from bilberry, sugar cane, maple sugar, citrus fruits, apples, grape wine, are the main AHAs used in beauty care. 

The exfoliating power of AHAs is contingent on some factors. First, the concentration of the acid plays an important role. The higher the concentration, the deeper the acid penetrates and the better the exfoliation. The pH value is also crucial to ensure good exfoliation. The lower the pH, the more successful AHAs will be. 

AHAs are considered as a cosmetic ingredient in its own right, helpful to treat ageing skins, wrinkles, acne, brown spots and superficial scars.

However, we must remember that these results are unquestionably bound to a low pH and that the neutralization of AHAs will tend to attenuate considerably its efficiency. At LOTUS AROMA, the pH is 3.8 and the AHAs at 10% concentration are authentically natural, maximizing the ability for cell renewal while minimizing the potential for irritation, as synthetic AHAs are prone to do.