What are they?
PHA stands for Polyhydroxy Acid, and this newer generation of exfoliating acid on the block has gained status due to their glow giving properties and unaggressive nature.
Common examples of PHA’s in skincare are gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, and these ingredients can most commonly be found in cleansers, toners and serums.
Polyhydroxy Acids are fast becoming one of my favourite ingredients of late, as they can be used on such a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and younger skins – I’ve seen some great barrier repair largely down to the use of PHA’s in home skincare routines I’ve recommended my clients.
Great for sensitive skin: Due to their larger molecular structure, PHA’s penetrate slowly into the epidermis, causing little to no irritation on the skin
They act as a humectant (meaning they can help to pull moisture into the skin), making them a great option for someone suffering with dehydrated or drier skin.
They are rich in antioxidants, so really help to combat against aggressors such as UV or pollution.
They are anti inflammatory, so help to really calm and repair skin.
They assist with ageing by combatting glycation in skin cells, which is a process of ageing caused when sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen and elastin fibres and start to break them down.
Like with any chemical exfoliant, especially if you are sensitive, I recommend to start slowly and begin by using a product containing PHA, such as a toner every other day. If you are a seasoned skincare user, you should be fine with every day use, and should even be able to incorporate PHA use with a retinoid without any irritation.
