Problems of dull skin, lack of radiance, and wrinkles can arise from internal factors such as changes in skin structure and function with increasing age, and external factors such as sunlight, sleep, stress, or even the use of cosmetics or skincare products, all of which directly affect the skin condition.
Currently, there is beauty technology that helps exfoliate old skin cells and improve skin condition to look brighter and smoother with AHA fruit acids, which are safe under the supervision of dermatologists.
What is AHA fruit acid?
AHA fruit acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) is a natural extract with acidic properties, such as
- Citric Acid from sour fruits
- Tartaric Acid from grapes
- Glycolic Acid from sugarcane
- Malic Acid from apples
- Lactic Acid from fermented milk
AHA is widely used for rejuvenation and skin care as an ingredient in skincare and cosmetics. Its effectiveness depends on the concentration of AHA in the product. In dermatology, AHA fruit acids are used to treat acne, melasma, dark spots, wrinkles, and small skin tags on the face and neck.
How does AHA fruit acid work?
AHA fruit acid accelerates the exfoliation of old skin cells, helping the old skin on the face to shed. At the same time, it stimulates the formation of new skin cells in the epidermis, while also repairing and strengthening tissues or collagen in the dermis, making the skin look brighter, smoother, firmer, and more youthful.
What problems can AHA help solve?
- Helps reduce wrinkles and restore youthfulness: After AHA treatment, it stimulates skin cell turnover, reducing wrinkles, restoring skin condition, and evening out skin tone faster.
- AHA helps increase skin moisture: AHA can help balance the skin’s pH, thereby increasing skin hydration effectively.
- AHA helps prevent acne and reduce dark spots: Since AHA exfoliates dead skin cells and removes clogged pores, it reduces dirt accumulation, inflammation, tightens pores, stimulates the production of smoother new skin cells, and fades acne scars, resulting in brighter skin.
Who is suitable for facial exfoliation with AHA?
- People with dry or normal skin showing signs of deterioration
- People with uneven skin tone, dullness, and dark spots
- People whose skin has been damaged by sunlight (Glycolic Acid strengthens the skin)
- People with age spots, melasma, and scars
- People with sensitive skin (Lactic Acid is the gentlest type in the AHA family)
- People with large pores and fine wrinkles
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
- AHA is extracted from fruits such as citric acid from lemon and orange, malic acid from apples, lactic acid from fermented milk, etc. AHA is water-soluble and reacts on the outer skin layer, making it suitable for dry to normal skin. Its main properties are exfoliating dead skin cells, improving skin condition, brightening uneven and dull skin, and helping with wrinkles and smoother skin.
- BHA, widely known as salicylic acid, is extracted from the bark of the Willow tree. BHA differs from AHA in that it is fat-soluble, allowing it to penetrate pores and sebaceous glands deeply, cleaning pores thoroughly. It is suitable for oily skin and primarily used to treat acne.
| AHA | BHA |
| Alpha Hydroxy Acid | Beta Hydroxy Acid |
| Extracted from fruits such as orange, apple, lemon | Extracted from Willow bark |
| Water-soluble | Fat-soluble |
| Suitable for dry, normal, sensitive skin | Suitable for oily skin, large pores |
| Helps exfoliate dead skin cells | Helps cleanse the skin |
| Helps improve skin brightness | Helps treat acne and reduce pores |
6 Steps to Improve Facial Skin with Fruit Acids
- Cleanse the face and pat dry
- Use gauze to cover the eyes or close them tightly to prevent AHA fruit acid from entering the eyes, as it can cause severe irritation and inflammation
- The doctor will apply a high concentration of fruit acid all over the face. The concentration, ranging from 30-70%, will be determined by the doctor based on individual skin conditions
- Leave it on for about 3-5 minutes; a slight stinging sensation may occur during the process
- After the time is up, rinse off
- Use a cooling device to massage the face for comfort and skin tightening
How many AHA treatments are needed to see results?
Initially, the doctor will recommend treatment once a week for 4 consecutive weeks for those who want clear and fast results. After that, treatments may be spaced out to once a month to maintain good skin condition.
Does AHA treatment cause skin stinging?
During the skin conditioning process, the doctor will apply fruit acid to the face, which may cause a slight stinging sensation. This sensation will subside on its own, and makeup can be applied. In some cases, slight peeling may occur, but with moisturizing creams, the skin will return to normal.
Skin care after AHA skin conditioning
- Avoid strong sunlight, especially within the first 6 hours after treatment, as sunlight may cause skin irritation, stinging, and darkening
- Apply sunscreen regularly at least 1 hour before sun exposure, as sunlight is a major cause of wrinkles, melasma, freckles, dark spots, and dull skin
Is AHA different from MASK?
Many facial masks contain AHA to help brighten the skin but with a lower concentration. Using masks daily may irritate the skin, especially brightening masks, which should be used only 2-3 times a week. Frequent exfoliation increases the risk of thinning skin and may cause burning sensations when exposed to sunlight. If you want to use a mask daily, choose sheet masks that provide hydration without exfoliating properties.
Is self-exfoliation with AHA dangerous?
Generally, using AHA-containing products in cream form with concentrations not exceeding 10% is relatively safe. However, if you want to use AHA products with concentrations above 10%, it should be under the supervision of a dermatologist only.
At Phyathai 3 Hospital Beauty Center, high-concentration AHA (30-70%) is used with appropriate treatment frequency under the care of highly experienced doctors.
However, AHA use may cause side effects, especially in sensitive and delicate skin, such as irritation, redness, itching, dryness, peeling, uneven skin tone, and photosensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended to have a doctor evaluate its use appropriately and always apply sunscreen to protect the skin from sunlight.
