PHAs are a class of chemical exfoliators that act gently on the skin. The most commonly used PHAs in skincare formulations include lactobionic acid, galactose, and gluconolactone.Just like AHAs and BHAs, PHAs remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, resulting in smoother and more even skin. PHAs, when used daily, can bring brighter, smoother, more moisturized skin, as well as an overall increased radiance. PHAs also combat glycation, which is a process that occurs when eaten sugar becomes permanently attached to the collagen in your skin, which can weaken and decrease elastin levels.

The Full 101 On PolyHydroxy Acids (PHA)

<UL><LI>
January 31, 2022 </LI></UL><div dir="ltr">We may include products - handpicked by our editors - that we find useful for our readers. When you buy through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission — view our <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/editorial-policy#product-reviews-process" rel="noopener" dir="ltr">product review process</a> and <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/editorial-policy#source-of-information" rel="noopener" dir="ltr">sources of information</a>.</div>Today we have a plethora of skincare regimens and products at our disposal that help us get a brighter and wrinkle-free complexion. And if you are a skincare enthusiast, you’re probably aware of the benefits of regular exfoliation and the properties of beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). But as far as our love goes for those two, AHAs and BHAs are known to be aggressive and cause sensitivities, especially in problematic skin.&nbsp;Luckily, a new&nbsp;exfoliation team&nbsp;has joined the game that promises to deliver the same skin-renewing power as its predecessors, AHAs and BHAs, but in a more delicate fashion and without adverse effects. We’re talking about PHAs here. PHAs, an abbreviation for polyhydroxy acids, are exfoliating acids that can help you get healthy and beautiful skin without having you worry about irritations and dryness.&nbsp;Without further ado, here’s what you need to know about PHAs in skincare, their benefits, and how to use them to maximize their potential.&nbsp;<div>Advertisements</div><h2>What are PHAs in skincare?</h2>Polyhydroxy acids are a class of chemical exfoliators that act gently on the skin. The most commonly used PHAs in skincare formulations include <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/lactobionic-acid-skin-benefits" dir="ltr">lactobionic acid</a>, galactose, and <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/gluconolactone-for-skin" dir="ltr">gluconolactone</a>. Just like AHAs and BHAs, PHAs remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, resulting in smoother and more even skin. PHAs, when used daily, can bring brighter, smoother, more moisturized skin, as well as an overall increased radiance. PHAs also combat glycation, which is a process that occurs when eaten sugar becomes permanently attached to the collagen in your skin, which can weaken and decrease elastin levels.<h2>The benefits of PHAs for skin</h2>PHAs have unique perks, such as bigger molecular size and more surface-level penetration, that make them suitable for all skin types. They are especially effective for those who have previously encountered sensitivity when using an AHA- or BHA-containing product. PHAs are a favorite for those who have dry skin since they are humectants, meaning they attract water and, as a result, moisturize the skin. Here are more benefits that polyhydroxy acids come with:<OL><LI>Exfoliate:&nbsp;This is the most notable function of PHAs, as they prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and protect your skin from age spots, acne, and dullness. PHAs help eliminate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface so that new strong cells are created, resulting in brighter and more radiant skin. They also aid in promoting collagen formation, which is a protein-rich fiber that contributes to the smoothness of your skin.</LI><LI>Combat glycation:&nbsp;Glycation is a process that causes collagen and elastin in your skin to deteriorate.</LI><LI>Anti-inflammatory:&nbsp;Although PHAs are well known for their exfoliating power, they also possess a slew of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, making them great multitaskers.</LI><LI>Maintain skin hydration:&nbsp;PHAs are humectants (aka they maintain moisture reserves); they help create the most radiant complexions by enhancing radiance.</LI><LI>Don’t cause irritations:&nbsp;People with sensitive skin can use a PHA with little to no stinging or discomfort. PHAs are gentler on the skin than other exfoliants due to their bigger molecular size. They’ll never go quite as far as a straight-up AHA because of this, and they’ll take somewhat longer to sink in.</LI><LI>Reduce acne:&nbsp;Acne outbreaks occur when the skin’s pores get blocked with a mix of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. As a result, the exfoliating characteristics of PHAs can aid in the loosening and removal of debris and the reduction of the size of enlarged pores.</LI><LI>Improve skin discolorations:&nbsp;PHAs are also effective in lightening skin discolorations such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation since they remove skin cells that have been affected by excess pigment. By the same token, PHAs may fade superficial acne scars.&nbsp;</LI></OL><h2>Side effects of PHAs</h2>The good news is that PHAs are known to have minimal adverse effects, which is the main reason for using them in the first place. The products do not penetrate deeply into the skin; instead, they gently wash away any dirt that may have accumulated on the surface. It’s one of the reasons they’re so well-liked and such a simple component to work with. However, because they are still acids, you should perform a patch test first if you have sensitive skin to see how your skin reacts to PHAs.&nbsp;<h2>PHAs uses in skincare.</h2>PHAs are among the most adaptable acids in skincare, which means you can use them in conjunction with almost any other actives. For instance, when treating <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/acne" dir="ltr">acne</a> or photoaging, PHAs can be used with retinoids, while for <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/hyperpigmentation" dir="ltr">hyperpigmentation</a>, PHAs can be paired with hydroquinone.&nbsp;PHAs work best in leave-on products that are kept on the skin for a long time, giving them enough time to break the connections that hold the epidermis cells together. But you can use them in any sort of product, including liquid exfoliants, toners, masks, and moisturizers, among others. Many AHA solutions will contain PHAs to clear up the surface-level dirt that AHAs cannot remove. Sometimes, PHAs are added to a non-exfoliating product to function as an additional exfoliating element, allowing the dead skin cells to be washed away. And in some instances, PHAs serve as the primary selling pitch.<div>Advertisements</div><h2>Final thoughts</h2>A minor level of irritation is expected when you first begin taking an acid. When a product causes significant irritation in increasing and persistent redness, peeling, and sometimes some itching, it indicates that the product is either too harsh or should be used less frequently.&nbsp;Pay close attention to your skin for signals that you should reduce your usage and limit use to once per week if you use other acids in your regimen. Polyhydroxy acids are well-suited for use in conjunction with other active substances. PHAs may easily get included in a skincare routine that already contains products like <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/vitamin-c-benefits" dir="ltr">vitamin C</a> or <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/anti-aging/retinol-skin-benefits" dir="ltr">retinol</a>. However, as with any new ingredient, start gently to avoid irritating your skin. Because PHAs are less harsh than other acids, you can safely use them three to four times per week, every week. Keep in mind that the appropriate strength will vary depending on your skin type.<div>References</div>

PHAs have unique perks, such as bigger molecular sizes that make them suitable for all skin types. Here's your guide for PHAs in skincare.

health

Health

<ul><li>January 31, 2022 </li> </ul>

Today we have a plethora of skincare regimens and products at our disposal that help us get a brighter and wrinkle-free complexion. And if you are a skincare enthusiast, you’re probably aware of the benefits of regular exfoliation and the properties of beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). But as far as our love goes for those two, AHAs and BHAs are known to be aggressive and cause sensitivities, especially in problematic skin.

Luckily, a new exfoliation team  has joined the game that promises to deliver the same skin-renewing power as its predecessors, AHAs and BHAs, but in a more delicate fashion and without adverse effects. We’re talking about PHAs here. PHAs, an abbreviation for polyhydroxy acids, are exfoliating acids that can help you get healthy and beautiful skin without having you worry about irritations and dryness.

Without further ado, here’s what you need to know about PHAs in skincare, their benefits, and how to use them to maximize their potential.

Polyhydroxy acids are a class of chemical exfoliators that act gently on the skin. The most commonly used PHAs in skincare formulations include <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/lactobionic-acid-skin-benefits">lactobionic acid </a>, galactose, and <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/gluconolactone-for-skin">gluconolactone </a>.

Just like AHAs and BHAs, PHAs remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, resulting in smoother and more even skin. PHAs, when used daily, can bring brighter, smoother, more moisturized skin, as well as an overall increased radiance. PHAs also combat glycation, which is a process that occurs when eaten sugar becomes permanently attached to the collagen in your skin, which can weaken and decrease elastin levels.

PHAs have unique perks, such as bigger molecular size and more surface-level penetration, that make them suitable for all skin types. They are especially effective for those who have previously encountered sensitivity when using an AHA- or BHA-containing product. PHAs are a favorite for those who have dry skin since they are humectants, meaning they attract water and, as a result, moisturize the skin. Here are more benefits that polyhydroxy acids come with:

<ol><li>Exfoliate:  This is the most notable function of PHAs, as they prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and protect your skin from age spots, acne, and dullness. PHAs help eliminate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface so that new strong cells are created, resulting in brighter and more radiant skin. They also aid in promoting collagen formation, which is a protein-rich fiber that contributes to the smoothness of your skin. </li><li>Combat glycation:  Glycation is a process that causes collagen and elastin in your skin to deteriorate. </li><li>Anti-inflammatory:  Although PHAs are well known for their exfoliating power, they also possess a slew of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, making them great multitaskers. </li><li>Maintain skin hydration:  PHAs are humectants (aka they maintain moisture reserves); they help create the most radiant complexions by enhancing radiance. </li><li>Don’t cause irritations:  People with sensitive skin can use a PHA with little to no stinging or discomfort. PHAs are gentler on the skin than other exfoliants due to their bigger molecular size. They’ll never go quite as far as a straight-up AHA because of this, and they’ll take somewhat longer to sink in. </li><li>Reduce acne:  Acne outbreaks occur when the skin’s pores get blocked with a mix of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. As a result, the exfoliating characteristics of PHAs can aid in the loosening and removal of debris and the reduction of the size of enlarged pores. </li><li>Improve skin discolorations:  PHAs are also effective in lightening skin discolorations such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation since they remove skin cells that have been affected by excess pigment. By the same token, PHAs may fade superficial acne scars.  </li> </ol>

The good news is that PHAs are known to have minimal adverse effects, which is the main reason for using them in the first place. The products do not penetrate deeply into the skin; instead, they gently wash away any dirt that may have accumulated on the surface. It’s one of the reasons they’re so well-liked and such a simple component to work with. However, because they are still acids, you should perform a patch test first if you have sensitive skin to see how your skin reacts to PHAs.

PHAs are among the most adaptable acids in skincare, which means you can use them in conjunction with almost any other actives. For instance, when treating <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/acne">acne </a>or photoaging, PHAs can be used with retinoids, while for <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/hyperpigmentation">hyperpigmentation </a>, PHAs can be paired with hydroquinone.

PHAs work best in leave-on products that are kept on the skin for a long time, giving them enough time to break the connections that hold the epidermis cells together. But you can use them in any sort of product, including liquid exfoliants, toners, masks, and moisturizers, among others. Many AHA solutions will contain PHAs to clear up the surface-level dirt that AHAs cannot remove. Sometimes, PHAs are added to a non-exfoliating product to function as an additional exfoliating element, allowing the dead skin cells to be washed away. And in some instances, PHAs serve as the primary selling pitch.

A minor level of irritation is expected when you first begin taking an acid. When a product causes significant irritation in increasing and persistent redness, peeling, and sometimes some itching, it indicates that the product is either too harsh or should be used less frequently.

Pay close attention to your skin for signals that you should reduce your usage and limit use to once per week if you use other acids in your regimen. Polyhydroxy acids are well-suited for use in conjunction with other active substances. PHAs may easily get included in a skincare routine that already contains products like <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/vitamin-c-benefits">vitamin C </a>or <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/anti-aging/retinol-skin-benefits">retinol </a>.

However, as with any new ingredient, start gently to avoid irritating your skin. Because PHAs are less harsh than other acids, you can safely use them three to four times per week, every week. Keep in mind that the appropriate strength will vary depending on your skin type.

Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) in Skincare Explained from A to Z

The Full 101 On PolyHydroxy Acids (PHA)

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