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Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are the new and improved cousins of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). They work as chemical exfoliants, and are therefore useful in skincare. They work slowly, which makes them fairly mild. People with sensitive skin can use PHAs without any problem.
PHAs remove dead skin cells from the uppermost layers of skin to reveal soft, bright skin. If you have dull, tired-looking skin, PHAs are the right ingredient for you. They also have antioxidants that protect the skin from UV damage, and make the skin’s barrier stronger. PHA protects collagen from breaking down, which keeps your skin looking younger for longer.
They are mild, so they work slowly – which may not be what you want. PHAs are exfoliants, so be careful when you start using them, especially if your skin is sensitive or damaged. Skin that reacts to new products may find PHAs irritating, mild as they are. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with skin infections or open wounds should avoid using PHAs.
People may refer to their skin tone as uneven if they have patches or blotches of hyperpigmentation (darker or lighter patches) or redness across their face. This might include red streaks across the forehead, the tip of the nose and cheeks. It could also refer to age spots or sunspots, acne scars, or patches of dull and lifeless looking skin from aging or UV damage. Overly dry skin can cause damage to the follicles and production of collagen and sebum, which can cause the skin to appear duller or ashy.
To brighten the skin and provide a more even skin tone, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging, which can cause dark spots and make acne scarring worse. Ingredients and nutrients like vitamin C, rumex, arbutin, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for evening out the complexion.
Since sun damage is the leading cause for uneven skin tone, it is important to wear sunscreen daily in combination with brightening ingredients.
PHA may be effective for uneven skin tone, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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