Our newest release, the Pore-Perfecting Pumpkin Face Cream, is the same rich, decadent, and supremely hydrating face cream that sold out 2x last year - only now, it's been elevated with 2 superhero skincare ingredients for deep cellular renewal:
- lactic acid (an AHA)
- gluconolactone (a PHA)
We know that skincare can get confusing. Learn all about AHAs and PHAs: what they are, why your skin needs them, and why we incorporated them into the new Pore-Perfecting Pumpkin Face Cream. 🎃
What Are AHAs + PHAs?
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) are chemical exfoliants that are used on the skin to improve its appearance and texture.
Here is their main difference:
AHAs exfoliate the skin more deeply than PHAs thanks to their smaller molecular size. They work by loosening and removing dead skin cells from the uppermost layers of the skin.
PHAs provide a gentler exfoliation because they have larger molecules that do not penetrate as deeply. They mainly work on the skin's surface, making them a milder option.
7 Reasons Your Skin Needs AHAs and PHAs
- Exfoliation: AHAs and PHAs work primarily as exfoliants. They help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing softer, smoother skin. Exfoliation can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.
- Stimulate Collagen Production: AHAs and PHAs stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity. Increased collagen production can help improve the overall texture and firmness of the skin.
- Hydration: PHAs, in particular, are known for their ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This helps to improve skin hydration, making it look plumper and more youthful.
- Even Skin Tone: AHAs help fade dark spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation by encouraging the shedding of old, pigmented skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented ones.
- Acne Treatment: AHAs and PHAs can be used as part of an acne treatment regimen. They unclog pores by removing dead skin cells and can also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.
- Sun Damage Repair: AHAs and PHAs can help repair some of the damage caused by sun exposure, such as rough texture and uneven pigmentation.
- Skin Brightening: AHAs and PHAs give the skin a brighter and more radiant appearance by removing dull and damaged skin cells.
When formulating the Pumpkin Face Cream, we created an exclusive blend of lactic acid (AHA) and gluconolactone (PHA) to get the best of both worlds!
Don't Forget Your SPF!
It's important to note that while AHAs and PHAs provide many benefits for the skin, they can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
It's especially important to wear your SPF daily when using products containing active ingredients such as AHAs and PHAs.
Radiance Sun Milk SPF 50+ provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays to keep your skin protected as you treat it with AHAs and PHAs.