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Gone are the days of the 12-stepskin-care routine.
Daniel de la Hoz / Getty Images
Now, were looking for efficient, multi-purpose products that pack a punch.
Jerome Potozkin, MD, founder and practitioner atPotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Centerin California, andDr.
What are AHAs, and what can they do for your skin?
Theyve actually been used since Cleopatras timeshe used lactic acid for face peeling, Dr. Potozkin says.
Well consider that a ringing endorsement.
Glycolic acid is probably the most common [AHA], he says.
[Glycolic acid] can be a little bit more irritating than, say, lactic acid.
So if someone has oily oracne-prone skin, I steer them towards glycolic acid.
If they have moresensitive skin, Id refer them more towards a lactic acid-containing product.
Can you overdo it on AHAs?
Should anyone avoid AHAs?
My rule of thumb usually is to keep those acids at 10% or less, Dr. Kim says.
And I generally tell patientsnot to use them every day, rather a few times per week.
Folks withoily skinare naturally more tolerant of AHAs, so using them more frequentlyor even every nightcan be doable.
Those are the most gentle acids that are specifically designed forpeople with sensitive skin, he says.
If you have sensitive skin, you should also avoidsulfates, phthalates, parabens, fragrances, and dyes.
How do you use AHA serums?
We used these dermatologists guidance to find effective AHA serums at all price points.
A lot of my patients use it once or twice a week and really like it.
Reviewers appreciate the watery, fast-absorbing texture that doesn’t leave skin feeling sticky.
Some reviewers also suggest it forkeratosis pilaris.
All of these acids work together to gently increase cell turnover (slough dead skin cells).
This specific serum is pH balanced to minimize irritation and is gentle enough for more frequent use.
It also has hyaluronic acid and licorice root extract to create visible plumpness and glow.
It combats clogged pores and pollution and is also formulated with soothing licorice root extract.
This derm-backed serum uses 8% glycolic acid and has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs quickly.
Murad combines stable vitamin C with glycolic acid to target hyperpigmentation.
It also has soothing green tea and jojoba oil to combat dryness and irritation.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C.
Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Ulta
With nearly 1,500 five-star reviews, Drunk Elephants T.L.C.
Framboos serum is one of the top-rated AHA serums on the market.
Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Heres a clarifying, exfoliating serum from K-beauty brand Cosrx.
Whats more, it has earned five-star reviews at top retailers and its been a favorite ofskin-care aficionadosfor years.
Its supported by nourishing ingredients like aloe juice and cotton water.
The packaging is fancy and theserumitself goes on smoothly with a pleasant herbal scent, one tester wrote.
It absorbs into your skin quickly and did a great job of exfoliating my skin overnight.
