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Why PHAs Should Be Part of Your Skincare Routine

Maintaining healthy, vibrant skin often involves adapting your skincare routine to address age and environmental factors. Finding the right balance between gentle care and effective results can be challenging, which is why incorporating PHAs into your regimen is worth considering. They offer a promising approach to achieving optimal skin health.

What Are PHAs?

You're likely familiar with serums, cleansers, and toners containing chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). Now, there's a new group of skincare acids gaining popularity: PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids.
The three primary PHAs to look for are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose. Gluconolactone is currently the most extensively researched PHA, while lactobionic acid is recognized as a potent humectant, effectively attracting moisture to the skin. Beyond these qualities, polyhydroxy acids offer a variety of other skincare benefits.

Top 5 Benefits of PHAs for Your Skin

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Pampering for Sensitive Skin

Due to their larger molecular structure, PHAs penetrate the skin more slowly than AHAs and BHAs, resulting in a gentler exfoliation process. Individuals with sensitive skin, including those prone to eczema or rosacea, may find PHAs less irritating and can often benefit from their regular use.

Stronger Skin Barrier

Garnier's peeling water uses PHA and Glycolic Acid to improve your skin. PHA gently removes dead skin and hydrates, making skin smoother. It also protects against damage. Glycolic Acid provides deeper exfoliation. Together, they reveal brighter, healthier skin without harshness, leading to a stronger, more resilient skin barrier.

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Regenerated Skin Cells

The gentle exfoliating action of PHAs gradually removes dead skin cells, paving the way for new cell growth and contributing to healthier, revitalized skin.

Plumper, Smoother Glow

PHAs promote a softer, more radiant complexion and can diminish the appearance of fine lines, resulting in a smoother, more youthful glow.

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Antioxidant Skincare

PHAs offer valuable antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Adding PHAs to Your Skincare Routine

Integrating PHAs into your daily regimen is easy. Start gradually by incorporating a PHA toner or cleanser. Products containing polyhydroxy acids offer the convenience of combining cleansing and exfoliation in one step.

Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Gentle Peeling Water with 1% PHA + Glycolic Acid is an excellent, versatile PHA skincare option. This products effectively unclog pores, remove makeup, and lift away impurities, all while providing the gentle exfoliating benefits of PHAs.

FAQ About PHAs

Can I use PHAs every day?
For sensitive skin, dermatologists generally recommend starting with a PHA product two to three times a week. If no irritation occurs, gradually increase usage to once or twice daily.

How does PHA work?
PHAs exfoliate by gently removing dead skin cells from the surface, allowing the skin to "breathe" and better absorb other skincare products.

Does PHA help with wrinkles?
Regular use of PHAs leads to well-exfoliated, hydrated skin. This results in smoother, plumper skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging.

Do PHAs tighten pores?
PHAs can help minimize the appearance of pores.

Can you mix PHAs with retinol?
While combining AHAs or BHAs with retinol is generally discouraged, PHAs are often more compatible. However, for sensitive skin, it's best to introduce the combination gradually and monitor for any redness or breakouts.