When the founders of NEOSTRATA® discovered the benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), the skincare industry was revolutionized.

For the first time, people didn’t need to use physical exfoliators! From cleansers and moisturizers, to spa and at-home peels, the applications of AHAs are endless. To this day, AHAs remain an important ingredient in skincare, but when it comes to those with sensitive skin, there’s a more tolerable alternative – one that still packs an anti-aging punch.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs are naturally occurring acids derived from fruits, nuts, milk, or sugar. They work by breaking down the bonds between surface skin cells to allow for easier exfoliation. Most famous of all AHAs is Glycolic Acid – a natural constituent of sugar cane. Known to be the workhorse of the AHA family, Glycolic Acid is for those looking to really retexture and refine their skin’s surface.

Better yet, AHAs offer more than exfoliation! The anti-aging effects of AHAs have been demonstrated through rigorous clinical studies, as these acids were proven to provide anti-aging benefits across multiple skin layers. As a result, these acids quickly found their place in anti-aging regimens – but for those with sensitive skin, AHAs may be too strong. That’s where Polyhydroxy Acids come in.

Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)

With sensitive skin in mind, the founders of NEOSTRATA later discovered Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) – otherwise known as 2^nd Generation Hydroxy Acids.

PHAs share the same molecular configuration as AHAs, but with a few additional hydroxyl groups” on the molecule. Thanks to this larger molecular size, PHAs can provide clinically-proven anti-aging and skin smoothing effects like AHAs, but with less skin irritation, stinging, and burning. This makes PHAs an ideal choice for sensitive skin types. Better yet, since PHAs are humectants (they attract water!) so they’re perfect for dry skin!

Beyond they’re exfoliating properties, there are other great reasons to use PHAs:

• They do not make the skin sensitive to sunlight
• They are known antioxidants, providing chelation and free radical scavenging benefits

Which One Should I Use?

If you’ve got sensitive skin use Polyhydroxy Acids. If this sounds right for you check out NEOSTRATA RESTORE, a unique specialized collection of products with PHAs for even the most delicate of skin types.

If your skin can handle it, stick with AHAs, or, better yet, use a daily regimen of a tolerable level of AHAs with added PHAs to get greater anti-aging benefits. If this sounds right for you check out NEOSTRATA RESURFACE, a collection of products that harness maximum levels of AHAs.

You can also reach for NEOSTRATA SKIN ACTIVE, a collection where benefit ingredients – like AHAs and PHAs – are combined into complexes to address the multiple visible concerns encountered for aging skin.

What is your experience with AHAs and PHAs? Let us know below!