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Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Anti-Aging | Glycolic, Lactic, Malic? What Works + How to Choose!

This is the 3rd post of my Anti-Aging Ingredient Series where we go in-depth to take some of the confusion out of choosing which products to use on your aging skin! The first post was on The Retinoids, and the 2nd was on Sunscreen which are the 2 most powerful anti-aging topical ingredients you can use (IMHO).

Today’s post is all about the Alpha Hydroxy Acids, a group of acids that exfoliate the skin to help with discolorations and age spots, brightness, texture and fine lines!

Links to AHA Studies:

50% Weekly Peels: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8634809
25% Topical: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8642081
8% Topical: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8651713

Increased Sun Sensitivity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19411163

Lactic Acid & ceramides: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8818186
Retin-A vs. Glycolic Acid: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8794420

Product Shopping Links:

MY AMAZON SHOP: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hotandflashy

The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid + HA 2%: https://amzn.to/2J9wYZS (Amazon), http://bit.ly/2JY9p7s (BeautyBay)

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: http://bit.ly/2rmTqJF (Beautylish), https://amzn.to/2qN4Gwv (Amazon)

Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial: http://bit.ly/2u8w8o5 (Sephora), http://bit.ly/2ASlzxn (Dermstore), http://amzn.to/2BhJYfP (Amazon)

The Ordinary AHA 30% + 2% BHA Peeling Solution: http://bit.ly/2K2zUIT (Beautylish)

Alpha Skincare Renewal Essential Lotion 10% Glycolic Acid for Face: http://bit.ly/2v0x2Zb (Ulta), http://amzn.to/2invv9U (Amazon)

Alpha Skin Care Renewal/Revitalizing Body Lotion: http://bit.ly/2rYErWy (Dermstore), http://amzn.to/2onlnLY (Amazon), http://bit.ly/2gW9T4m (Ulta)

Paula’s Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 7% AHA
Lotion: http://bit.ly/2JW1pE5 (Nordstrom), https://amzn.to/2J5JQQD (Amazon), http://bit.ly/2J9HS1y (Paula’s Choice)

Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment 5% AHA: http://bit.ly/2K2JU4K (Nordstrom), https://amzn.to/2F1AeUx (Amazon), http://bit.ly/2K1kwwf (Dermstore)

Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA: http://bit.ly/2JXPEga (Nordstrom), https://amzn.to/2HOd1bw (Amazon)

Pixi Glow Tonic: http://bit.ly/2f65RPW (Target), http://bit.ly/2JWjlyd (Dermstore)

Pixi Overnight Glow Serum 10% Glycolic Acid: http://bit.ly/2JZK1OJ (Dermstore), http://bit.ly/2JWjCkJ (Target)

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Serum: http://bit.ly/2JHrFSf (Sephora), http://bit.ly/2Hg9kdI (Dermstore)

Colleen Rothschild Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum: http://bit.ly/2rmStRL

Top 3 All-Mineral Sunscreens:

Make P:rem Blue Ray Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA ++++: http://bit.ly/2ITcG7H (Glow Recipe), http://bit.ly/2ISMius (eBay), https://amzn.to/2IflKXO (Amazon)

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50: http://bit.ly/2pLB4yE (Ulta), http://amzn.to/2q50quv (Amazon)

Hydropeptide Solar Defense Non-Tinted SPF 50: http://bit.ly/2qBdvrS (Dermstore), http://bit.ly/2h6WCp7 (Skinstore)

FTC: Not Sponsored. All opinions are always 100% honest and my own.
Links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I receive a commission for the sale. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and you are free to use the link or not as you choose. If you do use my links, I appreciate your support.

Today’s Makeup:

Make P:rem Blue Ray Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA ++++:
http://bit.ly/2ITcG7H (Glow Recipe), http://bit.ly/2ISMius (eBay), https://amzn.to/2vlxxh3 (Amazon)

REN Perfect Canvas: http://bit.ly/2HgmzLp (Sephora), http://bit.ly/2K2GkIa (Dermstore), https://amzn.to/2F1WEoD (Amazon)

CHANEL Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Foundation in Beige 30: http://bit.ly/1PicSYW (Nordstrom), http://bit.ly/2cgKhwV (Macy’s)

Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer in “250 Light Bisque: http://bit.ly/2dQxiTs (Ulta), http://bit.ly/2dQwON7 (Nordstrom)

Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder: http://bit.ly/2K2HyDg (Ulta), http://bit.ly/2JXSguu (Sephora)

Blush, Bronzer & Highlight: Urban Decay Sin Afterflow Palette: https://rstyle.me/n/c2najhbmxpf (Ulta),

Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer: http://bit.ly/2pfneql (Ulta), http://bit.ly/2pYzklg (Sephora)

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette: http://bit.ly/2F3Tx4t (Ulta), http://bit.ly/2F6m1e8 (Sephora), http://amzn.to/2F82W7j (Amazon)

Sephora 12 Hr. Contour Eyeliner Pencil in “5th Avenue”: http://bit.ly/1UDsfSL

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eyeliner Trio in Silver: http://bit.ly/1jM1LhX (Ulta), http://amzn.to/2a4e6ep (Amazon)

Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner: http://bit.ly/1WChfVS (Nordstrom), http://bit.ly/22JwXOE (Sephora), http://amzn.to/1U6WRM6 (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Mascara: http://bit.ly/2pYGtCc (Nordstrom), http://bit.ly/2pfsBWz (Ulta)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in “Naked”: http://bit.ly/1S8bU20 (Sephora), http://bit.ly/1S8bnNC (Ulta)

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Sheer Liar: http://bit.ly/1WPTj2P (Sephora), http://bit.ly/1WPTB9X (Ulta),

Nail Polish: Essie “Petal Pushers”: https://amzn.to/2Hy8oC4
Top: http://bit.ly/2BggjDe
Necklace: http://bit.ly/2sC0m7q

38 Responses to "Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Anti-Aging | Glycolic, Lactic, Malic? What Works + How to Choose!"

Pat Ristuccia says:

June 23, 2018 at 10:53 pm

Hi Angie,

I had written to you last month, but perhaps you missed my message.
Thank you for all the fabulous information, trying all these products and rating them for us! Since you like ceramides so much I wondered if you’ve ever tried Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsules. I’ve been using them for a few years now & have gotten lots of compliments on my skin. I’ve also tried the CeraVe moisturizer and cleanser (love both), also recently tried the CeraVe gel oil. The gel oil is going to be too heavy for summer- it kind of sits on top of my skin, I tried it in hopes that it could replace the E.A. Ceramide capsules (this absorbs into the skin like a dream), which are expensive. I’ll save the gel oil for the wintertime.
Best,
Pat

Reply
1. Martha says:
  
  July 10, 2018 at 9:21 am
  
  Pat, as an avid follower of Angies posts, she mentions that price point dictates her choice on products. Maybe thats why she hasnt reviewed the EA capsules? I have been tempted to try their product, so I am glad to hear first hand from you that they work!
  
  Reply
Doris Godfrey says:

June 1, 2018 at 4:45 pm

Hi Angie,

I am so happy to have found your information. I have ordered everything and can’t wait to start.
Where do I add the weekly Drunken Elephant Sakari Baby Facial treatment please? Does it matter to do the facial AM or PM?
I am starting with the 0.50% Retin A and in the past my dermo said to use a pea size amount and also a dime size amount of a moisturizing lotion to get it to go farther and penetrate better. Thank you!
Would the CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion be alright to use?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  June 2, 2018 at 10:45 am
  
  Hi Doris~ I use the Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial on Sunday night and I don’t use my Retin-A that night. It’s best used at night once a week rather than in the morning. You can use the CeraVe PM lotion with your Retin-A. xo ~angie
  
  Reply
Donna says:

May 22, 2018 at 6:45 pm

Angie, wondering if you’ve ever tried working in a low percentage glycolic acid into your daily routine or do you feel like it’s more beneficial to use it as a stronger strength once a week? I know they have a lot of toners and such. One other thing, I’ve seen some other beauty bloggers using a blender with hydroquinone with their retin-a. I trust your opinion so much and I just wondered what your thoughts are on that. Does it boost your retin-a or no ? Thanks so much!!

Reply
Sheila says:

May 13, 2018 at 12:00 pm

Hi Angie
Can you use the Pixi Overnight Glow Serum after using Timeless Matrixyl Synthe 6 Serum (face and neck) and CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream (neck only)?
I have listened to your video over and over, but I still cant work it out!
I was bought it as a gift but I’m wondering whether to ditch and go for The Ordinary Lactic Acid, as I cant fathom it out!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 22, 2018 at 9:28 am
  
  Hi Sheila~ I don’t use glycolic acid and Retin-A on the same night but you could. Just keep an eye out for irritation. xo ~angie
  
  Reply
pat says:

May 12, 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi Angie! I am a faithful fan 🙂 I follow your regimen and never got so much compliment on my skin! I came across this article and thought you might find it interesting and wondered if in your research you came across similar conclusions and what you thought about it :
https://beautyeditor.ca/2016/07/21/retin-a-toxic
Also wondered if you ever try the oxygeneo facial or the intraceutical oxygen facial?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2018 at 11:19 am
  
  Hi Pat, I’ve seen the study and have looked into it. Most of the opinions I read thought the study was flawed and that the results were not conclusive to show a causal link between Retin-A use and the deaths. Most point to the long-term use studies that weren’t done on older males who’s health may have been already compromised that show Retin-A is safe when used as directed.
  
  Reply
Tamara says:

May 10, 2018 at 2:15 pm

Hello. I am 63 y old. What can you recommend for the eye cream day and night?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2018 at 3:12 pm
  
  Hi Tamara, I don’t use eye cream. Here’s my day and night skincare routines so you can see what I use under my eyes: https://www.hotandflashy.com/morning-winter-anti-aging-skincare-routine-over-50/
  https://www.hotandflashy.com/evening-winter-anti-aging-skincare-routine-for-younger-looking-skin-over-50/
  
  Reply
Alice says:

May 9, 2018 at 8:55 pm

Hello,
Thanks for the terrific information. I watched the accompanying video on YouTube and on both the blog and on YouTube you link to the ordinary 20% aha 2% bha peeling solution, but didn’t mention it in the video. I was wondering if you’re currently using this product and what your impression is. Thanks!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2018 at 4:07 pm
  
  Hi Alice, there was a note in the video that mentioned the Ordinary 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution is similar to the Drunk Elephant Sukari BAbyFacial. I haven’t used it but many viewers say it’s very similar to the DE at a fraction of the cost. xo ~angie
  
  Reply
  1. Alice says:
    
    May 14, 2018 at 1:37 pm
    
    Thanks Angie! I must have missed that piece. Just something else worth mentioning. I started Retin A .05 with the plan of easing my way in by starting off with once a week and slowly building up. After my first use I was very red, irritated, and peeling. I did some research and discovered Avene Cicalfate restorative cream. There are two different types. One is the restorative and the other is post procedural. I use the restorative. I began applying this after applying my retin A and was able to build up to daily use without any irritation very very quickly (within a week). I now use it after I use any harsh active ingredients. I’m wondering if you have tried this and maybe this could be a solution for you to enable the use of retin A on your neck.
    
    Reply
    1. Sarah says:
      
      May 20, 2018 at 4:34 pm
      
      I use this cream too! It was the only thing I could use when I was first adjusting to retinoids. It is lovely, I would love to know more about what is in it and how it works.
      
      Reply
    2. Angie says:
      
      May 22, 2018 at 8:57 am
      
      I’ve picked up a couple Cica creams in stores (L’Oreal, Dr. Jart, etc.) but keep putting them back… I wanted to research it more. But, your suggestion is fantastic so I’ll definitely have to try it for my neck!! Thanks, Angie
      
      Reply
Cindy Gordon says:

May 9, 2018 at 7:40 am

Have you ever used prescription gylcolic cream? If not why, if so what were your results ? If I wanted to integrate it into your morning regime what would it replace in your current lineup?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2018 at 4:11 pm
  
  There really isn’t prescription glycolic cream, it’s an over the counter ingredient. Anything considered prescription strength would be a peel done in a doctors office or med spa.
  
  Reply
Tracy says:

May 2, 2018 at 7:11 am

What’s difference between AHA and BHA??

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 3, 2018 at 10:21 pm
  
  AHAs exfoliate the surface of the skin, BHAs exfoliate the skin’s surface and inside the pores.
  
  Reply
Andrea says:

April 30, 2018 at 7:22 pm

Hi Angie,
I was wondering if you put the drunk elephant baby facial on your neck and chest as well?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 3, 2018 at 10:25 pm
  
  No, my neck is too sensitive to use it there. I just use it on my face.
  
  Reply
Eileen says:

April 30, 2018 at 9:27 am

Angie, Thank you for your incredibly informative videos. This is fantastic information, as are all your videos. Your makeup always looks great and in this video it is particularly flattering. Would you do a GRWM for the make up you wore in this video? Thank you for sharing all that you have researched, learned and tried.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 3, 2018 at 10:44 pm
  
  I’d be happy to! Thanks so much!!
  
  Reply
Jennifer Kirsch says:

April 25, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Love your videos! Thanks for keeping it real:) Curious your opinion on dealing with the mild flaking when introducing acids…..Have been Retin A user for 17 years 0.1 % no irritation. Have recently added Colleen Rothschild Mandelic Acid, but getting flakes now. Cutting back…but don’t want to over exfoliate!

Reply
Ally McBeagle says:

April 24, 2018 at 2:41 pm

Great video as usual, Angie. Glad you included the discussion about pH and when to use the products! I have finally been able to work lactic acid into my routine since glycolic was too irritating. Sunday Riley works so well. The price is prohibitive though so will try an alternative when I finish my bottle.

Just curious if other readers have the Ordinary products as effective? I had added the granactive retinoid and niacinamide but don’t believe they have improved anything. Stopped using and I see no difference. Was wondering if they were working on a level that I couldn’t see or if I should see results.

Reply
Darla Stepp says:

April 23, 2018 at 9:33 pm

Angie, I thought I followed your skin care routine to a tee. But now I am so confused. Where does the Retin A fit into the routine? I thought the Retin A was the big guns and everything else was just a follow up? Do I still need the Retin A? Do I need both?

Reply
ombia says:

April 23, 2018 at 11:38 am

I used the search Option, but didn’t find anything. Did you tested Neostrata High Potency Cream – 18 % AHA and also Retinol cream from same brand – Reneval cream? Thank you.

Reply
Stacey says:

April 23, 2018 at 7:30 am

Awhile ago I know you were using the Pixie Glow Tonic but I remember you saying that you replaced it with something else. Can you tell me what you replaced it with? Thank you!!

Reply
Ulrika says:

April 23, 2018 at 4:05 am

Hi Angie! Thanks for a great chanel. I live in Sweden and have sent for all the things (almost) that you recommend and am very happy with them.
You talk about a facemasque you do on Sundays. Do you mind sharing which you use?
Hugs! Ulrika in Swden

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2018 at 4:32 pm
  
  It’s the Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial.
  
  Reply
ombia says:

April 21, 2018 at 6:33 am

Anybody using Alpha Skin Care – Renewal Body Lotion, 12% Glycolic AHA as a face product?

Reply
Eileen says:

April 20, 2018 at 11:40 am

Hi Angie,

Great info as usual. I have been following your recommendations for Timeless Vitamin C and Co Q 10 for about a month and the results have been good. If I add the lactic acid to my morning routine, what would be the order? Can I just add it, or would something need to go? Thanks so much.

PS……I have begun using Cerave moisturizers as well…..love them. I am now free of the crazy expensive products I have been using that really contained no ingredients that would create a positive outcome.

Reply
1. Lynne says:
  
  April 20, 2018 at 4:26 pm
  
  A few months ago, Angie did two videos on her AM/PM skincare routines. She even has a link to print them out. I would suggest printing it out for easy reference.
  
  Reply
2. Angie says:
  
  April 21, 2018 at 6:41 pm
  
  Hi Eileen~ I use the Lactic acid between the Vitamin C serum and the CoQ10 serum. So happy to hear you like the CeraVe products!! xo ~angie
  
  Reply
  1. Danielle says:
    
    April 23, 2018 at 3:02 pm
    
    Hi Angie
    I use the lactic acid at night on the nights I do not use retin A….I use it in-between the Timeless Pure Hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10…Is this ok to do? I noticed you do not use the pure hyaluronic acid wondering why??
    
    Reply
ombia says:

April 20, 2018 at 10:02 am

Dear Angie, do you use AHA also in summer? Thank you.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  April 21, 2018 at 6:44 pm
  
  I do.
  
  Reply

Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Anti-Aging | Glycolic, Lactic, Malic? What Works + How to Choose!

Links to AHA Studies:

Product Shopping Links:

Top 3 All-Mineral Sunscreens:

Today’s Makeup:

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