Best AHA Cream for your Budget
Ever notice how there are some skincare products you just always come back to? I was scanning the skincare shelves in my bathroom at home (yes, shelves) and realized that no matter how old I get or what condition my skin is in, I always seem to have a jar of Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle on hand. Here's why...
The History: I'm dating myself, but suffice to say I was involved with the launch of alpha-hydroxy acids to the mass market (hint: Avon Anew). One of the perks of being involved in such a thing is that you get pre-launch samples as the product is making its way through R&D. I tried Anew and subsequently broke out. Not pretty. I did have success with Anew in helping to heal a motorcycle pipe burn on my leg, but that's another story.
I swore off Anew. I was young. Line-free. Could use Dial soap on my face and look great. I did not need alpha-hydroxy acids. But when you write the hype, you begin to believe it. And so when my eye caught a line-up of red product with an unglamorous (euphemism for no name, generic, lowbrow) name at the drugstore, ever the believer, I bit & bought.
The AHA Moment: Ok, bad pun. But in truth, I started using Alpha Hydrox (10% at the time) and loved it. It made my skin appear more healthy. My skin felt smoother—and even had a glow. I didn't experience any breakouts. I was sold. But as is wont to happen with anyone in this industry, newer is better and so I was soon on to other "breakthroughs".
The Reality Check: Breakthrough or not, I still ALWAYS have Alpha Hydrox Souffle (now 12% Glycolic Acid concentration) in my medicine cabinet. It still gives my skin a refreshed appearance and I now appreciate that it moisturizes a bit—enough for summer, not enough for a New York winter.
Alpha Hydrox Souffle contains peptids, green tea extract and vitamin E—though I really use it for the glycolic acid. When it first goes on, there are times when I feel a slight sting--particularly if I've just exfoliated via a mechanical exfoliator like BeFine's Brown Sugar, Almond & Oat cleanser. So sensitive skin types beware. But aside from that, it's non-irritating on my skin, and never fails to give my skin a healthier look.
The Real Beauty: It goes for $14.99. Enough said? I don't need my skincare to carry a "label" and I don't care if it appeared on Oprah (though Alpha Hydrox did)—if it works, it's worth it. If it's cheap, that's real beauty.
posted by Nancy at RealSelf
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