The Skincare Ingredients You Really Shouldn’t Mix With PHAs

Shutterstock By Emily Rhode/May 10, 2021 5:50 pm EST

All skin naturally ages, and your genetics play the biggest role in that process. But certain factors like exposure to sunlight, pollution, and chemicals can speed up the process of wrinkling and discoloration (via Dermato Endocrinology). While prevention is the best way to keep skin from aging prematurely, sometimes the damage is already done. If you’re looking for ways to help soften the effects of premature aging, there are plenty of products that can help. And if you have sensitive skin, a newer ingredient to hit the skin care market may just be for you.

Polyhydroxy acid, or PHA, is a chemical exfoliant that was discovered in the 1990s, but is just now becoming available for the public to use (via Stylecaster). Beauty brands claim that PHAs can increase skin hydration and help promote skin cell turnover (via Healthline). And they may have the added advantage of being easier on sensitive skin than other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. But pay close attention to what else you’re putting on your skin, because not all ingredients play nice with PHAs.

The Skincare Ingredients You Really Shouldn’t Mix With PHAs

Shutterstock

By Emily Rhode/May 10, 2021 5:50 pm EST

All skin naturally ages, and your genetics play the biggest role in that process. But certain factors like exposure to sunlight, pollution, and chemicals can speed up the process of wrinkling and discoloration (via Dermato Endocrinology). While prevention is the best way to keep skin from aging prematurely, sometimes the damage is already done. If you’re looking for ways to help soften the effects of premature aging, there are plenty of products that can help. And if you have sensitive skin, a newer ingredient to hit the skin care market may just be for you.

Polyhydroxy acid, or PHA, is a chemical exfoliant that was discovered in the 1990s, but is just now becoming available for the public to use (via Stylecaster). Beauty brands claim that PHAs can increase skin hydration and help promote skin cell turnover (via Healthline). And they may have the added advantage of being easier on sensitive skin than other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. But pay close attention to what else you’re putting on your skin, because not all ingredients play nice with PHAs.

Polyhydroxy acid, or PHA, is a chemical exfoliant that was discovered in the 1990s, but is just now becoming available for the public to use (via Stylecaster). Beauty brands claim that PHAs can increase skin hydration and help promote skin cell turnover (via Healthline). And they may have the added advantage of being easier on sensitive skin than other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. But pay close attention to what else you’re putting on your skin, because not all ingredients play nice with PHAs.

Follow these rules to avoid irritation