Benefits of AHAs Plus 3 DIY AHA Masks

We all want gorgeous glowing skin and exfoliation is a big part of this. It helps skin look younger, brighter, renewed, and refreshed, not to mention it helps your arsenal of skin care products work better. 

AHAs give you amazing anti aging and acne-fighting benefits. We’ve thrown in some DIY AHA masks recipes you can make with what’s in your kitchen. No need to spend money on expensive AHA masks when you can get the same great benefits on the cheap!

What are AHAs

AHAs, or alpha-Hydroxy acids, at their core are just a way to chemically exfoliate skin.  

They work through a process called chelation which removes calcium ions from the tiny spaces between skin cells in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) that act like glue. Removing these calcium ions breaks apart the cells and, poof!, exfoliation. The old, dead skin cells are released which allows new skin cells to move in. This helps fade fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.

AHAs for Anti Aging and Dark Spots

AHAs make your skin look younger and fade scars and hyperpigmentations for a few reasons:

• Cell differentiation is slowed down, which means the new cells are younger and have less imperfections than the old ones 
• Collagen increases in the dermis (the layer of skin underneath the epidermis) making fine lines and wrinkles fade and skin be less saggy
• Hyaluronic acid levels increase which makes skin cells plump and radiant, fighting fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of aging
• Dark spots, or hyperpigmentations, are reduced as the cells which have the extra melanin are shed 

AHAs for Acne

This process of chelation is fantastic not just for anti aging and dark spots, but also for healing acne (and acne scars!). But you might need to step it up to a BHA if AHAs aren’t doing the trick. 

AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid acids, work for all types of acne. l

Studies have shown that using glycolic acid for blackhead removal, nodular cystic, and papulo-pustular acne created fantastic results. 

After an average of up to 6 applications of glycolic acid (AHA): 

• All types of acne improved
• Skin texture was rejuvenated
• Skin was brighter and looked healthier
• Pore size was reduced 
• Only 5% of volunteers had any adverse effects

Now that you’re convinced AHAs are wonderful, here’s some of our favorite recipes for DIY AHA Masks you can make with food you probably have in your kitchen. 

DIY AHA Masks

We love using organic skin care products to avoid parabens, sulphates, and all the usual suspects that can create skin irritation and other issues.  When using foods in your kitchen for these DIY masks, choose organic, when you can, to avoid putting pesticides, GMOs, and other toxins on your skin. 

Milk and Honey Lactic Acid Mask 

Best for All Skin Types  

Milk contains lactic acid which is a very gentle AHA. Honey has anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Together, milk and honey make a great acne fighting, anti aging, skin soothing pair.  

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons organic cow milk, any fat percentage and higher quality is preferred

3-4 Tablespoons organic raw honey

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine milk (tip: For a more comfortable application, set on the counter to reach room temperature) with honey. 

Mix well. It should be very light brown in color and not too runny. If it’s too runny add a little more honey. 

Drop about 8-10 cotton balls into the bowl and let them soak up the mask. Use the cotton balls to apply to your freshly cleansed (and preferably steamed!) face with cotton balls. Use a headband and a ponytail holder if you have hair that will get in the way! It goes on a little messy, so do it over the sink, but it dries to a nice sticky mask. 

Leave on for about 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Repeat up to 3 times a week.  

Brown Sugar, Lemon, Black Tea Glycolic Acid Mask 

Best for All Skin Types

Brown sugar contains glycolic acid which is a super popular and effective AHA. Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C for antioxidants, and black tea has antioxidants plus tannins to firm up skin and shrink pores. The brown sugar gives the added benefit of an exfoliating scrub before you rinse. 

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons brown sugar, dark or light 

1 Tablespoon organic lemon juice

1 mug of organic black tea

Instructions

Brew a cup of black tea by boiling water, pouring water into a mug, and dropping in 1 tea bag. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes. 

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and lemon juice, mix well. Stir in black tea, slowly, until it is a nice paste. It should be thick enough to stick to your face but not so thick it won’t spread. Let it cool off enough so it’s not going to burn your face.  

Apply to your freshly cleansed (and preferably steamed!) face with clean fingertips. Have your hair pulled back, if you need to. 

Leave for about 15 minutes then gently use small circular motions to exfoliate before rinsing with warm water. Repeat up to 2 times per week. 

Brown Sugar, Nutmeg, Tea Tree, Green Tea Glycolic Acid Mask

Best for Oily, Acne Prone, or Combination Skin Types

A great mask for your oily T-zone or anywhere you get breakouts. Brown sugar is rich in glycolic acid, a powerful AHA. The nutmeg reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin. Tea tree oil (super easy to find in most stores) has super effective antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and skin soothing polyphenols. 

Ingredients   

2 Tablespoons brown sugar, dark or light 

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

5 drops of tea tree essential oil 

1 mug of organic green tea

Instructions

Brew a cup of green tea by bringing water to just less than boiling (boiling water is actually too hot for green tea and makes it taste like fish. Starbucks never gets it right!). Pour water into the mug, then add the tea. Let steep for at least 5 minutes. 

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, nutmeg, and tea tree oil. Slowly add in green tea until it makes a paste thick enough to spread on skin. You want it thick enough to stick but not so thick it won’t spread. Let it cool so you won’t burn yourself when you apply it to your face. 

Use clean fingers to apply to your freshly cleansed (and, if possible, steamed!) face. Let set for about 15 minutes then use small circular motions to exfoliate skin before rinsing. Repeat once a week. 

Final Thoughts

AHAs can be so beneficial to your skin with their anti aging, dark spot fading, and acne- fighting effects. Exfoliation gives skin a little push towards cell renewal and allows it look and feel rejuvenated. These DIY masks will help you give AHAs a try without breaking the bank, or even leaving the house!