How To Use Alpha Hydroxy Acids | Demonstration | Dr Sam Bunting

This popular skincare ingredient is perhaps a little neglected on my platform so I thought I'd devote time to show how i use it in my practice. In today’s video I will be answering your most common questions.

0:00 - Intro
0:18 - What Is An AHA?
1:09 - In What Form?
1:53 - What Are The Benefits?
2:35 - How I Use Them
4:57 - How Often?
6:01 - Combining AHAs

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As always thank you so much for watching and for all your support!

Disclaimer: The content seen in this video is provided only for medical educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek professional help individually if you suffer from any dermatological condition. Due to the volume of patients seen in the clinic, and to the unique nature of skin, Dr Bunting is unable to respond to every query on these videos.

[susanbowman]

Not sure if this is in the same category but I just learned an important tip about hyaluronic acid. It must be applied to clean MOIST skin for maximum benefits. Thought I would share for anyone else using it in their skin care regimen.

[traepalmer]

I'm a glycolic guy, myself: lactic technically suits my dry skin even better, but I don't care for the way it smells at higher concentrations, and I like the idea of glycolic molecules possibly getting even deeper into my skin. Ever since bumping up from retinol to tretinoin, however, I'm finding that I rarely need to use AHAs anymore: maybe once per week, I'll put a few drops over my vitamin C serum for a boost, but it's really not the workhorse of my routine (tret gets that designation 😁).

[MoniqueXSM]

Wow, I was just considering purchasing an AHA product & then this video popped up. Brilliant 👏🏽 & of course thank you for the tips.

[Norwayplants]

One question, when to use azelaic acid, when to use AHA? When to use BHA?

[shanipitaru]

I love how you represent everything so light and clear, your videos are great and very informative, thank you!

[nataliem.]

Your videos are absolutely the best and most informative and yet broken down making it easy to process. Thank you so much Dr Sam!

[Loralarify]

I tend to use AHA at night with a good moisturizer over it- and in the morning, my skin looks amazing. I do use Retinal 2x’s a week, and AHA about 3/4 nights a week - thanks for this video-always good to hear different perspectives.

[aimeer]

Would love to see a similar video for BHAs please! I use an Azelaic acid in morning and a retinoid at night but I still have blackheads on my chin and nose. Find Glycolic too irritating.

[megancarlehall]

I'm so happy I've found you on YouTube. I love your clear explanations and the guidance you provide around skincare. Thank you.

[kendallstark]

I've talked about this ad nauseum, but The Ordinary lactic acid serum is to die for! I've used both the 5% and 10%, even on my neck, without any problems. I had never thought to use them in the morning, though. Might try that!

[MarisaRusso]

Hi Dr. Sam! Thank you for your great video as usual! Question: would you suggest that Obagi product to a sensitive skin (a Celtic one ... ;-) ) and if yes would you place its complete designation on the video's description please? Thank you! :-) xx

[JA-eyep]

Thank you, Dr. Sam, for the helpful video. I have a question for you. I'm 57 years old and (untreated) have (among other things) slightly congested pores, with an occasional breakout. I've used Alpha Skin Care Active Renewal Serum (14% glycolic acid) for exfoliation, with excellent result. It's dramatically improved the texture of my skin. In attempting to address the congestion, I've used Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid. Since these are both acids, I apply the glycolic first (all over my face) and then the salicylic on (primarily) my T-zone. Based on your comments, in the video, might there be a different approach that might be good for me to consider? I also have some pigmentation (i.e. sun damage) and, of course, wrinkles. ☹️ I've thought about trying to add Vitamin C and/or azelaic acid into my routine (I've watched your other videos) but am not sure how to put together an effective & efficient morning routine for myself. Any suggestions?

BTW, when I was in my 20s, I had Grade 4 cystic acne, which I and doctors battled for years. When Accutane got FDA approval, I went on it. It was a miracle drug for me & effectively ended my serious battle with acne. Now (untreated) I just have the occasional breakout, some pore congestion, texture issues, pigmentation and, of course, wrinkles.

At night, I use a niacinamide lotion (i.e. CeraVe PM) & then put on a retinoid.

Thanks, again, for this video (and your many helpful videos)! 😊 😍

[carmena.g.]

I switched the neostrata serumgel that contains aha to dr Sam azelaic acid because my skin was irritated by wearing mask all the time and it has suited me beautifully

[SkincarebyTahwah]

This is so enlightening, thank you Dr Sam.
I tend to not combine separate aha with a vitamin C serum except it is formulated together in a single product.. so glad to see this and I’ll try the Obagi you recommended

[vister]

I like lactic acid because it's less irritating, give my skin the radiant and make my skin less dry. It's hard to find moisturiser with lactic acid but I found it in Fade out cream made in the UK. It's really good for my skin.

[CeeCee]

I love using a 20% glycolic acid cream as a treatment mask twice a week. The quality of my skin’s improved so much.

[chzx]

I always use acids in the morning although all of the products' directions say that you should use this at night. (be sure to use spf during the day)

[MJ]

Can I use my PC glycolic gel and then my 15% azelaic acid cream, on the same routine?

[TSlowdive]

I'm happy I discovered your channel. I always learn from you. I'm experienced tretinoin user (I use prescription tretinoin 0.1% every night during the past 6 years and can tolerate it very well now). I want to incorporate glycolic acid into my skin care routine. Recently I started to use glycolic acid cream 20% from Neostrata (resurface high potency cream) once a week (I don't apply tretinoin on that day)). It tingles a little bit for the few first seconds. Can I use glycolic acid cream together with tretinoin if I can tolerate both well? If so, what should I apply first?
I also have another question. I'm planning to do glycolic acid peel 70% and need to stop to use tretinoin 2 weeks before the peel and also between peels (there will be 4 weekly sessions in total). I thought to use bakuchiol during that time. Can I use bakuchiol and glycolic acid cream 20% on alternate nights during this time?
thank yuo in advance!

[leneskov]

Is it necessary to use AHA, when I use Tretinoin at night (0, 1%) and Azelaic Acid in the morning? Isn’t Azelaic acid a kind of AHA?
I have dry skin.