AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, are gentle chemical exfoliants that unstick the ‘glue’ between the dead, dry cells on your skin’s surface, so the outer layer can be cleared away, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin¹.

AHAs help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the appearance of dullness and hyperpigmentation, and boost your skin’s visible elasticity (bounce) and glow^1,2.

They’re not just for ageing or mature skin, either. AHAs can be for anyone wanting to, or if you simply want to improve the appearance dullness. But before you rush in, it’s important to approach AHAs the right way — start by making sure they’ll get along with your skin through a simple patch test.

Patch testing is a must when it comes to trying out new products — especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s a quick, science-backed way to see how your skin will respond before you slather anything on your face. All you have to do is apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area — maybe along your inner forearm — and wait 24 hours, keeping an eye out for any redness, itching or irritation. If your skin looks and feels happy and calm, you’re all set! But if not, you might need a gentler approach or a different formula.

Patch testing can help you avoid unexpected flare-ups and make sure your new AHA product(s) fit perfectly into your routine. Oh, and don’t worry if you feel a little tingling at first — that’s totally normal when getting started with AHAs as your skin adjusts.

Start slow and smart: use a low AHA rinse-off product, like Elucent Age Defying Gel Cleanser (with 2% AHAs) on alternating days to ease into your new routine. After about a week, or when you no longer notice any tingling, increase to daily use. 

From there, gradually step things up until you reach the level that you and your skin are happy with. Any time you feel tingling, that’s your cue to pause — always wait until your skin is comfortable before introducing more concentrated products or upping the frequency. Once your skin is comfortable with AHAs, you can build a full routine like the one below.

So, what does a complete routine look like? Here’s our recommended day and night approach for glowing results that will suit most people (just be sure to listen to your skin and take it at your own pace. Remember: good skincare is a marathon, not a sprint).

Step 1: Cleanse – Use Elucent Age Defying Gel Cleanser (2% AHAs) to remove impurities and prep skin.

Step 2: Resurface – Use Elucent Age Defying Resurfacing Serum (16% AHAs) to target fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 3: Nourish Overnight – Lock in moisture with Elucent Age Defying Night Cream (8% AHAs).

Step 4: Visibly Revive your Eye Area– Gently tap Elucent Age Defying Eye Cream (4% AHAs) around the eyes.

Step 1: Morning Cleanse – Refresh skin and clear away nightly buildup with Elucent Age Defying Gel Cleanser (2% AHAs).

Step 2: Protect & Hydrate – Help protect new, radiant skin from sun damage with Elucent Age Defying Day Moisturiser SPF 30 (4% AHAs).*

• Avoid over-exfoliating – If you’re using AHAs in your skincare routine, avoid mixing with retinoids or physical exfoliants like scrubs or other abrasive products.
• Always pair with SPF* – AHAs exfoliate the dull, dead surface skin cells and reveal fresh, younger cells beneath, but these are an easy target for UV damage from the sun. If you’re getting started with AHAs, always add a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen to your daily routine.
• Sidestep the sting – Apply AHA moisturisers and serums to dry skin (not wet or damp) to reduce the chance of stinging.
• Keep skin hydrated – Don’t let your skin down on the final hurdle by forgetting hydration. Our Elucent Age Defying products are packed with moisturisers, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium PCA, and panthenol.^†