Aha 8 paulas choice review

This ultra-light gel exfoliant gently dissolves built-up layers of dead skin to reveal a smoother, brighter, more radiant complexion. Formulated with 8% AHA (glycolic acid), it helps to fade signs of sun damage and corrects uneven skin tone while improving the appearance of wrinkles.

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Find out if this formula works for you.

Because skincare works best when it suits your skin type.

What is your skin type?

WE KNOW SKIN.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 15-30 minutes. Select what you see and how you feel.

Select your skin type(optional)

Normal Skin No signs of tightness or oilyness.Dry Skin My skin feels tight and may have a flaky area.Combination Skin I have an oily T-zone and normal to dry everywhere else.Oily Skin My skin looks shiny and feels sleek to the touch.

What skin concern would you like to address?

WE KNOW SKIN.(Please select one option).

Rosacea-prone skin(optional)

Keratosis Pilaris(optional)

What's inside?

Key ingredients

Glycolic acid/AHA

Glycolic acid/AHA Can help shed dead skin cells to renew skin’s surface, visibly softening signs of ageing, particularly from sun damage. Can act as a water-binding agent.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) Panthenol is a humectant because of its ability to attract and hold moisture. It improves the look and feel of skin.

Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA Natural component of skin and a very good hydrating agent. It also functions as a skin-replenishing ingredient.

The full ingredient list:

Sunburn Alert: This product contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. As with all cosmetics, avoid direct contact with the eyes.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid, exfoliant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (chamomile/skin-soothing), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (hydration), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant/skin-soothing), etanorulayH muidoS (skin replenishing), Panthenol (hydration), Sodium PCA (skin replenishing), Propylene Glycol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Hydroxyethylcellulose (texture-enhancing), Polyquaternium-10 (texture-enhancing), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Sodium Benzoate (preservative).

How to use

Step 3 Exfoliants 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

How to use an exfoliant

When using an AHA exfoliant for the first time, introduce it into your routine slowly. Start by using your exfoliant once every other day, and then increase usage to once or twice daily based on your skin’s response.

Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a coin-sized amount over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, always follow with a moisturiser containing a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.

Here's a step-by-step of your morning & evening skincare application.

Step 1: Cleanser

Wet your face and apply a small amount with gentle, circular motions. Rinse well. To remove heavy makeup, repeat or use with a clean, wet washcloth.

Step 2: Toner

With your fingertips or a cotton pad, gently apply over the face and neck. Do not rinse.

Step 3 Exfoliants

Gently apply with your fingertips or a cotton pad over the face and neck, including the eye area (avoid lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Start slowly: Apply every other day and note your skin's response. Then use up to twice daily.

Step 4 Treatments

Dispense a pearl-sized amount to your hand and apply once or twice daily to the face, neck and eye area.

Step 5 Moisturisers

Use a day moisturiser as the last step in your morning skincare routine and apply liberally at least 15 minutes before stepping into sun exposure. As always, it's best to reapply every two hours once the skin has been exposed to direct sunlight. For a night moisturiser, apply a small amount once or twice daily to the face and neck.

Reviews

FAQ

Most asked

Good to know before you start using your exfoliant.

It is best to gradually build up use of an AHA product. Start by using your exfoliant once every other day and then increase usage to once or twice daily based on your skin’s response. You need to experiment a bit to see what suits your skin best. During the day, always use a moisturiser with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Your skin will in fact be slightly more sensitive to sunlight when using an exfoliant, so the chance of sunburn and sun damage is slightly higher.

I have dry but sensitive skin. Can I use this AHA exfoliant?

If you have sensitive skin, we generally recommend choosing a BHA exfoliant. This is because a BHA also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for dry, sensitive skin.

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Research

Molecular Medicine Reports, November 2010, issue 6, pages 895–901 Archives of Dermatology, August 2000, issue 8, pages 989-94 Clinical Dermatology, September-October 2009, issue 5, pages 495-501 Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2010, volume 3, pages 135-142 Dermato-Endocrinology, July 2012, issue 3, pages 253-8

What does 8% AHA do?

Formulated with 8% AHA (glycolic acid), it helps to fade signs of sun damage and corrects uneven skin tone while improving the appearance of wrinkles.

How do you use Paula's Choice 8 AHA gel exfoliator?

Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime-sized amount over the entire face, avoiding direct contact with eyes and lips. Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.

What is the difference between AHA and BHA exfoliators?

While both AHAs and BHAs act as skin exfoliants, AHAs are what is known as “water-soluble,” and BHAs are considered “oil soluble.” What this means is that AHAs work on the skin's surface, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) work on the surface, as well as within the pores.

What does AHA gel do?

Exfoliating with AHAs can help loosen and remove the clog. Continued use may also prevent future clogs from forming. AHAs may also reduce the size of enlarged pores, which are commonly seen in acne-prone skin. Skin cell turnover from exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids can even reduce acne scars.