Natural Skin Shedding vs. AHA-Induced Exfoliation: A Holistic Approach to Skin Health

Skin renewal is a fascinating, ongoing process that shifts with age. In youth, the skin naturally sheds dead cells rapidly, maintaining a smooth, hydrated, and resilient barrier. By the time we reach our twenties, this process stabilizes, with natural desquamation occurring approximately every twenty-eight to thirty days. This ensures a balanced barrier, supports the microbiome, and keeps the skin healthy.

However, as we age into our thirties and beyond, this process slows, leading to dullness, uneven texture, and visible signs of aging. Many turn to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to chemically exfoliate and mimic youthful shedding. While effective in the short term, AHAs expose thinner, less organized layers of skin that are more vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.

In your twenties, natural shedding allows the stratum corneum—the top protective layer of skin—to renew while preserving its structural integrity. These mature, well-organized cells form a robust shield against environmental aggressors.

When using AHAs, the bonds between dead skin cells are dissolved, forcing them to shed prematurely. This exposes immature skin layers that are thinner, less cohesive, and more vulnerable to irritants, UV damage, and moisture loss. Over time, excessive AHA use can lead to:

Increased sensitivity and redness.

Barrier dysfunction, resulting in dryness and irritation.

Disruption of the microbiome, which compromises overall skin health.

Marzia Rahmani, founder of Real Skin Retinue, advocates for embracing the body’s innate ability to heal itself. She emphasizes the importance of autophagy, a natural process where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates healthier ones. By skipping just one meal a day, you can stimulate autophagy, which can have remarkable effects on skin health without relying on harsh exfoliants.

Before turning to AHAs, consider the bigger picture:

Medications or alcohol use may make you a poor candidate for AHAs.

Lifestyle factors like inconsistent SPF use or dehydration can exacerbate sensitivity.

Skin type and health—those with compromised barriers or sensitive skin should proceed with caution.

Marzia encourages starting from the inside out, focusing on diet, hydration, and mindful skincare practices that support the skin’s natural repair processes.

The skin microbiome, a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. It regulates pH, protects against harmful pathogens, and supports the immune system.

Overusing AHAs can disrupt this delicate balance by:

Stripping the lipid layer, which nourishes beneficial microbes.

Altering pH levels, creating an inhospitable environment for healthy bacteria.

Reducing microbial diversity, which can lead to conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea.

By preserving the microbiome through gentle skincare, you can maintain healthier, more resilient skin.

Marzia’s Savef Skin Essential Face Serum is a testament to her philosophy of working with the skin’s natural processes. This serum is designed to protect, repair, and enhance the skin without the risks associated with AHAs.

Key Ingredients That Set Savef Skin Essential Face Serum apart

Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Fatty Acids: These essential components rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier, mimicking the skin’s natural composition.

Clinically proven Photoprotective Antioxidants: A rich blend of antioxidants shields the skin from photo-aging and oxidative stress.

Argireline and Copper Peptides: These advanced peptides boost collagen production, improve elasticity, and support skin repair at a cellular level. Enhances skin hydration and barrier function, ensuring long-lasting resilience.

Niacinamide: A gentle, multitasking ingredient that regulates pigmentation, calms inflammation, and strengthens the skin.

Unlike AHAs, which increase photosensitivity, the Savef Skin Essential Face Serum is packed with photoprotective antioxidants, making it safe for daily use—even under the sun.

Marzia Rahmani, UK licensed beauty therapist understands the natural desquamation effects of massage so she designed Savef Skin Essential Face Serum to have a slip for 1 -2 min massage. 

For those who feel they must use AHAs, Marzia recommends:

Opting for lower concentrations (2-5%).

Limiting use to once or twice a week during the winter months.

Wear UV protective caps and masks when outdoors. 

Ensuring disciplined SPF use to prevent UV-induced damage.

However, with so many unknowns about the long-term effects of AHAs on the microbiome and skin immunity, Marzia believes it’s best to trust your body’s natural processes first.

While AHAs offer quick results, their potential to disrupt the microbiome, weaken the barrier, and increase sensitivity raises important questions about their long-term safety. Instead, Marzia Rahmani advocates for a more holistic approach:

1. Trust your body’s natural repair mechanisms through practices like intermittent fasting.

2. Focus on balanced nutrition and hydration to support skin health from within.

3. Choose skincare that complements, rather than overrides, the skin’s natural functions.

The Savef Skin Essential Face Serum embodies this philosophy, offering a gentle yet effective alternative to harsh exfoliants. By nurturing the skin’s innate ability to repair and protect itself, you can achieve lasting beauty and resilience.