High strength AHA Cream…. This is a little shout out to one of my favourite creams — NeoStrata Resurface High Potency Step Up Level 20 Bionic Skincare. You only have to use this cream once and you can see the results the next day. My skin looks cleaner and brighter. It is high strength though, so you need to be careful to use it thinly, otherwise your skin can feel a little irritated. That's to be expected after using something that in slightly higher doses is used for skin peels!

The AHA and Retinol Dilemma

Now for the catch. For anyone who knows me, you'll know I'm obsessed with using high-strength retinols. I also love AHAs. However, the two don't mix well. It's a recipe for side effects if you combine them, and retinols don't do well mixed with acidic pHs. So the solution? Alternate them. Use your retinol 2–3 nights per week, and your AHA on the other nights (if tolerated). That way you get the best of both worlds in the anti-ageing armoury.

What Do AHAs Actually Do?

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) give a chemical exfoliation and help skin rejuvenation. By resurfacing the skin, they:

  • Minimise discolouration and lighten areas of sun damage
  • Improve skin texture and smoothness
  • Reduce fine lines
  • Unclog pores and improve clarity

How Do Retinols Work Differently?

Retinols work slightly differently from AHAs:

  • Increase collagen production in your deeper skin layers, which reduces wrinkles
  • Decrease melanin production, evening out skin tone
  • Give a faster skin cell turnover, resulting in a fresh appearance

Starting Out

The high strength creams aren't for everyone. Some people prefer to ease themselves in gently using lower strength AHA/BHA creams, and that's perfect too. Whatever makes you happy — and whatever your skin tolerates. The key is consistency: regular, sustained use of active ingredients over months is what delivers real results.

Dr Lindsay's Tip

If you're new to actives, start with a lower concentration AHA 2–3 nights per week and see how your skin responds over a few weeks before increasing frequency or strength. When introducing multiple actives, add one at a time — never all at once — so you can identify what your skin loves and what it doesn't.