Alpha Hydroxy Acids

The alpha-hydroxy acids or AHA's that are found in milk, grapefruit, oranges, apples, pineapple, papaya and other natural fruits help keep the outer layers of our skin looking healthy, nourished and yes, young. Alpha-hydroxy acids are also known as glycolic acid.

The Alpha Hydroxy Facts

When applying AHAs to your skin they penetrate the top layer to loosen the dead cells that clump together over time, you know, the ones that give you that dull, gray look. These Alpha-hydroxies safely remove these dead cells giving you a new healthier look because they are revealing the new healthy cells that lie underneath. With regular use AHA products can help exfoliate your old skin cells and give you a new and vibrant look.

But there's more... AHA's provide long term results by reducing spots that are caused by sun damage but they also enhance your skin's moisture retention by allowing the skin to absorb water faster and more effectively.

The one drawback to using AHA's is that they can be slightly irritating to the skin, however using ingredients like Comfrey, Chamomile, extracts of green tea, Rose hips and aloe vera, you can help ease any heat sensation you may experience.

Using Alpha Hydroxy over the counter products

AHA concentrations work as follows:

AHA's below 4% are slightly moisturizing
AHA's of 5%-7% help exfoliate producing a smoother feeling
AHA's of 8%-15% will show improvement in skin texture

Products that contain either lactic acid or glycolic acid are used best on dry skin. Both of these acids act as moisturizers because they are water binding. If you have combination skin you can use a glycolic peel once every two weeks or so or use an AHA lotion that has a 4%-8% concentration every day. If you are prone to acne try using a salicylic acid (BHA) based product that will clear away oil and dirt with out over drying the skin. If you have oily skin you're better off with a water based formula that contains AHA's and BHA's.