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Benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids

What are the Benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acid in Skin Care? Many years ago women used old milk, wine and lemon juice as an anti-aging “trick” to keep their faces looking young and fresh. What they didn't know is that the key component to this skin care treatment. So it makes sense that the modern skin care industry has been researching the benefits of Alpha Hydoxy Acid, and using it in a variety of anti-aging products including facial masks, toners, deep cleansers and moisturizers.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid products (also called AHA in the industry) dissolve easily in water. That means they can penetrate the two uppermost layers of skin and exfoliate readily. You achieve the Benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids there, where AHA attacks bits of rough skin and discolored skin, literally helping that outer layer to peel off, leaving the healthier cells intact. The natural result is far smoother skin that has that “new” look. Besides being helpful in achieving youthful looks, AHA can be applied to acne and sun-damaged skin and achieve positive results. The only caveat is that oily skin must first be well-washed to accept the benefits of Alpha Hydoxy Acid.

The most commonly used AHA is Glycolic Acid. Lactic acid (from milk products) is also used.

Over the Counter Products:

Alpha Hydroxy Acid products are available in a variety of over the counter skincare products. The amount of AHA in these preparations averages about 10%. That's because a minimum of 8% concentration is necessary to get the Benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and have any type of effect on wrinkles, dark patches, etc. Some products have higher percentages of AHA but individuals with sensitive skin might want to think twice since anything over 15% may irritate.

By the way, don't be fooled by price tags. Higher priced products are not necessarily better products. AHAs are very inexpensive ingredients that, in and of themselves, won't boost the price of an item. So, in many cases all you're paying for is a designer name when a generic AHA treatment would do just fine.

How Effective is it?

Various studies have been completed on the benefits of Alpha hydroxy acid to see if consistent results could be achieved. Most people who used an AHA product illustrated improved skin thickness, increased elasticity, and more collagen. These three together create the perfect environment for an anti-aging protocol as well as healthier skin.

Exfoliation Facts:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are mainly used as exfoliates – a way of removing old skin cells so that new ones can grow. However, there are limits. Like any skincare product, more AHA treatments is not necessarily better for you. Recent research into skin cell division indicates that cells will get to the point where they do not respond. At that point, wrinkles and blotches return. So the bottom line in using AHA fortified products is this: all things in moderation.

Summary:

Alpha Hydroxy acids are a natural part of various food products like sour milk, apples, citrus, and wine. The benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acid comes, in part, from its ability to successfully penetrate the skin and act directly on live cells. For an AHA product to produce the desired results it should contain minimally 10-15% of Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Concentrations of AHA of 50% and over are only used in a clinical setting for conditions like melasma.

Alpha Hydroxy acid cosmetic products are generally safe to use unless you have highly sensitive skin. People who experience negative reactions to AHAs typically develop itching, flaking and redness. Note that special care should be taken regarding exposure to sunlight when using AHA products as they can make skin photosensitive.

Recommended Products
Unlike other skin care products, AHAs have an immediate effect on the outer layers of the skin and are not and do not need to be absorbed deeper in to the skin. They must have a low pH to be effective and are therefore rendered ineffective if added to other products. Because of this, many products sold are ineffective. I feel the best way to use AHAs is through a cleanser, toner or with pads. I personally use a cleanser and pads in the morning. I have very thick congested skin that is difficult to exfoliate - if you have thinner or more "normal" skin, I would recommend this cleanser as a great way to receive the benefits of alpha hyroxy acids.

Exfoliating Glycolic Cleanser Is my new favorite cleanser. It contains 10% Glycolic Acid and no parabens, no sulfates, no mineral oil, no additives and no fillers. It does a great job of exfoliating and deep cleaning pores without all of the unnecessary chemicals we are all trying to avoid. It is from a new company called IOMySkin that has some really great cutting edge skin care products. For more info: Exfoliating Glycolic Acid Cleanser

Related Pages
Glycolic Acid Products
Benefits of Glycolic Acid

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