Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA's) - Choosing a Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Alpha hydroxy acids i.e. AHA, are naturally occurring fruit acids which stimulate growth and turnover of skin cells. The most commonly used AHA is glycolic acid. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning. To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it is advisable to start with a product with low concentrations of AHA.

Alpha hydroxy acids are mainly derived from fruit and milk sugars. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid and lactic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin.

There are five major types of alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products and their sources:

• Glycolic acid - which is derived from sugar cane.

• Lactic acid - which is derived from milk.

• Malic acid - which is derived from apples and pears.

• Citric acid - which is derived from oranges and lemons.

• Tartaric acid - which is derived from grapes.

Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Alpha hydroxy acids are used in chemical peels. The peels, typically trichloroacetic acid, phenol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid, help remove undesirable signs of skin aging, such as discoloration, roughness and wrinkling.

How to choose an Alpha Hydroxy Acid:

Some important tips for alpha hydroxy acid are as:-

• It is best to pick one product that contains the proper formulation of alpha hydroxy acid to use as your exfoliant.

• Sunscreen MUST be applied liberally when using an alpha hydroxy acid product.

• Alpha hydroxy acids work best in a concentration of 5% to 8% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

Alpha hydroxy acids have been used to treat wrinkles and the effects of photoaging. Alpha hydroxy acids are a common additive to numerous skin care products including moisturizers, cleanser, toners, and masks. The hydroxy acids are also used to improve scaling, precancerous growths on sun-damaged skin.

The Alpha hydroxy acids penetrate the top layers of the skin, epidermis and upper dermis, to achieve exfoliation. Exfoliation stimulates the skin and healthy cells are regenerated. AHA's function as peeling agents which act more rapidly and at a deeper level to skin.

The alpha hydroxy acids are very effective in cosmetic dermatology.