Alpha Hydroxy Acids

You hear about them everywhere these days: alpha hydroxy acids. They are mentioned in advertisements, web sites, infomercials and even by teenagers. Over-the-counter cosmetic products using alpha hydroxy acids are also dominating cosmetic sales. Most importantly, many of the products that you buy for your skin contain these mysterious ingredients. But what exactly are alpha hydroxy acids and how do they work?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of fruit based acids, that when used properly, are a great way to revitalize your skin. According to dermatologist Heather Brannon, MD, AHAs are mostly used as an exfoliant to knock out dead skin cells glued to the surface of the skin. Once these cells are gone, new and healthy skin cells can grow in. The most common types of AHA's used in skin care products include Glycolic, Citric, Lactic, Malic and Tartaric.

According to Paula Kurtzweil of the United States Food and Drug Administration, the use of AHAs in everyday cosmetics began around 1989 and got their start from chemical peels. Typically, this procedure is practiced by a trained health professional with AHAs that are much stronger than the AHAs that are used in over-the-counter cosmetics. After a deep chemical peel procedure is performed, a patient typically needs a week or two to have his or her skin looking healthy again.

Consumers cannot go out and purchase any type of product that contains AHAs, however. The United States Food and Drug Administration govern the usage of AHA products with higher concentration levels. Cosmetologists generally use AHA products with a concentration of 20%-30%, while physicians can use AHA products with a concentration between 50%-70%. Consumers are only allowed to use AHA products with a concentration of less than 10% (Dematology.about.com, par. 1).

AHAs can be found over-the-counter in moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, sunscreens, and foundations. Some of the most popular AHA products on the market come from manufacturers MD Skincare, Dr. Michelle Copeland, Juice Beauty and Cellex-C. Positive results from using products with AHAs include smoother skin, reversing of UV damage and improvement in complexion (DermaDoctor.com, par. 2). Though consumers often consider these products effective in removing dead skin, health professionals urge caution when using products with AHAs and to consult your physician before using any product that you are unsure of.

Source: www.skincare-news.com