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Alpha Hydroxy
Acids -
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They include the following types:
Glycolic Acid also known as Hydroxyacetic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Alpha Hydroxyacetic Acid, Ammonium Alpha Hydroxyethanoate, or Ammonium Glycolate.
Derived from sugar cane juice, sugar beets, or unripe grapes.
Lactic Acid also known as 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, Ammonium Lactate. Derived from tomato juice or sour milk.
Malic Acid. Derived from apples.
Tartaric Acid. Derived from grapes and wine.
Citric Acid. Derived from citrus fruits or pineapples.
Note: Some chemists believe the most common Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, are especially effective in penetrating the outer layers of skin.
Rather than rubbing dead skin cells away as with facial scrubs or abrasion, Alpha Hydroxy Acids help the skin shed skin cells by dissolving the bonds between them, exposing the new skin cells underneath.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids can be effective in treating the following skin conditions:
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Acne
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Scarring
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Uneven Skin Tone
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Dryness
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Fine Lines
When using a product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids for the first time, test a small area of skin first such as the inside of the forearm. A tingling sensation immediately after applying the product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids is common.
However, if a burning sensation continues for more than a couple of minutes, or if the skin appears red and irritated, discontinue use and choose another product with a lower concentration of Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Allow three of four weeks for the skin to get used to the product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids if there is no severe reaction.
Purchasing Advice
The concentration or percentage of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in the product can vary from less than 1% in preparations purchased in a store, to 70% in the facial peels used in some beauty salons.
Choose a product with at least 4% Alpha Hydroxy Acids otherwise it will not be strong enough to exfoliate the skin.
A 4-7% Alpha Hydroxy Acid content is mild and unlikely to irritate the skin.
An 8-15% Alpha Hydroxy Acid content will produce more visible results although the risk is higher for irritating the skin.
The strong facial peels used in salons carrying a 30-70% concentration of Alpha Hydroxy Acids can strip the epidermis and sometimes even the dermis.
These Alpha Hydroxy Acid preparations should be applied by a licensed beauty therapist or dermatologist, often to reduce scarring from acne or pigmentation.
Some product descriptions do not show the level of Alpha Hydroxy Acids. In those cases, note where on the ingredients list Alpha Hydroxy Acids appear.
The nearer the top the higher the concentration of Alpha Hydroxy Acids. If it is near the bottom the product may not be effective as the level of Alpha Hydroxy Acids is too low.
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