Alpha Hydroxy Acid In facial Cream Can Make Your Skin Glow

The ancient Egyptians recognized the youthful benefits of alpha hydroxy acid. With such a long history of success, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can be found on the ingredients’ list of many skin care products. Alpha hydroxy acid compounds include citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and glycolic acid. It occurs naturally in many foods like grapes, citrus fruits, sugar cane, sour milk, and apples.

Alpha hydroxy acid is commonly used in shampoos, sunscreens, skin lightening products, facial creams and acne treatments. Products available over-the-counter for home use are usually about 5% AHA, but can contain up to 10%. Stronger concentrations can be used by professional skin care practitioners, such as dermatologists and physicians, as chemical peels, for microdermabrasion, or in other facial cream treatments performed in their office. Because of the higher concentrations of alpha hydroxy acid, the professional treatments are more effective; however, with an increase in effectiveness comes an increase in cost.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid’s Benefits

In their wisdom, the ancient Egyptians used alpha hydroxy acid to decrease the number of fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. By employing the exfoliating power of alpha hydroxy acid, dehydrated and dead skin cells can be removed, making the skin appear bright and full of life. Alpha hydroxy acids also increased blood flow to the living skin cells, revitalizing the surface of the skin. The renewal of skin cells gives skin a fresh, younger look.

As a skin lightener, alpha hydroxy acid evens out skin tones for those with sun damaged skin, brown age spots, or other forms of hyperpigmentation. It is also a helpful treatment for acne because it reduces blackheads and blemishes as well as controlling future outbreaks.

For a low cost way to revitalize your skin at home, you can try an at home facial peel containing alpha hydroxy acid. At home peels are an inexpensive way to give your skin a lift with minimal time and effort involved. The negative side of at home peels is the lower concentrations of alpha hydroxy acid provide limited results. Sometimes it takes several applications or even up to six months of treatment before you notice any results.

Chemical peels provided by a physician, dermatologist, or other skin care professional are more effective if you can afford them. The higher concentrations of alpha hydroxy acid gives immediate results that can last up to five years. In one application, the number of wrinkles and fine lines is reduced. In the long run, these treatments are worthwhile. The negative side of in office chemical peels is recovery time. After the procedure, you will look like you have a sunburn for a few days while the skin is rejuvenating itself.

 Considering Skin Types Before Selecting a Product

Alpha hydroxy acid is not a tool everyone should use. Your skin type determines whether or not you will be able to handle higher concentrations of alpha hydroxy acid. Although safer for home use, the over-the-counter products with lower concentrations of AHA may cause unwelcome itching, a rash, or a stinging sensation. People prone to developing Rosacea, dermatitis, or other skin conditions and those with sensitive skin are more likely to develop a negative reaction to products containing AHA. If you notice any negative side effects while using a product that contains alpha hydroxy acid or any other skin care product, you should stop using the product and consult with a physician or dermatologist. At the very least, try a different product that is better formulated for your skin type.

If you use facial creams containing alpha hydroxy acid, remember they were created with the expectation that they will be used on a weekly or even daily basis. Do not expect the immediate results you would see from a professional application. Patience is the key. Each person has a different type of skin. Some people may notice results sooner than others. When using a product contining alpha hydroxy acid, always wear sunscreen when you will be exposed to UV light.  Protecting the new skin from sun damage will increase long term results.

Ageless Derma offers a variety of anti-aging and skin lightening products an facial cream. If you are having difficulty deciding which brand of skin care would be best for you, give them a try first.