Alpha hydroxyl acids, or AHAs, are chemical compounds that are often used by the cosmetics industry in anti-aging skin care products and chemical peels. They can be naturally produced or synthetically created. Alpha hydroxy skin care products have been shown to reduce wrinkles and improve skin quality and texture.
AHAs that are used in commercial skin care products originate from natural sources such as sugar cane, milk, apples, oranges and even wine. The acids found in these foods like glycolic, lactic, citric, malic and tartaric acid can penetrate the skin and encourage the production of collagen and mucopolysaccharides. This, in turn, causes the desired effects without severely damaging the skin.
When using AHAs in anti-aging products, great care must be taken to make sure that the concentration levels of these acids does not reach above ten percent. For the most part, over-the-counter skincare formulas contain less than 10% alpha hydroxys. Dermatologists may use a higher concentrated formula for troublesome areas, but the patient must know that the higher the percentage of concentration, the more of a chance that skin irritation will occur.
Whenever an alpha hydroxy acid comes into contact with your skin, certain side effects may occur. Some common side effects associated with a chemical peel treatment are redness, irritation, rashes and burning of the skin. After a patient has received a few treatments, their skin will become used to the chemical peel and some of these symptoms may lessen or go away all together. If these symptoms don’t go away or get worse, contact your doctor immediately.
Finding the best alpha hydroxy skin care product for your skin may be a challenge. First, you will need to select a formula that contains the right percentage of alpha hydroxys so that the product will not irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from acne, you should consult with a dermatologist first so that they could prescribe the best treatment plan for you. In addition, your doctor may decide not to use an alpha hydroxy formula until your skin condition clears up.
Glycolic acid is the main alpha hydroxy used in anti aging skincare formulas. This natural acid is derived from sugar cane and is an excellent exfoliant. Chemical peels containing glycolic acid will help eliminate the outer layer of dead skin cells. It will bring about a smoother layer of skin and yield a more youthful appearance. Since this type of treatment is very acidic, the cosmetic formula will also contain moisturizers and soothing agents to help neutralize the effects of glycolic acid.
After using an AHA formula, it is advisable that you use a sunscreen in order to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. A chemical peel will strip off the outer layer of your skin and it now will be more susceptible to sun damage thus warranting the need of a sunscreen with an SPF of 30. With the discovery of alpha hydroxy skin care products we now have another weapon in our arsenal to help reverse the aging process of our face.
Visit pureskincaresolutions to find the finest alpha hydroxy serumalpha hydroxy serum on the market today. These products are chemical free, and will not cause any allergic reactions. The site also offers a free newsletter which is packed with information to help you get your skin back into shape.
