Where To Buy Alpha Hydrox Products
Who Should Use It: Given their wide range of effects, most people can benefit from using AHAs, says Nazarian, so long as you find the right alpha-hydroxy acid and concentration of it for your skin type.
where to buy alpha hydrox products
How often you use alpha-hydroxy acid depends on the particular acid, product, and skin. Follow product directions, but always start slow, using any AHA only once or twice per week and gradually increasing frequency as your skin can tolerate it.
Various alpha hydroxy acids are applied to the skin (used topically) for moisturizing and removing dead skin cells, for treating acne and improving the appearance of acne scars, for improving the appearance of photo-aged skin, and firming and smoothing skin.
Treating sun damage when applied to the skin in a cream or lotion, but alpha hydroxy skin peels do not seem to work for this use.
Treating dry skin when applied to the skin in a cream or lotion.
Treating an inherited skin disorder that causes dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis).
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate alpha hydroxy acids for these uses.
Alpha hydroxy acids at a concentration of 10% or less as a lotion or cream are LIKELY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin appropriately and as directed. In some people, alpha hydroxy acids can make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to use a sunscreen while using alpha hydroxy acid products.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:For treating skin wrinkled and aged by sunlight: Alpha hydroxy acid products containing lactic acid, tartaric acid, gluconolactone, or glycolic acid (GA) in 8% concentration are used. The alpha hydroxy acid gluconolactone has also been used in a 14% solution. These products are usually applied to the skin twice daily.
For improving the appearance of acne scars: glycolic acid (GA) facial peels are used. Peels of increasing strength of 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70% are applied every two weeks. Peels are applied first for 2 minutes and then for a longer time (up to 4-5 minutes) before applying the next stronger solution. Completing the series at least 6 times is usually needed before skin looks better. People who do not like facial peels often use 15% GA lotion daily long-term instead.
For lightening brown patches due to a condition called melasma: a 10% lotion of the glycolic acid (GA) is applied with a sunscreen to facial skin nightly for 2 weeks. Then a peeling program is done monthly for 3 months in a row. The peeling program features a 50% GA peel applied three times to the face and left on for a period of 2-5 minutes each time (first peel 2 minutes, second peel 4 minutes, and third peel 5 minutes).
Ditre CM, Griffin TD, Murphy GF, et al. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study [see comments]. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;34:187-95. View abstract.
Kempers S, Katz HI, Wildnauer R, Green B. An evaluation of the effect of an alpha hydroxy acid-blend skin cream in the cosmetic improvement of symptoms of moderate to severe xerosis, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, and ichthyosis. Cutis 1998;61:347-50. View abstract.
α-Hydroxy acids, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), are a class of chemical compounds that consist of a carboxylic acid with a hydroxyl group substituent on the adjacent (alpha) carbon. Prominent examples are glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid and citric acid.
Benefits : AHA and BHA are hydroxy acids. Use to treat skin conditions such as acne, and to improve the skin's appearance. AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid, and BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid
Alpha-hydroxy acids include glycolic, lactic, tartaric, malic, and citric acids. They have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years. In the U.S. alone, there are over 200 makers of skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids.
Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation, and age spots. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen should be used every morning.
To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it's best to start with a product with low concentrations of AHA. Also, give your skin a chance to get used to the product. Start out by applying AHA skin products every other day, gradually working up to a daily application. Don't use too much; follow the instructions on the package.
Many skin care products contain salicylic acid. Some are available over-the-counter and others require a doctor's prescription. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is less irritating than skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids but has similar results in improving skin texture and color.
This age-defying lotion contains 10% alpha-hydroxy acid, which removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, allowing the antioxidant vitamins and hydro-emollients to smooth, firm, and nourishes the healthy skin that lies beneath.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are nontoxic fruit- or food-based organic acids (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, etc.); lactic acid is a natural component of human body tissue.10 Chemically, AHAs consist of a carboxylic acid functional group with a hydroxyl group (alcohol) on the adjacent (alpha) carbon atom. Used for skin moisturization and exfoliation of dead skin cells, AHAs have been applied for a variety of dermatologic indications involving abnormal keratinization, including dry skin, dandruff, wrinkles, and acne among others. Clinical research has demonstrated their mechanism of action primarily involving reduced corneocyte cohesion (exfoliation) and upregulation of dermal and epidermal hyaluronan production (moisturization) with subsequent visual improvements in skin texture, tone, and radiance without inflammation when properly formulated.10-16 These factors make AHA ideal for dermatologic applications.17
Yes, glycolic acid is one type of alpha hydroxy acid that's commonly used to treat acne. Other types of AHAs include lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. The most commonly used AHAs for skin care are glycolic acid and lactic acid.
An alpha hydroxy acid skin peel, also known as an AHA peel or chemical peel, involves applying AHA to the skin for several minutes. The effectiveness of this type of peel depends on the concentration of AHA in the product and the duration of exposure to the skin. In general, a concentration of 35% is left on the skin for four minutes, a concentration of 52.5% is left on for three minutes, and a 70% concentration is left on the skin for two minutes.
A wide range of products with AHA are available for purchase over the counter. Any consumer product that contains AHA will list it on the packaging and ingredients list. Alpha hydroxy lotion with a low AHA concentration is commonly used for daily moisturization and improved skin tone. Other products that contain AHA include:
In general, products with AHA are safe to use and can be helpful in improving the appearance of the skin. But they're not for everyone. If you have sensitive skin, choose an alpha hydroxy acid product with low concentrations, and if irritation develops, stop using it. If you have concerns or questions about AHA products, talk to your dermatologist to find out what types of products are best for your skin.
There are many products with varying concentrations of various alpha hydroxy acids in differing bases. For the best results, leave-on preparations should be applied at night, if necessary twice daily. They can be alternated with other anti-ageing preparations including retinoid creams and vitamin C.
Alpha hydroxy acids help the skin by rejuvenating it. They include citric acid, which is found in fruits, glycolic acid, which is found in sugar cane, malic acid, found in apples, tartaric acid, found in grapes, and lactic acid, which is found in sour milk. There are other types of alpha hydroxy acids as well and all will be found in foods. They can be applied to the skin topically to moisturise and remove dead skin cells, and are wonderful for treating acne and removing acne scars. They can be used for improving the appearance of photo-aged skin, and work well to firm and smooth skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are often added to lotions and creams to help relieve dry skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are used in chemical peels in different concentrations, usually ranging from 10% to 70%. A dermatologist will be able to apply products to the face that contain alpha hydroxy acids, in concentrations from 50 % to 70%. These treatments are perfect for erasing lines and wrinkles and will generally last about 2 to 5 years. Products with alpha hydroxy are sold over the counter in concentrations of 10% or less.
While there are many benefits to alpha hydroxy acids, there are a few side effects that go with it. If using an alpha hydroxy acid, the skin will become very sensitive to the sun. One can have sun sensitivity by up to 50% so by all means, slather on a good quality sun screen. Irritation could also be a factor, and redness, burning or itching could take place. If you continue to notice an irritation setting in, then you should switch to a lesser concentration of the alpha hydroxy acid.
I have been using alpha hydroxy acids for a bit now and wanted to put my two cents in here. I have found they work the best in concentrations between 5% to 8% and should have a PH of 3 to 4 for best results. There are many cleansers on the market with alpha hydroxy acids, however, my dermatologist feels that this is a waste. He said that they are best working on the skin when they can be absorbed, and since the cleanser is being washed off right away, it is best to use them in either moisturizers, serums, or elixirs. You can even buy foundations that have alpha hydroxy acids in them if you wish, which would be perfect for the skin since they are left on the face for a long time, and the AHA will be fully absorbed. 041b061a72