Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are made up of a variety of fruit acids. These fruit acids include glycolic, citric, lactic, malic and tartaric acids. Alpha hydroxy acids are used by dermatologists and aestheticians in chemical peels and in over-the-counter skin care products. Alpha hydroxy acid concentrations of over 15 percent are considered high and are used only by dermatologists. Alpha hydroxy acid concentrations of 8 to 15 percent are used in over-the-counter products, and concentrations of less than 8 percent are considered useless. Alpha hydroxy acids can benefit your skin by exfoliating the surface, attracting moisture, treating acne, producing collagen, and evening out skin tone and smoothing the complexion.
Exfoliation
Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin by dissolving the external barrier that holds dead skin cells to the surface. This exfoliation leaves skin smooth and even, allowing other skin care products to work easier.
Moisture Attraction
Alpha hydroxy acids attract moisture by stimulating the glycosoaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the skin to absorb water quicker and easier. They are able to do this because they are made up of lactic acid, which is a humectant. Humectants naturally attract moisture from the atmosphere to the outer dermal layer of the skin.
Acne Reduction
Alpha hydroxy acids naturally exfoliate dead skin cells and stale oil sitting on the top layer of skin. This exfoliation loosens acne and allows sebum to flow to the skin continuously, which prevents new acne from forming.
Collagen Production
With age, hormonal changes prevent collagen production and existing collagen begins to break down. Alpha hydroxy acids help the reproduction of collagen by penetrating deep into the skin and damaging skin cells. This damage to the skin starts the production of collagen to repair the cell damage.
Skin Tone/Complexion
Alpha hydroxy acids increase blood flow to the skin and promote cellular renewal. This helps to minimize wrinkles and fine lines, correct hyperpigmentation and give the skin a youthful appearance.
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