What To Look For
In the quest for ever-youthful attractiveness, many women turn to creams and lotions to improve the appearance of their skin. One desirable remedy, alpha hydroxy acid, lightens brown spots, age spots or so-called liver spots that appear as the result of excessive sun exposure as well as aging. Products containing alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, have proven to be effective, with continued use, in lightening dark spots on the skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids act as an exfoliant that encourages renewal of skin cells. The types used in skin care are glycolic acid, from sugar cane; lactic acid, from milk; and critic acid, from citrus fruits. A dermatologist can administer a chemical peel with a high concentration of AHA. Lower concentrations in lotions and creams are less irritating to the skin and can be used at home over several weeks or longer.
You can compare AHA products according to their effectiveness, how fast they work, their safety and the quality of their ingredients. You should also compare price, brand reputation, money-back guarantee and satisfaction of customers. Some manufacturers may offer free trial sizes.
Common Pitfalls
Because alpha hydroxy acid products can irritate the skin, you should check the label for AHA concentration. Over-the-counter products cannot contain a concentration of more than 10 percent; most products contain between 8 and 10 percent. If the concentration is not shown on the label, the AHA should be listed second or third among the ingredients.The products may cause sensitivity to the sun, so a user should always use sunscreen when outdoors.
Where To Buy
Some AHA products are only available by prescription from a dermatologist, while others can be obtained in drug stores and department stores. Dermatologists often provide a combination of products, such as an exfoliant, a toner and a skin soother, to be used morning and night. Consultations that are offered at cosmetic counters in department stores may be helpful to find the products that are best suited to your needs.
Cost
Over-the-counter creams and lotions can run from $12 to $80 or more. Prescription products from a dermatologist can start at $80.
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