Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate and smooth your face by encouraging the shedding of dead surface skin. They may temporarily improve the skin's appearance, but they don't permanently alter cell/skin turnover or stimulate collagen synthesis, according to Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic. The extent of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH and other ingredients in the product. The most common AHAs in cosmetic products are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Others include citric acid, hydroxycaprylic acid and hydroxycapric acid. Follow the instructions on the label of your AHA-containing product.
Step 1
Purchase an exfoliating product that contains alpha hydroxy acids, such as a cleanser, toner, gel, face peel, scrub or moisturizer.
Step 2
Wet your face. Massage the cleanser containing AHA into your skin. Rinse and pat dry. Use the cleanser twice daily. For dry or sensitive skin, use only two to three times a week.
Step 3
Use a toner or gel that contains AHA. Wipe over your damp face with a cotton pad or washcloth in the morning or following your regular cleansing routine. Do not rinse.
Step 4
Apply a moisturizer that contains AHA. Apply to your face after washing.
Step 5
Use an AHA face peel. Follow the instructions on the label. Apply to clean, dry skin. Allow to absorb. Follow with moisturizer. Use once daily or three to five times a week for sensitive skin.
Step 6
Use an exfoliating scrub that contains AHA. Massage into face in a circular motion and rinse. Use once or twice a month.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not use multiple products that contain AHA. Pick one product that contains AHA to use at a time.
- Read product labels and heed any warnings. Use sun protection if you are using AHA-containing products. Applying AHAs to your skin results in increased UV sensitivity, according to the FDA. You may experience burning, dermatitis or rash, swelling, pigment changes, blisters or welts, skin peeling, itching, irritation or tenderness, chemical burns and increased sunburn while using AHA products.
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