Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Throughout the centuries a lot of recipes and  preparations based on milk, fruit
juices, honey and numerous other, especially botanical, ingredients have been tried to
prevent or treat skin
aging. In fact, such mixtures used to be very
popular and they were considered miraculous, since when applied on the skin, they seemed
to cause some noticeable improvement. The explanation for this is that these offhand
creams contain chemical substances called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Alpha-hydroxy acids are organic, very mild acids that cause a chemical skin peeling.
These acids are mainly derived from fruits, wine, milk, sugar cane and in smaller amounts
from honey and olive oil. The most commonly used AHAs include glycolic, malic, lactic,
tartaric, oleic and citric acid.
Nowadays, chemical peeling is one of the prominent options for skin renovation, although,
for a while, it got less popular, since other methods, such as microdermabrasion and photorejuvenation, seemed to be more promising.
However, alpha-hydroxy acids have reestablished their popularity recently, because
experts have been convinced these substances are more effective in a long term, plus the
fact they are considered the mildest and perhaps the safest means for skin care.
Alpha-hydroxy acids exfoliate aged or dead cells by causing a mild chemical burn on the
surface of the skin. This triggers the generating mechanisms to reproduce skin structural
elements, such as collagen, soft keratin,
elastin and of
course, cells. As the healing proceeds, the result is a thicker, smoother and brighter
skin with far less fine wrinkles and spots.
Side-effects of alpha-hydroxy acids.
The main side-effects of the use of chemical peeling is sensitivity to sun light.
Thus, the use of a reliable sunscreen,
when alpha-hydroxy acids preparations
are applied, is considered necessary.
Perhaps some skin flakiness may occur at early stages of the treatment. This is
absolutely normal, since alpha-hydroxy acids act by exfoliating declined elements of the
skin.
Because of their acidity, alpha-hydroxy acids may irritate the skin. They can cause
redness, soreness, intense tingling or burning sensation and occasionally swelling,
especially around the eyes. In such cases, the use of any product containing AHAs must be
discontinued.
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