The power of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

found in Treatments beauty articles
Posted on: 2006-10-16 by Consuela Taisia

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Alpha Hydroxy Acids or, shorter, AHAs (water soluble compounds) are most commonly used in wrinkle removal therapy, and chemical peels especially.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are main ingredients of chemical peels with results similar even to microdermabrasion. Depending of the product AHAs are found in, AHAs may be used by professional cosmetologists or common consumers.

There are some important details a common consumer should consider before deciding what kind of AHA containing products to use:

• First of all, it is indicated to choose an AHA-based exfoliation while the rest of the skin care products are AHA free. Thus, the risk of skin irritation is diminished.
• Another recommended combination is using an alpha hydroxy acid in a moisturizer base.
• Cleansers containing AHAs, however, have not resulted very effective so far because the acids are not well absorbed into skin, but rinsed off.
• When using AHA-based creams, sun screen of at least 15 SPF for UVB and containing zinc oxide for UVA protection must also be applied.

AHAs - the right use

The right concentration of AHAs depends on the aim of the treatment.
When commercialized to wide public, AHAs should be less than 10% concentrated.
In the treatment of fine lines removal operated by trained personnel, the concentration of AHAs could even reach 50% or 70%.
The results of this treatment should last up to 5 years.

Although cosmetic labels rarely provide concentration data, it works as a general rule that when mentioned second or third on the ingredients list, the product is provided with the right concentration of AHAs.

As AHAs are water soluble, they are more adequate in thickened and sun damaged skin therapy, while beta hydroxy acids are indicated for oily skin use.

AHAs in anti-wrinkle creams

AHAs are key-ingredients in many well-known anti-wrinkle creams such as: MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel/2 Steps, Cellex-C Betaplex New Complexion Cream or Cellex-C Eye Contour Cream Plus.

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