Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are commonly found in different concentrations in many products. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and tartaric acids. These mild acids serve to remove the outer layer of dull skin and leave skin with a rejuvenated appearance.

Some of these acids are derived from fruit sources, particularly citrus fruits, apples and grapes. Some of the alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, are found in sugar cane. Others, such as lactic acid, are found in milk.

Lactic acidis also a naturally occurring substance in the skin and is produced by our muscles when we work out. Lactic acid build up is in fact what gives muscles cramping when they are over exerted. The most common acids used in skin care are lactic acid and glycolic acid. Those people who are allergic to the more commonly found glycolic acids should do very well with lactic acid products because they are a naturally occurring substance in the skin.

All of the alpha hydroxy acids serve to exfoliate the skin and leave your skin with a better appearance. They should not be used too often at high concentrations because they can leave the skin quite dry. At least one alpha hydroxy acid product should be part of everyone’s regular skin care regimen, and are most commonly found in the toner products in the skin care lines sold on our web site. If you are allergic to the most commonly found alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, the lactic acid products are available.

Collagenis a naturally occurring substance that can be found in the skin. Collagen from animal sources are used for fillers in the skin. Collagen injections have been used for many years to treat scars and fine wrinkling. The biggest problem with collagen is that it goes away after several months and needs to be repeated. It is also rather expensive. Many other substances such as fibril and now one’s own collagen can be cultured and injected into the skin. Skin tests need to be done for patients undergoing treatment prior to their first round of injections since many people can demonstrate allergies to collagen.

Dermabrasioncan take two forms. Dermabrasion is an old technique which is used to treat both scars from acne or trauma as well as fine wrinkling. Its use for treatment of fine wrinkling has been supplanted by most of the lasers and topical chemical agents. It still has a place for the treatment of scars, however, since it is an excellent tool for rounding out depressed or elevated scars. Dermabrasion has similar effects in increasing collagen and elastin as the carbon dioxide laser, erbium laser and chemical peels. It is less controlled as the depth of penetration is a function of how hard the surgeon pushes on the dermabrader, the length of time the dermabrader is in any one place, and the quality of one’s skin. Most doctors no longer use dermabrasion on a regular basis. The risks of dermabrasion can be depigmentation, infection, scarring and persistent redness.

Exfoliator

These are any products used to help speed the removal of the top or dead layer of skin cells. This more rapidly allows new layers to come to the surface. They do little to remove wrinkles, and are commonly used on the face. Examples of exfoliators are alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids. Other exfoliators are abrasive sponges, or micro dermabrasion. Some facial masks also act as an exfoliator.

Moisturizers

Skin, especially on the face, has oil glands which keep it moisturized. As one gets older, and in colder air, the skin tends to get drier. The solution for dry skin is the use of moisturizers. The type of moisturizer one uses is dependent upon one’s skin type. The moisturizer used is also varied depending upon the season with heavier, more effective moisturizers used during the winter. Lighter moisturizers are typically lotions and contain a higher water content. They evaporate more readily than the heavier moisturizers which contain more petroleum based products and less water. Most moisturizers contain a balance of petroleum based products with water, some additional ingredients such as humectants help deliver moisture from below the skin to where it is needed. An example of a commonly used humectant is glycerin.

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