Benefits Of Hydroxy Acids On Skin

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

   
Alpha hydroxy acids, the most common of which are glycolic acid and lactic acid, have been used for centuries for skin rejuvenation Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble. Alpha hydroxy acids are moresuited for use on thickened, sun-damaged skin. Alpha hydroxy acids in various concentrations are used in chemical peels. The concentration determines who can use it. Alpha hydroxy acid products sold to consumers must have a concentration of less than 10%.

 
 

AHA-Naturally Available 

Alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally occurring acids, derived from the sugars in particular plants. Some examples are Glycolic Acid (Sugar Cane), Lactic Acid (Milk), Tartaric Acid (Grapes), Citric Acid (Citrus Fruits), Malic Acid (Apples), and Mandelic Acid (Bitter Almonds). 
α-hydroxy acids are useful building blocks in organic synthesis: the most common and simple Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric acid, Mandelic acid

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA and works on the layers of skin below the surface. It dissolves the fatty molecules on the surface of the skin, exfoliating dead, dry skin cells. Exfoliating the skin allows your skincare to penetrate the skin better and so enhances their effectiveness. When used for some time, Glycolic acid will lighten pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. This will make your skin more supple and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid kills the bacteria that cause whiteheads and other acne. If you suffer from mild to moderate acne you can use Glycolic acid on a regular basis at home. If your acne is more severe, you might want to combine this with glycolic peels administered by a professional . The Glycolic acid is naturally found in sugarcane.
 
At-hom glycolic acid skin care products, for everyday use, should have a strength of about 7% to 10%. Trained professionals use a concentration of 20% or more, which produces more dramatic results. When using an alpha hydroxy acid, be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, as they increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. If you are using a peel, lotion or cream at home, use it at night, so you will be avoiding the sunlight for more than eight hours. This also gives your skin a chance to recover from any redness caused by a peel. Cleansers are usually not absorbed into the skin as much as a peel or cream, so can be used in the morning and night.

Lactic Acid

Similar to Gycolic acid in its skin rejuvenating properties, Lactic acid reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces the appearance of age spots and Hyper pigmentation. It also improves the texture of the skin and stimulates collagen production. Over and above this, it softens the skin, which makes it great for sensitive skins. Lactic Acid is also more suited for sensitive skins as it does not irritate the skin as much as other AHAs. You can use milk, which contains Lactic acid, on your face to gently cleanse and tone your skin whilst moisturising. lactic acid (buttermilk, yogurt, powdered skim milk, sour cream, blackberries, tomatoes)

Mandelic acid

Eventually, this results in softer, smoother skin, faded wrinkles, lightened age spots, and decreased blemishes. One alpha hydroxy acid, Mandelic acid, has been shown to be an particularly helpful acid. With its anti-bacterial properties, mandelic acid, is able to control mild to moderate acne. Above all, though, is the acid's ability to fade dermal melasma, a condition that is often resistant to topical treatments such as Retin-A or bleaching creams.

Citric Aicd

Citric acid, a natural antioxidant, can effectively treat those nasty age spots. In the skin care industry, citric acid is also used for its astringent and skin lightening properties.It is also a natural pH adjuster. Naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and orange. This  is a natural pH adjuster and acts as a natural preservative and anti-oxidant.

• increasing collagen production
• significant antioxidant and healing properties
• reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• minimizes the appearance of scars

Beta hydroxy acid

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is used in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, dandruff and warts. It causes skin cells to shed more easily – unblocking pores and neutralising bacteria in the pores. It also prevents the pores from getting clogged by constricting them and making room for new cell growth. High amounts of salicylic acid may cause hyper pigmentation on darker skins that have not been prepared, or when no sunscreen has been used. Over-the-counter salicylic acid products are found in strengths ranging from 0.5% to 2%. Using several products that contain salicylic acid all at once will not clear skin faster and will dry the skin out too much. Use salicylic acid on the affected area rather than just on spots to keep skin under control. Once you stop using the products, the pores will clog again. Salicylic acid can cause irritation and dryness, which can be alleviated by daily use of an oil-free moisturiser. Reduce the frequency of salicylic acid if your skin becomes irritated. Using salicylic acid whilst using retinoids or benzoyl peroxide can increase irritation.

Salicylic acid has the following properties:

·         pore-cleaning  

·         anti-inflammatory          

·         regulates oil production               

·         redistributes

·         pigment; evens skin tone            

·         salicylic and glycolic acids treat pimples and their marks   

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or would like to apply salicylic acid to large areas of your body, you should consult with your doctor first. Do not cover the skin, to which youhave applied salicylic acid, with a dressing.Salicylic acid might take a few weeks or more to achieve optimal results, and your skin might get worse for the first few days of use.