OVERVIEW
Alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally occurring acids, derived from the sugars in particular plants. These acids work at the very base of the stratum corneum, dissolving the cement that holds dead skin cells together. This increases cell turnover and influences the structure of new stratum corneum being made. This results in skin that is more flexible, more smooth, and more even in tone. Eventually, alpha hydroxy acids will produce skin that is softer, smoother, less wrinkled, less dehydrated, and more even in skin tone.
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HOW IT WORKS
Alpha Hydroxy Acids work as exfoliants by speeding up the skin’s own natural shedding process (which slows down as we get older), thereby encouraging the skin to shed its surface coating of dead cells and replacing them with new ones at a faster rate. Alpha Hydroxy Acids effectively moisturizes dry and severely dry skin.
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reduces the amount of superficial wrinkles |
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improves skin texture and tone |
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helps manage oily and acne skin problems |
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unblocks and cleanses the pores |
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helps reduce skin discoloration and age spots |
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The difference between physical exfoliants, such as scrubs, loofahs, gloves, pads and lasers, and chemical exfoliants, such as AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), is that physical exfoliants apply force to physically remove the dead cells from the skin’s surface, while the chemical AHA’s exfoliate by breaking up the intercellular glue that causes skin cells to stick together. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are discriminatory exfoliaters, as they remove only the cells that are dead already and leave the live, healthy ones to remain.
Finding Effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid Formulations
A basic rule of thumb to determine how active an alpha hydroxy acid product is to look at both the concentration of AHA and the pH of the product. An effective concentration should contain at least 8% alpha hydroxy acid with a pH between 2.5 and 4.0. A pH of up to 4.5 is acceptable on products with high concentrations of 20-25%. Products for use at home should never contain over 25% alpha hydroxy acid. For those desiring to use concentrations of over 15%, a doctor's supervision is required.
Can I use Alpha Hydroxy Acids with other products?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are ideal for use with other products since they can enhance the penetration of ingredients into the skin. The one important thing to watch out for and be wary of are signs of irritation. It is always better to be careful with your skin and avoid overdoing it. Irritation and inflammation can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and result in damage to the skin.
FREE TRIAL!!!!
Liposomes Wrinkle Toning Creme
with Alpha-Hydroxy & Sunscreen
Click here to order today!
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TIP: Don't use an Alkaline (with a pH of 7 or higher), cleanser, foundation, etc. in conjunction with an AHA product. It will negate the acid component within the Alpha Hydroxy Acids, therefore making it ineffective. Harsh scrubs and cleansing grains and tanning should be avoided since they tend to negate the positive effects of AHAs.
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