Alpha Hydroxy Acid Review

Overview

The words “Alpha Hydroxy Acids”, are an umbrella term used to refer to a number of acids such as Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid and Mixed Fruit Acids. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are used in various concentrations in assorted chemical peels currently on the market. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are also used as ingredients in anti-aging face creams, due to their supposed ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Product Details

Many women choose to have chemical peels as their main anti aging treatment. Trained skin care professionals administer chemical peels using products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids concentrations of between twenty and thirty percent. If you choose to have a chemical peel using a product that includes Alpha Hydroxy Acids you will need to have the peel repeated at least every three to six months as chemical peels are not permanent anti-aging solutions.

A very common side effect of peels containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids is swelling and redness, some people have also experienced oozing of the skin. Regarding creams that include Alpha Hydroxy Acid as an ingredient, an investigation by the Food and Drugs Administration concluded that using these creams made those using them more sensitive to Ultra Violet rays. The Food and Drugs Administration also stated that products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids are not suitable for those who have sensitive skins. Anyone with sensitive skin should always test any product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid that they wish to use on a small patch of skin first, before applying it to their face.

The Good

• Anti aging face creams containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids are available online.
• Chemical peels containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, do have a temporary wrinkle diminishing effect on some people.
• The legal amount of Hydroxy Acids that can be used in products is strictly regulated.

The Bad

• Skin products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids are not suitable for sensitive skin.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acid use increases sensitivity to Ultra Violet Rays and users are advised to use serious sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
• Chemical skin peels which include Alpha Hydroxy Acid as one of the ingredients can cause swelling, soreness and redness.

The Bottom Line

Although chemical skin peels that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids can temporarily reduce fine line and wrinkles, it is not a permanent solution, and some people have experienced a number of unpleasant side effects with chemical peels. Anti-aging skin creams that contain this substance are not really suitable for those who spend a great deal of time in the sun, due to the fact that they increase sensitivity to Ultra Violet rays. A number of skin experts are now also saying that products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids may actually damage the skin rather than help it. We would suggest that all those who wish to use products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids should do so with caution, especially if you know that you have sensitive skin.