Alpha Hydroxy Acid Review

Alpha-hydroxy acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) are weak natural acids found in several different plants extracts and fruits, and provide beneficial effects for the health of your skin. Several of the most common Alpha Hydroxy Acid used for skin care include glycolic, lactic, malic acid and citric acid. When used topically, these acids improve the strength, health and appearance of skin, and have been used therapeutically to treat skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Sometimes Alpha Hydroxy Acid are confused with chemical peals, but in fact they are far gentler and more holistic than chemical or pharmaceutical treatments. Alpha Hydroxy Acid products provide care, management and protection for your skin, and stimulate natural healing mechanisms.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Alpha Hydroxy Acid has several benefits for the cosmetic appearance as well as the health of the skin. First and foremost, Alpha Hydroxy Acid works as a gentle acid peel to help the exfoliation of the skin. While chemical peels may cause a more dramatic peeling off of layers of skin, Alpha Hydroxy Acid is a much weaker acid which stimulates natural exfoliation to increase while also supporting the new growth of skin underneath. Secondly, Alpha Hydroxy Acid improves moisturization of the skin.

Some of the earliest studies on the effects of using alpha hydroxy acid on the skin focused on its effects on dryness. By helping to remove the superficial layers of the skin that can be dry and sun-damaged, Alpha Hydroxy Acid reveals healthier skin cells underneath while maintaining proper moisture levels. Thickness and integrity of the skin is also increased from using Alpha Hydroxy Acid, as studies have shown that application of Alpha Hydroxy Acid increases the production of collagen within the skin.

In a study published in "Archives of Dermatology" in 1996, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in the USA investigated the effects of lactic acid and glycolic acid creams on women with moderately severe photodamage. After 22-weeks, both products significantly improved the signs of photodamage in the women, and both were well-tolerated.

Skin Health

Alpha Hydroxy Acid improves the symptoms of skin conditions and diseases, as well as the cosmetic appearance of the skin. Early research into the effects of Alpha Hydroxy Acid on skin moisturization have yielded promising results, and now studies are promoting the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acid as a treatment option for acne vulgaris, dermatitis, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis and pre-cancerous skin lesions.

In a double-blind clinical trial published in "The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" in 2000, researchers confirmed that glycolic acid treatments were beneficial to patients suffering from scalp psoriasis. Patients given glycolic acid lotions were compared to those given placebo, prescribed betamethasone lotions, or a combination of glycolic acid and betamethasone. Patients on glycolic acid experienced a significant decrease in symptoms, while patients given the combination of glycolic acid and betamethasone achieved the best results in healing and necessary treatment time.

Using Alpha Hydroxy Acid For Acne

Acne is the single most prolific skin condition in the world and causes significant distress, pain and scarring in many people. While there are many facets that contribute to the presence and severity of acne in both adults and teenagers, one of the mainstays of acne treatment has always been exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. In this area, Alpha Hydroxy Acid is excellent.

In 2010 researchers from Napoli Federico II University in Italy wanted to test how effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid was when used as the sole treatment in patients with mild to moderate acne. Over 248 participants with various forms of acne were analyzed during the study, with half of them using Alpha Hydroxy Acid by itself, and the other half using Alpha Hydroxy Acid in conjunction with another prescription treatment. Both groups experienced significant benefits to acne from using Alpha Hydroxy Acid, with 64.2% of all participants noting an improvement of symptoms.

Researchers concluded that Alpha Hydroxy Acid provided a safe and reliable treatment that was effective without the use of other prescription or pharmaceutical products.

Safety Concerns

Alpha Hydroxy Acid is safe and well-tolerated by the majority of people using it, though some people can experience side effects. In a two-year study published by an independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel in 1997, a panel of researchers confirmed that glycolic acid, lactic acid citric acid were safe for topical use at concentrations up to 10%.

It is possible that you may experience stinging, burning, itching or inflammation after using Alpha Hydroxy Acid products, but these reactions should be temporary and relatively mild. Most often these reactions will be due to using an Alpha Hydroxy Acid product with a high pH. A recommended pH for daily use is 3.5 and above.

Some wash-off products like shampoos and body lotions containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid have been marketed as being able to prevent or reduce photoaging and sun damage, but at least one study has found these products to have no benefit whatsoever, as the Alpha Hydroxy Acid washes away before being able to be of any real use.

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