What are alpha-hydroxy acids and skin exfoliation?
Low-concentration alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid (called cosmetic acids) are chemicals promoted to improve signs of photoaging such as rough skin surface texture, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation. Home use of cosmetic acids originally became popular because they provide quick results on areas of rough skin by peeling off or exfoliating the upper layers of the epidermis, exposing smoother skin underneath. In addition, numerous medical studies have also shown that use of low-concentration cosmetic acids results in improvements to the structure of the epidermis and the upper dermis and modest improvements in skin texture and fine lines. They may also stimulate the growth of collagen. See for example, “Epidermal and Dermal Effects of Topical Lactic Acid,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 35(3 Pt 1), 388-391, 1996 Sep; and “Topical 8% Glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic Acid Creams for the Treatment of Photodamaged Skin: A Double-Blind Vehicle-Controlled Clinical
