What is Alpha Hydroxy?
Alpha hydroxy is a familiar name to those seeking youthful skin; it is one in a long line of wonder ingredients in cosmetics and skin care products. Alpha hydroxy acids are an entire family of acids, which can be derived from fruit, milk or sugar. The most widely used in skin care is glycolic acid (made from sugar) and lactic acid (made from milk). These Alpha hydroxy acids are also called fruit or citric acids; women have been using lemon juice for ‘bleaching’ freckles for centuries. Surprisingly, to those hardened by years of over-hyped product claims, alpha hydroxy does just what it claims it will. Alpha hydroxy works by exfoliating the skin; that is, causing the surface skin cells to slough off, revealing newer, less damaged skin cells beneath. This can be done in a dermatologist’s office, using a high concentration of Alpha hydroxy acid, in which case it is known as a ‘chemical peel’. Lower concentrations of AHA applied over a longer period of time have a similar effect, but can t
Alpha hydroxy acids are used to rejuvenate skin. They work as an exfoliant to shed dead skin cells in order for new skin to grow. Milk and fruit sugars naturally produce alpha hydroxy acids. Because they are easily absorbed by skin, lactic acid and glycolic acid are the two most popular types of alpha hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids are commonly found in cleansers, masks, moisturizers, and toners.
