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Healthier Living
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
What is all the hype?
A few weeks ago I was watching Oprah where the topic was
what kinds of foods we need to eat to be healthy as well as things
we should and shouldn't not be doing to the outside of our bodies.
One piece of information one doctor mentioned was that only products
with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) will firm up your skin and hide some
superficial wrinkles. I have to say that sparked my attention. I
have come to accept that I am not going to grow old gracefully. I
always thought it wouldn't bother me but I have to tell you it does.
I figured if I had questions about this AHA stuff maybe you did too
so I decided to do a little research and find out what I could about
AHA and let you know the real deal about it as well what products
contain AHA. |
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What is it?
AHA is an acid that is used in chemical peels. There are different
concentrations of AHA, depending on the use. Products that we buy in the
stores can have no more than 10% concentration of AHA. Trained
cosmetologists may use products on their clients that have a 20 - 30% AHA
concentration. The result of the chemical peels by cosmetologists is smaller
fine lines will fade but this process must be repeated every 3 to 6 months
to keep the same result and the skin smooth. Doctors may use products that
have a concentration of 50 to 70%. That level of concentration also erases
wrinkles and fine lines as well as superficial scars. Those results last
much longer -- anywhere from 2 to 5 years.
The more AHA used, the more skin irritation occurs. With the 50 to 70%
concentration the oozing, redness and extreme irritation occur. Remember
that episode of Sex and the City where Samantha got a chemical peel
and she was frightening little kids with the sight of her face? I don't
think I have to say anymore there.
Choosing Products
If you decide the chemical peel just isn't for you, but you still
want to use AHA in a smaller concentration, here's some tips for
choosing products:
- A general rule of thumb is pick a
product that lists AHA as the second or third ingredient. The FDA
does not require manufacturers to list the concentration of
ingredients or pH levels of their products.
- Picking a moisturizer with AHA is
probably the best way to go. AHA must be absorbed into the skin to
be effective. If you pick a cleanser you end up washing off the AHA
before it can be absorbed into the skin.
- You must use sunscreen with a 15
SPF or higher when using AHA products. Your skin is much more
sensitive and prone to burning when you are using AHA products.
Sunscreens with AHA in them are not effective.
Something I Didn't Know
Knowing what alpha hydroxy acids are listed in ingredients makes
searching for products a lot easier. Here are the names of some
common AHAs:
- glycolic acid
- lactic acid
- malic acid
- citric acid
- tartaric acid
Good luck and happy aging!!!!!!!
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