AHAs (or Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) are natural chemicals found in fruits, sour milk and sugar cane that are popular ingredients in anti-ageing products because they gently dislodge old cells on the skin's surface, allowing new, fresher looking cells underneath to show through, making the skin look more youthful.

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Topically applied alpha hydroxy acids thin the outer stratum corneum (lower layer of skin) making it more compact and flexible. They, however, have been shown to substantially increase the overall thickness of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) which is accompanied by increased collagen production.

Glycolic Acid from Sugar Cane, Lactic Acid from Milk , Citric Acid from Citrus Fruits , Tartaric Acid from Grapes, Malic Acid from Apples , Mandelic Acid from Almonds

With time and sun exposure there is a gradual slow-down in the rate at which old cells leave the surface of the skin and are replaced by newer cells. This results in a surface layer of dead skin cells that leaves skin looking tired, dull, and rough - anything but glowing.

AHAs exfoliate, increase the thickness of skin & encourage new collagen formation. While it is true that AHAs exfoliate, contributing to softer more even-toned skin, the clinical effects of AHAs in lessening the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage are in part due to increased skin thickness and new collagen formation. AHAs treat a number of skin conditions.

If you discontinue the use of your AHA product, your skin will slowly revert to its original condition.

AHAs are not simple moisturizers but exfoliants that actually affect a change in the skin to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tones, etc. Just like many dermatological procedures irritate the skin for a period, AHAs may cause some level of irritation at the onset of use. Glycolic Acid, the most effective in the treatment of aging or sun-damaged skin has the highest level of irritation along with the highest level of results.

Since AHAs are fruit acids and do not enter the blood stream, concentrations under 15% should be safe for use during pregnancy. However, it is always best to let your physician have the final word about â??anyâ?? products you use when trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy or when breast feeding.

Teens are exposed to the sun and environmental pollutants just like anyone else. Exfoliation is quite beneficial for a teenagerâ??s skin as removing damaged cells helps unclog pores.

Sun exposure and environmental pollutants affect all skin types and colors. AHA exfoliation is quite beneficial in smoothing the skin, helping balance skin tones, as well as alleviating blotchiness. Irritation, however, can cause hyperpigmentation in some darker skin tones and the skin of those who are of Asian, Indian or Spanish decent is more susceptible to irritation. Taking things a bit slower and gradually building up to a higher percentage AHA should yield the desired results.

If you are experiencing dryness, tightness and/or peeling, you will probably want to include a moisturizer in your skin care routine. Once those conditions subside, you may find that you no longer need an additional moisturizer.

Exfoliating your skin with AHAs prior to using a self-tanner will help make the effects of self-tanners much smoother and more even.

Though it would probably be just fine to start using AHAs while taking a prescription drug, it is always best to consult your physician before changing any part of your routine when under medical attention.

Alpha hydroxy acids are not just for women. Men love using AHAs. Not only do AHAs reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tones, they also make skin softer, smoother and less dehydrated. Men also find that AHAs help them avoid the occurrence of tiny shaving bumps and actually make shaving easier.

AHAs (alphahydroxy acids) are popular chemical exfoliant skin-care products because they slough off dead skin cells and increase the skin-cell turnover rate allowing newer, fresher cells to come to the surface. Unfortunately, acidic exfoliants like glycolic acid and retinol cream are so strong they may irritate your skin. acid-free exfoliant, Restore Creme, delivers comparable results without the sting and irritation of AHAs and actually has a calming effect on your skin.

Since sun damage is a major factor in the premature aging of skin, you need to wear a sunscreen whether or not you use AHAs. However, use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher during sun exposure is a must when using alpha hydroxy acids and for a week after you discontinue use of products containing them. Remember, AHAs reveal younger, fresher skin cells and they are more vulnerable than the old dead skin cells that were glued to the top of the skin before you started using AHAs.

AHAs are ideal for use with other products since they can enhance or enable the penetration of ingredients into the skin. However, watch for irritation. It is usually best to alternate the application of AHA products, prescription skin products or other anti-aging formulas. This is especially important with products like Retin-A, Renova, Retinol, and some acne control products. Avoid overdoing it â?" more is not always better.

Lack of tingling does not mean your AHA product has quit working. Once your skin has become accustomed to AHAs, you will notice little (if any) tingling. However, an occasional tingling may reoccur if your skin has been exposed to too much sun or been damaged by wind, excessive environmental pollutants, etc.

Products that contain low percentages of AHA, types of AHAs with large molecular structures and products that have an overall high pH level will act only as a simple moisturizer.

Your skin is exposed more directly to ultra violet rays in a tanning bed than in the sun, so the damaging effects are worse. Sunscreen is an ABSOLUTE must.

AHAs exfoliate the skin by working low in the stratum corneum, loosening the bonds that hold dead cells on the skin. This stimulates new cell growth, allowing fresh cells to surface without the risk of breaking down small capillaries in the skin and the harshness associated with microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a more aggressive treatment of the skin, yet it removes only the surface dead skin.

Though using a cleanser containing AHAs may temporarily bring a little natural color to your skin and will do a wonderful job preparing skin for the use of an AHA treatment product, rinsing AHAs down the drain will not effect a lasting change in your skinâ??s condition. In order to do the serious work of improving the skin, AHAs need to be left on.

First, make sure that what you are experiencing is a blemish, not a rash. A rash indicates an allergic reaction, whether it be to the AHAs, a change in detergent, something you ate, etc. However, the appearance of a few blemishes when changing skin care or cosmetic products is not uncommon and nothing to be concerned about.

Hydroxy Acids are naturally occuring complexes derived from food sources such as fruit, milk, honey or suger cane. They remove the top layer of dead skin cells and moisturize the skin. Additionally, AHAs and BHAs help in new cell generation helping skin to look and feel younger.