the biggest difference between the two hydroxyl acids is their lipid (oil) solubility. alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water soluble and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil soluble. BHAs are able to penetrate deeper into the pore, which contains sebum and helps to control exfoliation of the dead skin cells that build up inside the pore. salicylic acid is the only BHA known for the treatment of acne and acne-prone skin types.

AHA'S break the bonds between weakened skin cells, making it easy to exfoliate them and encourage the production of new cells. *In a clinical study conducted at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, it was determined that using a glycolic treatment (containing at least 25% glycolic acid) lead to a 25% increase in skin thickness, improved quality of elastic fibers and an increased density of collagen. See similar questions...

Beta Hydroxy Acids is a term used for a group of acids, and one of them is salicylic acid. When a cosmetic or skin preparation says "beta hydroxy acid", there is a very strong likelihood that it contains salicylic acid. Alpha Hydroxy acids are salicylate free. Any other igredient that has the word "hydroxy" attached is fine. top See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

No, not at all! Amino acids are the basic compounds for every component, of every plant or animal on Earth. Amino acids are the organic miracles that enable life to exist. Alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids are derived from fruits, and are designed to dissolve the chemical bonds on your skin. They are a harsh and damaging way to accomplish exfoliation. They also make the skin sensitive to the sun. Its an outdated and dangerous way to treat the delicate surface layers of your skin! See similar questions...

Skin constantly undergoes a natural renewal cycle: dead surface cells eventually flake off and are replaced by newer cells underneath. Until your body sheds them in a process called exfoliation, these dry surface cells are what make skin look dull and pale. When we are young, our skin sheds these cells at a more rapid rate. This cycle slows with age, and more dead cells accumulate on the surface. See similar questions...

Our Beta-Ginseng anti-aging products are specifically formulated for even the most sensitive faces. Our products help to protect the skin and promote regeneration. They contain no Retin-A or aggressive alpha hydroxy acids. Our formulas are pH balanced to ensure their compatibility with delicate skin. They are also enriched with skin soothing ingredients such as kola nut extract, licorice extract, and echinacea. See similar questions...

Applied topically, these products cause an increased amount of shedding and can thin the skin significantly. It is not recommended that you sugar of wax the areas where these medications are applied. Wait at least 3 months after the discontinuation of these products before sugaring or waxing. You're removing the hair by the root...it will probably sting a bit. If you keep a regular schedule, most clients say the pain decreases significantly. See similar questions...

If you stop using an alpha-hydroxy product, your skin simply returns to the exfoliation cycle it experienced before you starting using the product. See similar questions...

Tretinoin (Retin A®, Avita®) and other retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This is due to exfoliation (shedding) of top layers of skin. Sensitivity decreases over several months. Strict sun avoidance is not mandatory, although excessive exposure should be avoided. There are many noncomedogenic (non-acne-producing) moisturizers with sunscreens (both UVA and UVB protection is best) that should be applied daily, regardless of retinoid use. See similar questions...

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) works from the uppermost layer of the skin, dissolving skin layer by layer. AHAs work at the lowermost levels of the stratum corneum. Salicylic Acid, a BHA, is most frequently used in wart removal and acne products. See similar questions...

We are generally against the physician-based practice of combining Retin-A with minoxidil. The reason some doctors do this is to get around the law that prevents a doctor, who sells medication in his office, from marking up the price of an individual medication more than 10%. The doctor, however, has the ability to charge anything that he/she wants if he makes his own formulation. See similar questions...

There are some Ageless Woman® products that contain an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like glycolic or lactic acid. These products are indicated by a Sun Burn Alert and it is recommended that you use a daily sunscreen to safe guard against skin sensitivity. Using a sunscreen daily is an excellent way to reduce the signs of aging and damage caused by sun exposure. Products containing AHA: new awakening™ toner & lift me up™ cream. See similar questions...

This is not advised, as the skin will become red and irritated. The Bare Skin™ program is designed to prevent this. See similar questions...

You should not have micro derma brasion if you've used a alphahydroxy acid (AHA) product in the last 14 days because the two exfoliating procedures combined are too aggressive and might affect your skin's ability to recover. This applies to self systems and office treatment. See similar questions...

The use of topical or even oral retinoid medications can result in peeling or tearing of the top layer of skin during a waxing procedure. This can occur with cold as well as hot wax. While on these medications, it is best to use an alternative form of hair removal, such as tweezing, electrolysis, laser, or a chemical depilatory. To continue reading the above article, please use the links below. You can also locate a physician near you, by using our MDLocator tool. See similar questions...

Alpha acids are bittering compounds found in hops that are extracted when hops are boiled with wort. The alpha acid "rating" on hops describes how much of the weight of the hop is made up of alpha acids. Hops with a higher alpha acid content will contribute more bitterness than a low alpha hop when using the same amount of hop. HBU stands for "Homebrew Bitterness Unit", which is a recipe unit for hops. See similar questions...

Yes, after the procedure area has completely healed. If done too early, the alpha hydroxyl acids may cause an adverse reaction making the skin overly sensitive. Use of Retin-A, steroid creams, glycolic acids, kojic acids, and any other exfoliating peels will thin the skin. Use of these products should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to the cosmetic tattoo procedure. See similar questions...

To the contrary, it is simplicity itself. Operators become fully familiar and comfortable with the AGRO-JET® within the first hour or two of use. See similar questions...

Retin-A may certainly be used while using any of the Theraderm home maintenance products, but should be discontinued two weeks prior to in-office peels of any sort. For better results and less irritation, a milder strength of Retin-A should be used with any type of alpha-hydroxy acid, such as the lactic acid in the Fruit Acid Exfoliant. See similar questions...