What are AHAs?

[mitz]

exactly, what are they ? I think by what I know they are skin peeling agents. Is that true? any more information?

[rinda]

AHA. Acronym for alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs are derived from various plant sources or from milk. However, 99% of the AHAs used in cosmetics are synthetically derived. In low concentrations (less than 3%) AHAs work as water-binding agents. At concentrations over 4% and in a base with an acid pH of 3 to 4, these can exfoliate skin cells by breaking down the substance in skin that holds skin cells together. The most effective and well-researched AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid may also be effective but are considered less stable and less skin-friendly; there is little research showing them to have benefit for skin.

AHAs may irritate mucous membranes and cause irritation. However, AHAs have been widely used for therapy of photodamaged skin, and also have been reported to normalize hyperkeratinization (over-thickened skin) and to increase viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans content. A vast amount of research has substantially described how the aging process affects the skin and has demonstrated that many of the unwanted changes can be improved by topical application of AHAs, including glycolic and lactic acid (Sources: Cutis, August 2001, pages 135–142; Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, July 2000, pages 280–284; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, March-April 2000, pages 81–88; Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, May-June 1999, pages 111–119; Dermatologic Surgery, August 1997, pages 689–694 and May 2001 pages 1–5; Journal of Cell Physiology, October 1999, pages 14–23; and British Journal of Dermatology, December 1996, pages 867–875).

from Paula Begoun Cosmetic Ingredients dictionary
not good 4 sensitive skin

[mitz]

Hey rinda, thank you so much for your quick reply kudos to you!
Now, I am getting the idea of what AHAs exactly are. But tell me, practically, how shall I go about them in my regimen for skin care?

[vogueboy]

Originally Posted by rinda

AHA. Acronym for alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs are derived from various plant sources or from milk. However, 99% of the AHAs used in cosmetics are synthetically derived. In low concentrations (less than 3%) AHAs work as water-binding agents. At concentrations over 4% and in a base with an acid pH of 3 to 4, these can exfoliate skin cells by breaking down the substance in skin that holds skin cells together. The most effective and well-researched AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid may also be effective but are considered less stable and less skin-friendly; there is little research showing them to have benefit for skin.

AHAs may irritate mucous membranes and cause irritation. However, AHAs have been widely used for therapy of photodamaged skin, and also have been reported to normalize hyperkeratinization (over-thickened skin) and to increase viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans content. A vast amount of research has substantially described how the aging process affects the skin and has demonstrated that many of the unwanted changes can be improved by topical application of AHAs, including glycolic and lactic acid (Sources: Cutis, August 2001, pages 135–142; Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, July 2000, pages 280–284; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, March-April 2000, pages 81–88; Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, May-June 1999, pages 111–119; Dermatologic Surgery, August 1997, pages 689–694 and May 2001 pages 1–5; Journal of Cell Physiology, October 1999, pages 14–23; and British Journal of Dermatology, December 1996, pages 867–875).

from Paula Begoun Cosmetic Ingredients dictionary
not good 4 sensitive skin

... wow ...

Back to school for me

[rinda]

Originally Posted by mitz

Hey rinda, thank you so much for your quick reply kudos to you!
Now, I am getting the idea of what AHAs exactly are. But tell me, practically, how shall I go about them in my regimen for skin care?

U can use night cream that contains AHA, or serum/repair product if u want to
These products will help to boost your skin cycle. No more dull skin....

But u know? Now, some good quality cosmetic lines provide better technology than AHA, they use sugar derived (non acid) substance to improve your skin texture, this formula is quite safe for more sensitive skin.

[vogueboy]

Originally Posted by rinda

U can use night cream that contains AHA, or serum/repair product if u want to
These products will help to boost your skin cycle. No more dull skin....

But u know? Now, some good quality cosmetic lines provide better technology than AHA, they use sugar derived (non acid) substance to improve your skin texture, this formula is quite safe for more sensitive skin.

Ahh, the ever steady march of technology... I think the mice and rabbits need a break...

... Just kidding, most Corporations don't do that anymore , I don't think anyone was more surprised than I...

[dude]

Originally Posted by vogueboy

I think the mice and rabbits need a break...

LMAO

[Angela]

Most commonly used alphahydroxy acids are: glycolic acid and lactic acid.

Studies suggest that AHAs increase the flow of blood to the skin and help in creating new cells and collagen.

Regular use reduces wrinkles, brown-blotchy spots.

Improves sun-damaged skin.

Helps exfoliate the skin and get a younger looking skin.

Glycolic acid is also used in skin-peels and thus, reduce minor scars on the skin.

[tallshorty102]

if u have 'em biggo pores, i suggest usin neutrogena pore refining cleanser daily. and if u have bacne, use da body scrub by loreal 3x a week... i 4got wat it's called. but both of 'em contains AHAs. but da ingredient make ur skin sensitive 2 sun, 'member 2 apply at least spf 15 3x a day. try: loreal pure zone moisterzer. it's light, shine/oil free, spf 15, and contain ingredients 2 fight acne. good 2 go :-)