any alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) lotions or peels.
Also known as fruit acid or ascorbic (alpha hydroxy) acid which is essentially vitamin C.
. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are obtained from fruits such as lemons, grapes & apples, sugar cane & sour milk.
. AHAs are water-soluble & are often added to skincare products particularly lactic acid (sour milk), glycolic acid (sugar cane) & malic acid (apples). Glycolic acid penerates easily into the skin as compared to the rest of the acids because of it's small molecular size.
. AHAs are meant to improve oily skin, prevent acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, reduce acne scars, improve skin's texture & bring out radiance, treat fine lines, wrinkles & lighten freckles.
The outermost layer of our skin (which we can feel & see) is called the epidermis. The epidermis is covered with lots of dead cells. These dead cells undergo a regeneration process whereby they flake off during bathing or washing & cells from below the epidermis will surface.
However due to pollution, sun, air-conditioning, age & other environmental causes, the regeneration process slows down & causes an accumulation of dead cells. This makes the skin dry & dull.
. AHAs promote the shedding of the dead cells & instigate the renewal scene to take place in order to make skin smooth-looking & radiant.
The extent of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH (acidity), and other ingredients in the product. Most cosmetics sold to consumers contain AHAs at levels up to 10 percent. It is FDA's understanding that products with AHA concentrations of 20 percent or higher are used by trained cosmetologists for salon "mini-peels."
if you have sensitive go for a 5% concentration.
. AHAs may cause mild irritations & make skin sensitive to sunlight. Severe side-effects would occur if high concentrations of the acid (especially glycolic acid) is used. A patch test used beneath sunblock is recommended before actual use.
. Refrain from using AHA together with other products containing retinol or Vitamin C serum. Such a combination may be too harsh for the skin unless recommended by a dermatologist.
. Also, do not expect AHA to work wonders overnight, it may take months before visible results can be seen.
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lauryn
Joined: 14 Feb 2005
Posts: 47
Location: salinas, ca.
Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:07 am Post subject:
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the lotion that i use can be bought at
www.rawfood.com It's called ''AHA Brilliant Moisturizer''
Price: $24.95
Item #0777: ALL NATURAL SKIN LOTION
A Product Suitable for use by Vegetarians & Vegans
AHA Brilliant Moisturizer is excellent for combination skin and is equally effective for oily areas. It contains 5% A.H.A. (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) from natural sources of bilberry, apples, oranges, grapes, and sugar cane. All of this in a soft moisturizing base gentle enough to use around the delicate eye area.
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Wheatgerm Oil, 5% AHA! Mixed Fruit Acids, Coconut Emulsifier, Orange Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Lemon Oil, Yuzu, Neroli, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Grapefruit Seed Oil.
it smells absolutely divine and the ingredients are all natural. Plus, it's worked wonders on my skin.
i have tons of little acne scars all over my face that are terribly unsightly and it has dramatically lightened them.