What really works?

[amylou]

I am at the point now where my acne is subsiding,...i just have these dark spots on my face...i have been using neosporin and vitamin e oil..but what else really will help me?

[lauryn]

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."

. 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.