Alphahydroxy acids - Acne Treatment by Alphahydroxy acids

Alphahydroxy acids are derived from a variety of sources, including sugarcane, milk, and fruit.

Refined by chemist Eugene Van Scott, Ph.D., in the 1970s,these mild, natural acids improve the look and feel of skin by gently removing the dead skin cells and possibly regenerating collagen. Dr. Van Scott's discovery failed to interest physicians during the 1970s and 1980s.In the 1990s when Retin-A became recognized as a rejuvenating agent, dermatologists realized that the alpha hydroxy acids might be useful for wrinkles.

(Retin-A is an acne medicine that also happens to reduce fine wrinkles.)

It is likely that the antiaging effects of alpha hydroxyl acids were known in the ancient world. Twenty centuries before Dr. Van Scott was born, Cleopatra was supposed to have bathed in fermented wines (that contained alphahydroxy acids) in order to maintain her youthful glow. Ancient Egyptians were also reported to have used sour milk (which contains the alphahydroxy acid, lactic acid) to keep their skin softer.

Today the two most commonly used alphahydroxy acids are glycolic acid and lactic acid. (Glycolic acid has the better track record.) Topical agents of these acids are available over the counter, while prescription-strength agents may be purchased at your dermatologist's office.

Over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acids are available in a pure form or in combination with moisturizers. These help exfoliate your skin and make it youthful looking. Over-the counter glycolic acids generally contain less than 10 percent "free" glycolic acid (the amount of acid immediately available to work directly on your skin). Prescription-strength glycolic acids generally contain more than 10 percent free acid concentration.

Some studies suggest ,that the stronger alphahydroxy acid products prescribed by dermatologists increase the flow of blood to your skin and help create new skin cells and collagen. This growth of new skin cells and new collagen helps improve sun-damaged skin beyond the mere exfoliation effected by over-the-counter alphahydroxy acids.

After several months of applications, prescription alphahydroxy acids can reduce wrinkles and. brown, blotchy spots. These acids can also be used with the antiwrinkle cream Renova to achieve an even greater reduction of sun damage.

How do alphahydroxy acids compare to Renova?

Consistent application of alphahydroxy acids will improve the look of your skin; however, today most dermatologists believe that they are less effective than Renova; that the daily use of topical, prescription-strength glycolic acid is roughly about half as effective as the daily use of Renova. Alphahydroxy acids and Renova can be used together for better effect-provided they are applied at different times of the day.

Glycolic acid is also available in superficial chemical peels, sometimes called "lunchtime peels," in salons and in prescription strength at your dermatologist's office. Salon peels are not as strong as those applied at a dermatologist's office.

While peels are much stronger than lotions and creams (with the same ingredient) applied daily, their effects lessen after a few weeks unless they are repeated. A daily regimen of skin rejuvenation products such as alphahydroxy acids or Renova enhances the effect of these peels.

• Alexandrite laser
• Alloderm
• Alphahydroxy acids
• Amniotic fluid
• Antioxidants
• Chemical peels
• Cellulite
• CO2 laser
• Color wheel
• Collagen