Learn How Alpha Hydroxy Acid Can Restore Your Skin

Could Alpha Hydroxy Acid Restore Youth?

Great you’ve awoken to find another wrinkle begin to form, you just don’t understand why. You have a carefully curated skin care regime involving: cleansing, toning and moisturization; but, the wrinkles seem to appear in clusters. Now there’s no fighting mother nature in this case, but you can help restore once vibrant functions to perform more effectively.

If one of your top concerns is anti-aging prevention: then considering incorporating AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) based products in to your skin care regime if you want to achieve sustainable results. Now there are a number of anti-aging ingredients that can aid in the production of collagen, elastin and increase cell turnover; but, AHA could be considered your new best friend. Here is just an overview of what it is, the benefits it provides and product recommendations to start using now.

[Link: 6 Anti-Aging Ingredients You Should Be Using]

What Is Alpha Hydroxy Acid?

For starters this acid is naturally derived from foods high in sugar such as: “raw sugarcane, pineapple, cantaloupe”,  It is found in compounds such as “glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid” Glycolic acid can be found in sugar compounds, while lactic acid can be found in dairy products (sorry to those lactose intolerant folks!)

The long term use of this product has to the increased density of collagen and overall quality of elastic fibers. Why is this important? Well collagen and elastin are the properties that help skin hold its firm shape and it is the reason why we don’t have to worry about our skin becoming detached from our muscles. It is truly nature’s universal glue but as we age, the production slows down drastically leading to the appearance of wrinkles.

How Does it Actually Work?

Well as graphic as this sounds: acids are tasked with the duty of dissolving things. Take your stomach for example; it is full of acidic juices constantly at work breaking down food particles into sustainable fuel for our bodies. Same principle applies here, essentially AHA’s dissolve away  dead layers of skin, you see when you have layers upon layers of dead skin it leads to dull looking skin. Our skin is broken into 3 layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat.  AHA works to remove the layers of dead skin that lead to dull looking skin as it works as a natural exfoliate dissolving away dull skin to reveal a glowing complexion and prompt cell production.

 Product Recommendations 

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliation Cleanser, Step 1 Cleanse/Tone

Usually exfoliators contain rough beads that can too rough for skin (think of crushed walnut shells) and they cause microscopic cuts that can create gaps in skin for bacteria to enter and wreck havoc on your complexion. I really like this product because it uses Jojoba beads that are really fine but mirror that “scrub like” sensation that really lifts dirt and grime. Another plus? Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acid are all toward the top of the ingredient list (whenever reading labels, larger quantities are listed first and so on). This also is targeted for those with oily skin because of its amazing ability to shrink pores and reduce shine along the T-zone.  I find that it works best as something to use 1-2 times per week otherwise you don’t give your skin to recover from the constant exfoliation.

                COST: $ 19.50

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser by Body Merry

This is another product that doubles as an acne cleanser with Willow Bark extract to soothe redness and reduce bumps! This cleanser is incredibly gentle as it foams and has a light clean scent that works to remove even waterproof makeup!  After using for about 2 weeks, I noticed a dramatic difference in the appearance of redness I have from Rosacea and the texture of my skin became smoother with each application.

                COST: $15.00

Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin by Cosmedica Skincare

This product is infused with Hyaluronic Acid (anti-aging powerhouse) and works to plump the appearance of skin in turn reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Now I am in my mid 20’s and have already begun to notice the appearance of fine lines around my eyes (aka Crow’s feet) and the slight formation of smile lines. After using this product for nearly 2 weeks I can honestly say that I saw the appearance of lines reduce and the pores around my nose area have also shrunk. I now have a glowy dew like skin rather than excessively oily skin.

                COST: $14.49

AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion

Now your face isn’t the only place where signs of aging can start to show, the rest of your body needs TLC too! This product is formulated with as much as 12% Lactic Acid to keep your skin hydrated and smooth!

Here is what Amazon reviewer,  Jane Houston had to say about her experience using this product:

“This is amazing stuff. This lotion helps eliminate that crapy skin of old age. I am very sensitive to everything so I had to build up to daily use, but well worth the effort. All my skin looks fresh without all that manual exfoliation. My skin is super soft with no bumpy stuff.”

COST: $10.25

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Cream

This product is probably one the most potent formulations of Glycolic Acid without having to obtain a prescription. It contains as much as 10% with a PH level hovering around 4 (skin is slightly acidic and maintaining this level keeps it at in a state of equilibrium.  This product is also great for reducing the look of hyper-pigmentation, acne scars and rough patches.  The potency of this product has the ability to shave years off your face as it moisturizes (the consistency is really lightweight and melts into pores without leaving a greasy layer!)

Cost: $15.55