Friday, February 27, 2009

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

What exactly are Alpha Hydroxy Acids? Also known as fruit acids, AHA's are naturally occurring molecules which are derived from such substances as fruit, milk, and sugar cane.

Glycolic, malic, citric, tartaric and lactic are some of the natural alpha hydroxy acids being used today for treatment of the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are safe and natural, but they are not moisturizers. They penetrate the skin and work to repair damaged skin.

Research has shown that alpha hydroxy acids can actually stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Collagin and elastin are the fibers which give the skin its elasticity and strength, which, when we are born, are healthy.

As with most everything else, as we age, the sun, gravity and facial movement all weaken and damage these important fibers, and after adulthood the body has very little capacity to replace them. The collagin fibers that give our skin the ability to smile, talk, laugh and eat just simply wear out.

Fruit acids have been shown to help restore strength and elasticity to the skin by stimulating the production of new collagen. Researchers have discovered that alpha-hydroxy acids or AHA's can work miracles for all skin types.

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