Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetic Products You Use

Every woman who uses skin moisturizer, ointment, or facial treatment, or who subscribes to a women's magazine, surely knows about alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids - which are obtained from natural products, such as sugar cane, milk sugars, or fruits - are noted for their quality of being able to make the skin appear newer or fresher. In the same way that retinoic acids work, alpha hydroxy acids peel off dead skin cells and accelerate their replacement. There is no proof, however, that alpha hydroxy acids can increase the production of collagen in the body.

It isn't enough though that one is aware of what alpha hydroxy acids are, how they work, or what they can do. The more important thing to be aware of is that not all cosmetic products are made equal in terms of the concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids that are present in them. Some cosmetic products contain concentrations of the acids much higher than others. About ten years ago, the cosmetics industry's Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel inferred that cosmetic products having concentrations of ten percent or less of alpha hydroxy acids are safe for consumer use. This conclusion became the basis for the cosmetics industry's specific guideline that all cosmetic products sold over the counter should have concentrations of no more than ten percent of alpha hydroxy acids.