Alpha
Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acid products excel at exfoliating the
skin
Alpha-
and Beta-Hydroxy Acid products excel as
exfoliators to reveal younger looking
skin
Top Anti-Aging/Anti- Wrinkle Products > AHA/BHA
Products
Alpha-Hydroxy and Beta-Hydroxy Acid Products:
Excellent Exfoliators
Both Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy
Acids (BHAs) help improve the appearance of dry or sun
damaged skin by removing the built-up outer layer of skin,
revealing the healthier skin cells below. They can give the
appearance of plumper, firmer skin and improve the skin's
texture.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid - AHA
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived
from fruit acids or they may be synthesized in a lab. Natural
alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic
acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk) and citric
acid (from citrus fruit). They have been widely researched
and shown to be effective in exfoliating
the dead cells on the outer layer of skin and promoting moisture
restoration/retention. With regular use they can help reduce
appearance of sun damage. The
most widely used AHAs are lactic acid and glycolic acid. They
have been well researched and have superior ability in penetrating
the skin. There is evidence they can help rebuild collagen.
AHAs are water-soluble and work with all
skin types. AHAs work best in a base with a pH level of 3-4.
Over the counter they are commonly available in concentrations
up to 10%. A concentration of 5-8% is recommended. Lower levels
won't have much effect. High concentrations of 20% and even
40-50% are available from dermatologists and are used under
doctor's supervision because they can be very irritating at
these high levels.
It is essential to use sun screen when using
AHA products because they can cause increased photosensitivity.
Best AHA Products
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion
Neostrata Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15, AHA 10
Beta Hydroxy Acid - BHA - Salicylic Acid
Beta hydroxy acid is another organic acid that works
deeper in the skin to help unclog pores and reduce the look
of fine lines. Beta Hydroxy Acids are anti-inflammatory, making
them ideal for skin that tends to break out. Beta Hydroxy
Acids are oil soluble. Salicylic acid, derived from
willow bark, is a widely used BHA, for exfoliation as well
as for acne treatment
and as an anti inflammatory. BHAs are most effective at 1%-2%
concentration and a pH level of 3.
Best Salicylic Acids (BHA)
Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper
ProActiv Solution Clarifying Night Cream
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment
Recommended
Merchants:
There are many AHA and BHA products on the market. Here are
some products to look for: Cellex-C, DDF Labs, Generation
Gold by BeautiControl, GreatSkin, Gly Derm, Hydroderm, MD
Forte, MD SkinCare, Neostrata. The following sites
carry these products as well as many more anti-aging skincare
products:
drugstore.com. - Get free 2-Day shipping with your $100 drugstore.com order! Offer ends 06.10.08.is a one-stop shopping site for skincare products including
a variety of Neutrogena AHA/BHA formulations, other anti-aging skincare
products and wrinkle creams, moisturizers, vitamins, bath
and cosmetics and more. They carry most of the major brands
from the "drugstore" variety to higher end specialty
skincare products like Hydroderm Beverly Hills Wrinkle
Reducer. Their website features a women's health guide
as well as vitamin and herb guides. Free 3-day shipping with
purchases $49 and over.
GreatSkin.com
features their own products as well MD Forte, as a
number of physician-prescribed products such as BioMedic.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C products, particularly
the physician-recommended Skinceuticals line. The site
offers skincare articles, Q&A's, special sales and a "tip
of the month."
One of Oprah's Favorites of 2007. Clarisonic™ is the dermatologists' choice for soft, silky skin. The Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is clinically proven to be more than twice as effective as cleansing by hand. It leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother and it's gentle enough to be used twice daily. Great for all skin types.
C6 Peptide once-a-day anti-aging
treatment uses state-of-the-art peptide technology (more advanced than
StriVectin) plus vitamins C & E, green tea extract and Kinetin to make
skin look smoother, more radiant, refine pores and diminish wrinkles.
Actress Uma Thurman's "secret
skin-protecting weapon." A topical anitoxidant that provides unprecedented
8 times the skin's natural photoaging protection.
DDF
Wrinkle Relax
- As seen on CNN. A combination of Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3,
two anti-aging peptides to help prevent fine lines and reduce appearance
of wrinkles. Increases collagen and elastin. Helps prevent premature
aging. Visible results within two weeks.
SkinMedica
TNS Recovery Complex
