Monday, January 19, 2009

All about Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Anti Wrinkle Creams

By Julie Samtsonn

Alpha Hydroxy Acids in anti wrinkle creams became popular in the early 90's as a way to combat over exposure to the sun and elements in an ever-increasing, age-sensitive generation. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are found naturally in certain fruits and milk products, so it was believed they were safe due to their natural occurrence. Recent arguments have been that it is important that skin that has been exposed to acid peels, natural or not, is more sensitive to sun exposure and could increase the risks of skin cancers.

Because wrinkles are caused by dead, dry surface skin cells that shrivel and are no longer hydrated and plump, the alpha hydroxy acid control methods slough off this dead skin and allow younger, new skin to surface. This is a topical solution that rids the appearance of the dead skin, however, natural aging shortens the life of the skin cell's ability to retain its vitamins, elastin and collagen.

Repetitive facial gestures like squinting or pursed lips from smoking can cause smile lines or frown lines, forming a ripple effect over time that effects skin cells. Topical anti aging or anti wrinkle creams together with Alpha Hydroxy acids, may only be a short-term fix.

Basically, alpha hydroxy acids are an exfoliate, removing the outer, older, dead skin and making the underneath, alive skin cells surface, which do not show the finer lines that often first start to surface. Because some persons may be sensitive to the acid treatment, based on the ph of their skin, it may cause redness, blistering or itchiness, which may worsen the skin condition.

It is vital to understand if this is a good method to select for anti-aging creams or anti-wrinkle creams, based on an individual's skin type. A person that already has dry skin, this could case more dryness in the skin and more flakiness, the person in question may require a hydrating or moisturizing cream treatment instead. If you do not have a dermatologist recommendation to try alpha hydroxy acids, you might want to check that this is the proper method for you, instead of deep moisturizing treatments.

Many of the over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid treatments may come in the form of a microdermabrasion kit, which essentially removes the thinner, outer layer of skin with the application of the chemical peel, and then is followed by a neutralizer to stop the acid action, followed by a deep moisturizer, or anti aging cream or anti wrinkle cream, depending on what kit you are using.

This treatment has been proven to give the appearance of younger skin in the subjects it is suited for, and is considered a temporary fix, as many topical treatments are. Price is not the best guide to judge effectiveness of an anti aging cream or anti wrinkle cream, usually testimonials from unbiased users are a good method. Normally, it is best to do research on the results of different approaches and cease if any type of redness, flakiness or itchiness remains for more than a day or two. - 15252

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