| |
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Which one may
be right
for you ?
When using Alpha Hydroxy acids or BHA's and PHA's your skin may sting for
about a week, until your skin gets used to the acid. These irritating
products actually help your skin, by turning over your skin cells. Although
if your skin turns red or rashy after using one of these products, Stop Using
It.Or if you skin is irritated or uncomfortable for longer than a
week they may be to strong for your skin.
From all of the reading I have done and talking with Karen, Start with the
PHA's. (Poly-hydroxy acid) They are very similar to Alpha Hydroxy acids but will be more
moisturizing and wont sting as much. Because they do not penetrate the skin as
well, you will not get the results as you would with the AHA's. These were
designed for sensitive skin. Start here though to see how your skin will
tolerate you new face regimen.
The next stronger one will be the BHA's. (Beta-hydroxy acid)
Having the same effect as the but Alpha Hydroxy acids come from a different sources. They
can be made from salicylic acid, wintergreen, benzoic acid, or buteric acid. Being
more irritating than the PHA's and less irritating than the AHA's. Working especially
well if you have oily skin with large pores, blemishes, and blackheads. BHA's are
good for keeping your skin clear if you have acne. Getting inside the oil gland to
exfoliate the build up of skin cells that will block the opening of the gland.
The strongest of the three are the AHA's(Alpha-hydroxy acid) There
are five types, all derived from natural or synthetic sources. Citric
from citrus fruits, Tartaric from grapes, Malic from apples,
Lactic from milk, and Glycolic from sugarcane. While they can help
remove blemishes and discoloration, they will also irritate your skin. Some AHA's
will claim to stimulate collagen production, although the scientific back up is
encouraging it is sill inconclusive.
Realize that these AHA's are moisturizers as well as exfoliates. If you
use an Alpha Hydroxy acids, you may not need another moisturizer. Most of the time AHA's are
put in a moisturizer base, and the acids themselves will increase water retention
and plump up the skin. If you do not wont AHA's in your products, look in the
ingredients for citric, tartaric, malic, lactic, or glycolic acid. You may be
Surprised.
|
