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.

Natural Beauty Secrets - Homemade Facial Cleansers

By Linda Robison

One of the best natural beauty secrets is to make and use your own homemade facial cleanser. Its also a great way to save money. The best type of cleanser should include natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) because they help exfoliate and dissolve old dead, pore clogging skin cells. This make the skin looks smoother, clear, healthier and able to absorb moisturizers and anti-aging creams better.

AHAs are found in a number of foods including milk, sugar, lemon juice, pineapple, vinegar, and tomato juice ....to name a few. An AHA type homemade facial cleanser is also helpful for oil skin because it helps clear and unclog pores and blackheads.

For a Dry skin homemade facial cleanser - mix 3 tablespoons of whole milk and 1 full tablespoon of sugar into a paste. Then scrub this all over your face and neck and rinse well.

Apply your best moisturizer. Your skin is exfoliated and super clean is able to absorb the moisturizer much better now. Use this only a few times a week if your skin is extremely dry or sensitive.

For oily skin your homemade cleanser should contain - 2 tablespoons of baking soda along with either lemon juice or tomato juice. If you have lots of blotches and red spots, use the lemon juice. Mix enough juice so that you can form a thick paste. Rub this paste well all over your face including your nose and cheek area where you tend to have the most oil or blackheads and whiteheads.

Be sure to rinse well and apply a moisturizer formulated for oily skin only. If though your skin is oily, you want to keep it soft and hydrated which is why a specially formulated moisturizer is important.

A homemade cleanser for normal skin - can include any type of AHA you have in the house, just as long as you add a mild abrasive like sugar, oatmeal, baking soda or crush almonds. Sources of AHA include: milk (low fat or whole), lemons, oranges, pineapples, vinegar, and yogurt.

Mix these ingredients to form a paste and scrub the face. Make sure to rinse well and follow with a moisturizer. Using a wash cloth give even more exfoliating results. Your skin will feel smooth and look clearer and healthier.

You can also use these ingredients to make all types of facials. Homemade facials are easy, cheap and great way to improve your complexion.

As a senior research consultant for an anti-aging organization, L.M. Robison provides many anti aging skin tips including facial exercises, acne scar healing, beauty product reviews, plastic surgery mistakes and more. For free Homemade Facial Cleanser Recipes visit Wrinkle Free Skin Tips

Article Source: ezinearticles.com/