{"id":14253,"date":"2020-06-21T00:33:45","date_gmt":"2020-06-20T19:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=14253"},"modified":"2020-06-21T10:41:26","modified_gmt":"2020-06-21T05:11:26","slug":"alpha-hydroxy-acids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=14253","title":{"rendered":"Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)  Sources, Benefits &#038; Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)<\/strong>\u00a0are the combination of two compounds that consist of carboxylic acid combined with a hydroxyl group on the neighboring carbon. A natural constituent of sugar cane juice and it is also found in the lactic acid of tomato juice and sour milk. AHA treatment is known for their mildest formula for giving skin treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>AHAs includes:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/lactic-acid\/\"><strong>Lactic acid<\/strong><\/a> which is found in sour milk<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/tartaric-acid\/\"><strong>Tartaric Acid<\/strong> <\/a>which is found in grapes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/citric-acid\/\"><strong>Citric Acid<\/strong><\/a> which is found in citrus fruits<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/malic-acid\/\"><strong>Malic Acid<\/strong><\/a> which is found in apples<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/glycolic-acid\/\"><strong>Glycolic Acid<\/strong><\/a> which is commonly found in sugar cane<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/mandelic-acid\/\"><strong>Mandelic Acid<\/strong><\/a> which is found in bitter almond<\/span><\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Lactic Acid:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is one of the gentler fruit acids. It is used mainly for sensitive skin and fights acne. Lactic acid is often found in milk and other fruits such as Papaya, Grapes, Tomato, Lemon, Pineapple, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(Dosage: Yogurt and grapefruit mask can be applied weekly for better results.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Tartaric Acid:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is found in grapes and bananas in abundance. It helps smooth the skin and thus, enhances its natural glow. Champagne is derived from grapes and is a good source of <\/span>AHAs.\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Using tartaric acid as face mask works as the <\/span>detoxifying<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(DOSAGE: Mash Grapes and banana with 1-2 spoons of champagne and apply it on a face until it gets dry, and rinse it with water. Do it repeatedly for once in a week and you can see the results on your skin.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Citric Acid:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes. Citric acid\u00a0is very beneficial to skin. It lightens pigmentations and even fades acne spots from lightening pigmentation to acne spots.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(DOSAGE: Try this lemon and milk facial mask to inject some citric acid into your beauty routine.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Malic Acid:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is amply found in apples. It can reduce skin aging, help deaden acne, and promote collagen production.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(DOSAGE: Mash apple and apply it on face directly and see the results. You can also apply apple cider vinegar rather than applying apple directly.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Glycolic Acid Facial Mask:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is one of the most effective exfoliators available. It is found in sugar cane which gives life to the surface layers of the skin. Glycolic Acid is mostly used in commercial products as it is the smallest of all AHAs and thus can penetrate deep into the skin and work wonders.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(DOSAGE: Take 2 tablespoons of raw sugar, 2 tablespoons honey and \u00bd lemon juice. Mix it well and apply to the face and neck area. Rinse it with water after 5-10 minutes. (Avoid eye area) )<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Mandelic Acid:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is derived from Bitter almonds. It is used for in anti-aging and acne treatments. It is very useful in case of very sensitive and sun damaged skin. Other than this, mandelic acid is also used for the treatment of urinary infections and oral treatments. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"Sources\" style=\"font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Natural Sources of AHAs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Papaya:<\/strong>\u00a0Papaya is a very rich source of AHAs and many proteases. It helps in improving skin texture and tone. It also helps in removing skin tan. And sunburns. Other than beauty and skin, it also regulates the digestive system and improves cardio activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Pineapple:<\/strong>\u00a0It works wonders for the skin. It gives skin a lustrous look and helps in protecting the skin from acne, fine lines, sun damage and uneven skin toning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Grapes:<\/strong>\u00a0Grapes contain proanthocyanins and resveratrol that are very strong antioxidants.\u00a0 The grape seed extract applied directly on the skin provides protection against harmful ultraviolet radiations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Tomato:<\/strong>\u00a0It is an easily available source of AHAs. It can be applied to the skin directly for anti-aging. It also helps in removing sun burns and prevents skin darkening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Lemon:<\/strong>\u00a0It is used for blackhead treatments and lightening of the skin. It also prevents skin from being too much oily.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Benefits\" style=\"font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Benefits of AHAs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">AHAs are well known for their\u00a0use in cosmetics. They are used to make different skin related cosmetics such as creams, face wash, toners and many more. They are great exfoliators (removes dead cells) and increase blood flow to the skin which in turn helps in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Reducing wrinkles<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Smoothening the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Reducing the appearance of fine lines<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Improving skin texture<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Overall beautification of the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Regeneration of dead tissues<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Reducing uneven pigmentation and acne<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Treating sun damage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Alpha hydroxy acids are also used to treat extremely dry skin when this condition develops in pregnant women. (Please check with your doctor or dermatologist if in case you are pregnant before applying AHAs containing results to avoid reverse results)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Alpha_Hydroxy_Acid_work\" style=\"font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>How do AHAs work?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">The main benefits of AHAs are as below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Exfoliate the skin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Effectively remove the top layer of skin and help new skin to grow.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Reduce wrinkles, make skin smoother and can help uneven and pigmented skin become smoother and evener.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It is also believed that alpha hydroxy acids also stimulate the growth of elastin and collagen which give skin its youthful look and elasticity. Elastin and collagen in our skin cells <\/span>get<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> lost with age and incorporating <\/span>AHAs into<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> our daily skin care routine can regenerate these compounds in new cells. which get exhausted with age.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">People who have a very sensitive skin might have reverse results using alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs work best for most people in a concentration of 5% to 7%, which is found in most products that contain the AHAs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"AHAs_Peels\" style=\"font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>AHAs Peels<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">AHA peels are used for a mild effect on the skin. It removes outer layers of the skin and the skin will appear softer than before after treatment. However, for better results, re-treatments on a regular basis are required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) vs. BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here we will discuss AHAs and <a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/hot-topics\/aging\/beta-hydroxy-acids\/\"><strong>BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)<\/strong><\/a> relatively.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Values of AHAs:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Improve skin tone and texture<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Re-energize the appearance of dull and lifeless skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Values of BHA\u2019s:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Balance the oil content of your skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Treat acne<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Remove blackheads and whiteheads.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"Application_of_AHA\" style=\"font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Application<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\">For treating skin wrinkles and sunburns<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Alpha hydroxy acid products contain lactic acid, tartaric acid and glycolic acid and 8% concentration is used. The alpha hydroxy acid has also been used in a 14% solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(Dosage: You can use the lotion which has AHA in which the above-mentioned concentration twice in a day.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>For lightening acne scars<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Glycolic acid facial peels are used in the <a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/health-conditions\/acne\/\"><strong>lightening of acne scars<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(Dosage: Peels are applied the first day for 2 minutes and then you can use it for a longer time (max 5 minutes). You can also use lotion which contains glycolic acid. After 6 times application, you feel your skin looking better than before.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>For lightening brown patches<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">This peeling program is to be done for 3 months in a row.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">(Dosage: Use 10% of the glycolic acid mixed with a sunscreen to facial skin in the night for 2 weeks. 50% GA peel is to be applied three times to the face and left it for a period of 2-5 minutes each time. Stay with the first peel on the face for 2 minutes, second peel for 4 minutes and third for 5 minutes.)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Significance of AHAs in Acne Treatment<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Acne occurs when the skin produces too much oil which leads to the clogging of the pores. AHAs do not help sebaceous glands to stop producing oil from the skin but it regenerates the top layer of the skin and peels off the dead skin cells and unclog the pores. Once the top dead skin layer peels off, new and clear skin forms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">AHAs work great with the combination of benzoyl peroxide to prevent pimples to form. First, one will feel irritation on a particular spot where AHA has been applied, but it will stop a pimple there to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Guidelines<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">When you use an AHAs product, your skin becomes more prone to damage from the sun. It is highly recommended to use a high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Side_effects\" style=\"font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;\"><strong>Side Effects<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Skin irritation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Redness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Skin Discoloration<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the symptoms continue after you stop using the product for some time, try using a product that contains less of the AHA concentration. In case if it still occurs, contact a dermatologist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you have a dark complexion skin, consult your doctor before using an AHA or BHA. People with dark skin are at a higher risk for scarring and pigmentation than those who have pale complexions.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)\u00a0are the combination of two compounds that consist of carboxylic acid combined with a hydroxyl group on the neighboring carbon. A natural constituent of sugar cane juice and it is also found in the lactic acid of tomato juice and sour milk. AHA treatment is known for their mildest formula for giving [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":14731,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12666],"tags":[24546,26242],"class_list":{"0":"post-14253","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-aging","8":"tag-aging","9":"tag-alpha-hydroxy-acids"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14253"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14253\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}