Alpha Hydroxy Lotion

all about AHA and glycolic acid skin care

Review of Alpha Hydrox AHA Lotion

Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion is one of the most inexpensive and well-known alpha hydroxy lotions available on the market. It is marketed as an anti-wrinkle treatment, but it can also be used to treat acne, scarring, and dull skin.

This AHA lotion absorbs quickly and is fragrance free, so it has less risk of irritating your skin with  extra perfumes. The efective pH is 4, close to that of your natural skin.

Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion contains concentrated glycolic acid (10%), which is on of the most effective alpha hydroxy acids. It helps to firm and smooth skin, as well as moisturize with pure vitamin E in the ingredients. This lotion should be applied once a day to safely exfoliate dead skin cells, exposing the younger, fresher looking skin underneath.

You can use this alpha hydroxy cream on your face, but it’s also beneficial for the legs, arms, and body. Expect smoother, silkier skin on any area that you choose to use it on.

Reviews on acne.org, amazon.com, and drugstore.com are overwhelmingly positive. You can expect an increase in pimples over the first week or so, as you purge the impurities in your skin. It seems to make a big difference in many users’ skin. Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion helps to promote even skin tone, reduce scars and red marks from acne, and keep breakouts to a minimum. It also helps to smooth skin and diminish blackheads.

Warning: Glycolic acid skin products at this concentration is not for use on delicate or sensitive skin. It is recommended for dry to normal skin types.

Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion retails for approximately $12.00 in US stores. It can also be found for even cheaper online (try amazon.com).

Ingredient list:
Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG 40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Laurate, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid (A Preservative), BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea

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Make Your Own Alpha Hydroxy Cream

Did you know that you can make your own alpha hydroxy cream at home? It’s incredibly cheap and effective… and the main ingredient? It’s as simple as a bottle of aspirin!

Yes, the pill we take for minor pain is made up of salicylic acid, one of the best-known alpha hydroxy acids. You could pay for an expense store-bought cream, or make your own version for cheap. Homemade alpha hydroxy cream is great for exfoliating the skin, chemically dissolving the top dead layer. It’s especially good as an acne cream, and helps to fade hyperpigmentation spots and scarring from old zits.

Here’s what you need:

  • one small bottle of aspirin (plain, uncoated)
  • water
  • spoon
  • bowl

Here’s what to do:

  1. Empty the aspirin onto a hard surface and break up the pills.
  2. Pour the aspirin pieces into your bowl. Use the spoon to crush the pills into a powder.
  3. Add a TINY bit of water.
  4. Mix well until you get a paste.

And that’s the basic formula! You can apply the paste directly in this form as a mask. Cover your whole face, leaving it on for one to two minutes. Rinse off with warm water or wipe off with a wet cloth.

For a more moisturizing alpha hydroxy lotion, mix the paste with your favorite unscented moisturizer. Some people like to use honey or olive oil instead. When blended with a lotion, you can leave the formula on for a longer time, from ten to 15 minutes before removing.

The total cost for your new alpha hydroxy acid treatment? The price of a small bottle of aspirin!

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The Scrub of Your Life: Facial Exfoliators – BellaSugar Australia (blog)

Good article talking about the difference between mechanical scrubs and AHA based exfoliators. Which one is best for your type of skin?

 

 

 


 

The Scrub of Your Life: Facial Exfoliators
BellaSugar Australia (blog)
and chemical exfoliators, which dislodge dead skin cells using mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid or salicylic acid.

 

Posted via email from alphahydroxylotion’s posterous

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Top 5 Alpha Hydroxy Cream Products

 

1. Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion

This is the bestselling alpha hydroxy lotion on Amazon.com. Alpha Hydrox is a well established and affordable brand. At 10% glycolic AHA, it is one of the least expensive lotions with this high of a percentage. It also contains vitamin E. And to top it all off, it is fragrance-free!

2. Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle 12% Glycolic AHA

If you find that the Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion is not moisturizing enough, or you need a slightly stronger concentration, this is the next step up. The Alpha Hydrox Souffle contains 12% glycolic AHA and is suited to dryer or more stubborn skin. It is fragrance-free and oil-free, with a PH of 4. This formulation also contains peptides and green tea increase skin’s firmness, and inhibit the breakdown of skin by free radicals. Another great choice from Alpha Hydrox.

 

3. Aqua Glycolic Face Cream

This heavy cream is a wonderful choice for dryer skin. The glycolic acid contained within is strong but gentle enough for most skin types. Again, as with the other top picks, Aqua Glycolic Face Cream is fragrance-free.

 

4. Glytone Body Lotion

Wow, this lotion has the highest concentration of glycolic acid on the market. Therefore it is my pick for AHA body lotion. It is very moisturizing, evens out skin tone, and can even help with ingrown hairs. The formula is thick and emollient, with absolutely no fragrance.

 

5. Acne.org AHA+

Here is a light, non-irritating lotion which is best for oily or sensitive skin. It will make your skin clearer and brighter without the stinging or irriation you can sometimes get with stronger formulations. The price is economical the accompanying regimen is invaluable (found at the website of the same name).

Fighting Age Spots With Alpha Hydroxy Lotion

Ah, the dreaded signs of aging. Everyone knows already about wrinkles as a tell-tale sign to age, but what about age spots? These are flat, brown spots that tend to appear on the skin after the age of 40. They can even start showing up earlier on Asian complexions. Age spots are also known as liver spots or sun spots, because surprise! They are largely caused by everyday exposure to UVA rays.

Now, there are two ways to go about fighting age spots. First, of course, is to prevent them in the first place! Diligent use of sunscreen can keep those spots at bay. Look for protection that includes a high defense against both UVB and UVA rays (this is important!), as it is the UVA that does the most long term damage. You should also follow the wise advice of staying out of the sun between 10am and 2pm, when the rays are the strongest. A wide brimmed hat can also help keep your face protected.

Sunscreen and lifestyle changes can only delay the signs of aging. Unless you never leave the house, you will be gradually exposed to UVA light and it is the cumulative effect that you will see in your skin. The only choice left now is to try and minimize the damage.

That is where the use of alpha hydroxy lotion comes into play. This should be your first line of defense after protection. Alpha hydroxy lotion or a heavier alpha hydroxy cream, help renew the skin cells and encourage a turnover of the old, discoloured damaged oes. With over the counter formulations, the effect is gradual. It takes patience and discipline, but fading of age spots is possible when following an at-home AHA regimen.

For a more drastic eliminiation of age spots, a trip to the dermatologist might be in order. Stay tuned for a later article discussing glycolic acid skin care, in particular glycolic acid peels and other chemical peels.

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What is Alpha Hydroxy Lotion?

Alpha hydroxy lotion is a skin treatment for anti-aging and evening out the skin. It contains alpha hydroxy acid, abbreviated as AHA. It is useful for reducing the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scarring. Additionally, it smooths out skin texture by chemically exfoliating the uppermost layers of dead skin. The result is brighter, smoother skin that is constantly being renewed with the use of alpha hydroxy products.

In the cosmetics industry, alpha hydroxy acids are usually derived from food products. The most common are glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), malic and citric acid (from fruits). Synthetic acids are also used: check the product box to see if its AHA is naturally sourced or not.

Besides alpha hydroxy lotion, products are available in different formulations and strengths, such as in creams (for moisturization as well as treatment), toners and gels (for peel strength). A qualified dermatologist can help you assess the best regiment for your particular needs.

When first starting to use AHA products, use a concentration of 10% or less. It is normal to feel a slight burning or tingling sensation upon application. That sensation is the acid doing its work and it should not cause concern unless irritation develops.

Strength of the lotion, cream, or other treatment can be varied according to your need and tolerance level. If you do not have anti-aging concerns, and want alpha hydroxy lotion to help smooth the texture of your skin, try a lower concentration (5% to 10%). For advancing wrinkles or scars, a stronger percentage of acid can be used. Liquid and gel concentrations (50% to 70%) are known as chemical peels, and should be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Alpha hydroxy lotion and other products are generally considered to be safe and natural for the skin. However, AHA can increase sun sensitivity, so wearing a good sunscreen is recommended while undergoing treatment. It’s a small price to pay for beautiful skin!

There are a variety of brands and products available on the market today. We are so lucky to have this choice! Some of the highest rated brands on Amazon are Alpha Hydrox, Skinceuticals, and Aqua Gycolic. With a little online research, you can discover which brand is best for you!