Alpha Hydroxy Lotion

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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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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