Important Information About AHA And Antiaging in Health

Anti-aging and skin care products added with AHA are flooding the market. Alpha hydroxy acids are supposed to smoothen fine lines and surface wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, unblock and cleanse pores. They also improve oily skin or acne, and improve skin condition in general. AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are not new to skin care. Legends of Cleopatras milk baths are well known in beauty and skin care. Polynesians used sugarcane and fruit juices to soften their skin. The factor common to the properties of these natural products is this group of natural substances found in sugarcane, fruits, milk, molasses, etc., called AHA. What are AHA molecules?

To find out if a cosmetic contains an AHA, look on the list of ingredients. AHA ingredients may be listed as:

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate, alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate, alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid, alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, mixed fruit acid, tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids, triple fruit acid, sugar cane extract, alpha hydroxy and botanical complex, L-alpha hydroxy acid glycomer in cross linked fatty acids alpha nutrium (three AHAs). How AHA works?

To find out how AHA works for natural anti aging skin care, let us see how the skin grows old, and how to keep it younger. Cells in the outer layers of skin are bound together by inter-cellular fluid. As one ages, this glue-like substance binds the skin cells tighter and denser. Dead skin layers build up and unlike young skin, natural exfoliation becomes difficult. This group of natural acids has the ability to loosen this inter-cellular fluid, and allows the top layer of dead skin to slough off easily. Thus AHA products cause exfoliation, or shedding of the surface skin. The extent of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH (acidity), and other ingredients in the product. Most skin care cosmetics sold to consumers contain AHA at levels up to 10 percent. Side effects of AHA

The side effects from AHA containing products can include burns, itching, pain, and possibly scarring. The degree of acidity (the pH) of the product also can affect irritation. Some experts advise that people should purchase products with AHA concentrations of 10% or less and a pH of 3.5 or higher (the higher the pH, the lower the acidity). If any adverse effects occur, the use should be stopped immediately. In any case, people are advised to avoid sunlight or use proper protection when using them.

The best way to use AHA products would be to try the product for some time and see the difference in skin. Avoid sunlight exposure while using AHA products and watch for any side effects. Consulting your dermatologist before using these products would be a still better course of action, and the best would be to take Cleopatras recipe for Milk bath, and remain younger.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

About the Author

To learn about willow tree care, japanese willow tree, japanese trees, olives facts, pickling olives , olives nutrition and other information, visit the Gardening Central website.

Why is Natural Skincare so Important?

by Sean Prenderville-Finn

Let me explain.

When you are hungry and your body feels tired you need rest and sustenance. You nourish your body with good natural food to give you the energy to survive and function. Having fuelled your inner parts you feel much better.

But what about your outer parts, your face, neck, hands and body skin?

This too requires to be fed with good natural skincare products to maintain colour, texture, smoothness and vitality. Everyone wants to look their best and as youthful as the years allow.

When you apply a product externally the ingredients are absorbed through the layers of your skin and enter the bloodstream. In effect your skin eats the product's ingredients rather like your daily food intake is digested by your internal organs.

You can now see that you need to be as selective about the food you apply externally as the food you ingest.

Your problem is deciding what products are right for you. With so many leading brands on the market you may feel spoilt for choice. You see advertisements on television, in newspapers and magazines making unbelievable claims to care for your skin.

But let the buyer beware.

What the product manufacturers will not tell you is that there may be a low concentration of some active ingredients in a particular product; active ingredients being those that improve the health of your skin. Nor are you likely to be informed of any harmful chemicals which are hidden within to preserve and fragrance their products. Many, if not all expensive supposedly natural skincare products contain cheap and harmful chemical preservatives. Studies have suggested that these may contribute to breast cancer and affect oestrogen levels. In fact one leading brand contained Triclosan, which is classified as a pesticide. Triclosan destroys good bacteria.

Would you put a pesticide on your skin? I think not.

However, there is hope. There are manufacturers who are concerned about the health of your skin. To find them requires a little research. When you find them and you will, your efforts will be pleasantly rewarded.

The skincare products you really want should be composed of high-quality, pure natural anti aging skin care ingredients, safe enough for you to eat. They should also be devoid of all harmful chemicals. Your choice, therefore, is not too difficult. You need to be patient.

About the Author

Sean Prenderville-Finn is a keen researcher of skincare health and products. He shares his findings on his website http://beauty-skin-site.com If you have any unwanted skincare problems visit http://beauty-skin-site.com now to learn the skincare line Sean personally recommends.