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By Jackson Taylor on Sep 30, 2011 |Health and Fitness
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Alphahydroxy acids are there present quite naturally in many foods, and is an aid in removing dead and damaged skin cells. These acids will rejuvenate your skin by exposing the new and fresh skin underneath the dead or damaged skin cells on top. Lactic acid extracted from sour milk is used in AHA peeling treatments now. Citric acids, found in food which is citrusy as well as glycolic acid which is found in sugar cane are also commonly used in AHA peels.
A lot of AHA products that available and sold over the counter contain AHA concentrations which are very low, as low as 10%, which is not quite sufficient to prove the effectiveness of this type of a chemical peel. Plus, these products have low pH and acidity levels that reduce effectiveness. Professionals can use 30% AHA concentrations for treatment under some supervision and physicians can use products with high concentrations, as high as up to 70%.
AHA peels work on the principle of exfoliation of the skin. Layers of dead cells which are medically known as keratinocytes present on the skin surface and when it is removed, a smoother and healthier layer of skin below is revealed. If you have fine lines, dry spots and brown marks, then regular treatment with AHA will help you to rid you of these problems. This treatment can also lower acne scarring by stripping away areas where they form. AHA affects the substance holding the skin cells together and thereby allows the dead skin to peel off easily. The skin underneath which is fresh and has a healthier texture will feel a lot better. This chemical peel is not only for the face, but also can be used on the hands, arms, neck and chest. You can experience better results of microdermabrasion is used in combination with AHA.
Before the treatment, your skin will be cleansed with an alcohol, maybe with isopropyl alcohol. The peel is applied and left on the skin for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes before it can be removed. While the process is going on, you may start to feel stinging and numbing sensations, and after the process is over, you may experience slight redness or flaking of the skin, but these problems go away in a day or two. You should be able to resume your daily activities really soon. Do not forget to use a sun block before you go outdoors, as your skin will be more susceptible to sunburn after treatment. Side effects of AHA peels are rare but if skin become irritated it might be because of higher concentration of acid, or a treatment that was left for too long on the skin. You should consult your doctor for any medical problems.
For the mentioned reasons, it is good to have an AHA peel done in a physician supervised environment. Trained professionals will perform the procedure in a safe way and conduct the procedure with extreme care. Ask the professional if you have any doubts.
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