Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Alpha-hydroxy acids (citric, glycolic, lactic, tartaric acids) are found in the skin care products of over 200 manufacturers in the United States. There is scientific research indicating that they may help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may decrease the size of enlarged pores. AHAs are drawn from fruit and milk sugars and are contained in a profusion of skin creams and lotions. In higher concentrations they are used as chemical peels.

Among other things, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you purchase products with an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or greater. Because there have been numerous reports citing increased sun sensitivity from using these products, due to their exfoliant characteristics, the FDA has issued a recommendation that product labeling include this warning:

"Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards." For additional information, Click Here.

Products for consumers containing Alpha hydroxy acid must have a concentration of less than 10%. A concentration of 20% to 30% may be used by trained cosmetologists for chemical peels yielding results akin to microdermabrasion with erasure of fine lines and producing a smoother skin appearance. One to three applications may be required.

Shop Amazon.Com for products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids...

	Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion - 6 fl oz List Price: $10.89 Sale Price: $8.49
	Concentrated pure glycolic acid (one of the most effective alpha hydroxy acids on the market) works diligently on your complexion, leaving skin visibly firmer, smoother, and more refined with a simple, once-a-day application of this treatment lotion...

	Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash - 6 fl oz List Price: $10.89 Sale Price: $5.99
	This wonderfully sudsy foaming cleanser gently but thoroughly removes every trace of dirt and makeup to leave skin refreshed and totally clean. It's soap-free, alcohol-free, and pH balanced, which means dry complexions can use it without any fear of stripping natural oils...

	(1 oz / 30 ml) GLYCOLIC Acid 70% Skin Chemical Peel - Unbuffered - Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) For Acne, Oily Skin, Wrinkles, Blackheads, Large Pores & More (from Skin Beauty Solutions) Sale Price: $16.99
	Glycolic acid works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, glycolic acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue', which holds dead skin to the surface...

	Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Creme, Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliant - 2 oz List Price: $10.89 Sale Price: $10.15
	10% AHA Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Recommended For:  All Skin Types Except Delicate/Sensitive Skin. Oil-free.  Fragrance-free.  Effective pH 4. Proven to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles...

	Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Formula, 8.5 Ounce List Price: $10.51 Sale Price: $2.99
	Pore Refining Toner visibly reduces the appearance of pores. This Alpha and Beta Hydroxy formula is dermatologist tested to deliver visible results. First, it sweeps away dead surface skin and refines rough, uneven patches...

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But what are the top ten anti-aging skin care ingredients used in over-the-counter products? And are they safe? Get the low down here, without the hype and complete with resources for further research:

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Alpha-hydroxy acids (citric, glycolic, lactic, tartaric acids) are found in the skin care products of over 200 manufacturers in the United States. There is scientific research indicating that they may help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may decrease the size of enlarged pores. AHAs are drawn from fruit and milk sugars and are contained in a profusion of skin creams and lotions. ...Read More About AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid)

2. Alpha-lipoic Acid: Well known as a potent antioxidant, topical alpha-lipoic acid has burst upon the aging skin care scene through it's popularization by a Yale dermatologist, Dr. Nicholas Perricone. He launched the skin rejuvenation studies of alpha-lipoic and wrote a top selling book extolling it titled The Wrinkle Cure. There seems to be a good foundation for believing skin care products containing Alpha-lipoic Acid are effective and they are considered safe.  ...Learn More About Alpha-lipoic Acid

3. Argireline: Some vendors assert that argireline is the OTC alternative to Botox. Research has established that argireline works by reducing the depth of those facial wrinkles resulting over time from the contraction of muscles associated with facial expressions, particularly in the front and surrounding the eyes. ...Review More Details About Agireline

4. Beta-Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid): I has been shown in studies that salicylic acid does not irritate the skin to the extent seen in skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). At the same time, products with salicylic acid demonstrate improvement in skin color and texture similar to AHAs. Skin that has aged prematurely from sun exposure can benefit from products containing salicylic acid. The ingredient is included in many OTC creams and lotions, but also comes in some formulations available by prescription.  ....Explore More about Beta-Hydroxy Acid

5. DMAE (Dimethylamenoethanol): Despite this mouthful of a chemical name,
recent studies have established that DMAE is effective to a degree in reversing both facial wrinkles and facial sagging (or at least to halt worsening of the latter). Moreover, it has been employed in skin care products for anti aging since the mid 1990s without notable reports of skin damage. It is generally promoted as a wrinkle reducer and skin tightener.  ....Continue reading about DMAE

6. Green Tea: Some encouraging studies have revealed that green tea may have properties very beneficial to aging skin. One study has shown that use of a green tea cream and oral supplement yielded improvement in elasticity of tissue content in the skin of treated subjects.  ....Get More Information About Green Tea for Aging Skin

7. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is commonly recommended as a skin lightener in treating brown spots caused by aging, exposure to the sun and cutaneaous hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone works by decreasing build up of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color. Products containing this chemical are available in OTC creams.  ....See More Information About Hydroquinone

8. Idebenone: This substance is a relatively recent player in the frothy anti aging skin care market. It has been shown scientifically to have positive anti-wrinkle properties. One benefit is that it has been proven to be safe.  ...Review Additional Information About Idebenone

9. Copper Peptide: Some maintain that copper peptide may be the most effective skin regeneration product on the market. The science behind copper peptides for skin care relates to earlier wound healing and skin regeneration studies of GHK copper peptides demonstrating exceptional effectiveness. Using those studies as a stepping stone, there was a natural progression to offering copper peptide products as wrinkle repair and prevention aids for aging skin. ....Learn Additional Facts About Copper Peptide & Skin Care

10. Vitamin C: Good old vitamin C! The positive is that there are numerous scientific studies demonstrating that OTC topical creams and serums with vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid are effective in controlling wrinkles and fine lines. The negative is that it is somewhat difficult to formulate these ingredients so that they remain stable.  ....Continue Reading More About Vitamin C and Controlling Wrinkles

More About Anti Aging Skin Care Ingredients

Certainly there are other ingredients used in anti aging products worthy of attention, such as Retinyl Palmitate, Kojic acid and Hyaluronic acid. Their actions are similar to, or possibly less effective than, several of those mentioned above. Many of the vendors also include herbals, fruits and other natural substances that may of some benefit while, at the very least, adding to the marketing appeal of "natural products".

Nothing said here should be taken as a substitute for sound advice from a dermatologist or other skin care professional. Hopefully, however, you'll now have a better idea of what you're dealing with when you sift through the multitude of choices in the retail anti aging skin care market.

Other Helpful Resources

SmartSkinCare.Com
Skin Conditions - Yahoo Health
Health Cares.Net - Anti Aging Skin Care
FDA - Cosmetic Products and Ingredients
Wikipedia on Natural Skin Care
Skin Care Product Discounts
And, you can go here for information about skin care