What are alpha- and beta- hydroxy acids and why are they considered cosmetic helpers?
We are interested in exfoliating and getting rid of old, dry cells that clog up our skin. As we mature, our skin loses some of its ability to slough off these dead cells. They stick on so hard that ordinary washing won’t loosen them off, so that a thicker layer of them accumulates on the surface. This prevents new skin cells from surfacing and functioning as best they can, which in turn leads to dry, flaky skin, wrinkles, and a less elastic skin texture. Our lotions and creams are less effective on such blocked skin, too. The hydroxy acids, like all acids, dissolve organic matter and are used in commercial cosmetics as exfoliant ingredients for that reason. While the FDA warns against use of percentages higher than 8% in cosmetics, we need not be concerned as they are referring to concentrated extracts and synthetic derivatives, not the mild preparations we make from blended fresh apples, strawberries, and avocados. Hey, how about oily skin and acne? Yes, these natural acids are good f
