What is Alpha Hydroxy?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are an entire family of acids derived from fruit, milk or sugar which ease the shedding of dead skin cells and may even stimulate collagen and elastin production. Their natural forms are:

Lactic acid (milk)
Glycolic acid (sugar cane)
Malic acid (apples and pears)
Citric acid (oranges and lemons)
Tartaric acids (pears)

They are widely used, either by themselves or in a variety of cosmetic and moisturizing products to improve the skin's appearance and eliminate small wrinkles (i.e., women have been using lemon juice for 'bleaching' freckles for centuries). Most alpha hydroxyl acid products contain glycolic acid.

High concentrations of AHA preparations (prescription strengths of 30 - 70%) are used in a dermatologist's office known as a "chemical peel". Lower acid concentrations (2 - 10%) found in over-the-counter AHA preparations applied over a longer period of time have a similar effect, but can take weeks or longer for the effects to appear.

It is recommended that people purchase products with AHA concentrations of ten percent or less to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. One should also wear a wide-brimmed hat or strong sunscreen when outdoors as AHA can make the user more sensitive to UV light (photosensitive) and prone to sunburn. As they do not penetrate the epidermis, they are considered safe for use by people with vitiligo.