Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels

Alpha hydroxy acid is everywhere. Some preparations call it fruit acid; others combine the names with proprietary products. The active ingredients remain the same. The difference between medical alpha hydroxy acid treatments and over-thecounter preparations is the concentration of the active ingredients and the vehicle in which they are delivered. The purpose of the preparations is to exfollate the dead cell layer of the stratum corneum, encourage growth of new cells, and eliminate superficial wrinkles and discolorations. They seem to have a positive effect on the nature of collagen as well. The preparations are available in various strengths and are reasonably effective. Under controlled circumstances what is produced is not quite a peel; nor are the side effects and possible complications of true peels associated with it.