Beauty & Fashion 

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What is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) cream?

Alpha hydroxy acids are often called ‘fruit acids’ because they are derived from fruit-based plants. Glycolic and lactic are the most common acids used in these products. AHA creams are beneficial because they stimulate cell regeneration by burning off, or lightly removing, the top layer of skin cells. By doing this, healthier skin cells are exposed, improving skin texture and colour and allowing moisturisers to be absorbed so the skin remains supple. While penetrating the skin's surface, the water-binding properties of AHAs improve skin elasticity and some believe they assist in stretch mark reduction as they moisturise. Initially, your skin may feel dry and flaky from the dead cells being sloughed away, after a few weeks AHAs will almost certainly make your skin feel and appear smoother and visibly reduce stretch marks. If you stop using AHAs, your skin will return to its normal state since cell regeneration is no longer occurring.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about cosmetic products on the Skin Care message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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