Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Over the years my face has taken on a more aged appearance from wrinkles and age spots. One of my friends suggested a "chemical peel" or laser treatment. This seems too radical to me—what else can be done?
A. There are multitudes of new products introduced daily for skin care. One need only pick up Vogue or
Cosmo magazine; a scan through the advertisements will show so many different cosmetic companies promoting "fruit acids." While these are new products, their benefits have long been known. Yes, they do work. Many people speculate that Cleopatra's mythical beauty and youth stemmed from her daily bathing routine. This therapy was to bathe in sour milk, which contains lactic acid. We now know that this acidic milk had properties similar to our modern "fruit acid" peels. Similarly, the fabled French beauties bathed daily in fermented wine containing tartaric acid, Modern science classifies those groups of fruit acids as alphahydroxy acids (AHAs).
There is now solid scientific evidence that these anti-aging chemicals can lessen wrinkles, dehydration, age spots and loss of skin elasticity. Studies have shown that daily applications of AHAs in concentrations between 5% and 15% are beneficial. This is long term maintenance therapy; results are seen within 4 weeks and continue to improve. Most patients follow this treatment with an in office "mini" or "freshening" peel. The stronger peeling acids, available only to physicians' offices, dramatically improve the results. None of the redness, peeling, itching associated with laser or traditional peels is present. Often 6 treatments are recommended for maximum benefits. The prices are significantly less than laser or chemical peels.
It is possible to buy the daily products over the counter. However, the quality of the AHA varies. Non-buffered "ultrapure crystalline grade" AHA is available through some plastic surgeon's offices, and is most often less expensive. This grade appears to be more skin friendly and produces more satisfying results.
Carefully chosen and conscientiously applied, AHAs can make a dramatic difference in your skin.
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