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Alpha Hydroxy Acids have become a standard weapon in the everyday woman’s arsenal of products to stay young. Some women even know how to use Beta Hydroxy Acids to make their complexion shine. But what about the newer "buzzword" acids we have started to hear about?
What is Ferulic Acid? How do you apply Hyaluronic Acid? Read on for your step by step guide to Acids and Aging… please note: Acids that are listed are good for use at 20 years old and when you are 70+). So add as many to your regimen as you feel you need to do battle against aging.
Teens and Twenty-somethings:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are your first tool to keeping your complexion fresh and clear. Look for AHAs in cleansers, exfoliators and moisturizers. Choose to include it in one of your products initially and gradually build up to including AHA in all three. Also important: if you struggle with acne, experiment with the Beta Hydroxy Acids like salicylic acid - it comes in over the counter products and in your medical spa in the form of a peel to keep your skin blemish free.
Twenty and Thirty-somethings:
Assuming you are currently using some AHAs to brighten your skin, consider adding an ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is an amazing antioxident warrior ready to remedy your face of free radicals caused by UV light.
You can bolster your Vitamin C product with hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent that is used to lighten areas of darkened skin (brown spots and melasma). When the two are in the same product, they provide an incredible force to keep your skin healthy. If you are plagued with adult acne, treat your condition and your skin to a great anti-aging acid, retinoic acid. When applied in your medical spa in a prescription strength peel, it not only erases the breakout, it erases time! Skin is tighter, smoother and visibly younger!
Thirties and Forties:
Another acid comes into play as we begin to see signs of wrinkling, lining and thinning of the face - hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (found naturally in your skin). In a liquid suspension it can be applied topically for extra hydration under a moisturizer. For an application technique with more impact, hyaluronic acid can be administered via injection to fill facial wrinkles or plump thin lips. Typical treatment areas are smokers lines around the mouth, smile lines from nose to mouth, and frown lines around the corners of the mouth. The treatment takes place in the medical spa, performed by the physician and lasts less than an hour. By the end, you have no wrinkles and great lips. Look for brand names like Juvederm, Radiesse, Evolence and Sculptra for great results.
Forties, Fifties, Sixties+:
Poly-L lactic acid, or Sculptra, is a great acid to use as you start to notice volume loss in your face. When injected, Sculptra causes your collagen to grow.
Collagen growth softens facial contours and increases the skin firmness, giving it a luminous glow. Hollow cheeks, sunken under eyes, and a saggy mouth are all candidate areas for Sculptra treatments. Your doctor may recommend 2 to 4 treatments to achieve the desired youthful appearance. Using Sculptra, along with your other skin care acids - AHAs, ascorbic, ferulic and retinoic - will keep your skin soft, healthy and youthful.
