Acne: Treatment With Alpha Hydroxy Acids—Topic Overview
Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, and glycolic acid (for example, Alpha Hydrox) are often used in products to treat
acne . These products work by drying upwhiteheads, blackheads , andpimples and causing the top layer of your skin to peel.Skin care products that have AHAs are generally safe to use, but they may cause tingling and a mild redness of the skin. Use them less often if you notice that your skin becomes very red or very dry.
Using skin care products with AHAs will make your skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. Be sure to
protect your skin from the sun and other sources of UV light.
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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