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Anti-Aging Acne Care

Author: Paul Resnick

In the last 10 years more studies and literature reviews have emerged that examine the role of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in over-the-counter adult acne products. AHAs are in wide use in acne treatments, but are far less commonly used in over-the-counter-products than benzoyl peroxide. Although AHAs and benzoyl peroxide are considered effective against most forms of acne, however unlike benzoyl peroxide, AHAs exhibit properties that benefit older skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide is a topical agent against acne-causing bacteria within the oil producing skin pores, or the sebaceous glands (follicles). It is considered safe and relatively effective but to many users it is irritating to the skin. Skin dryness, peeling, stinging or burning are common effects. The skin can become sensitized with frequent use worsening these side effects (Morelli, et al, 1989). These side effects are particularly troubling for adult women, because these factors can accelerate skin aging.
Alpha hydroxy acids work differently than benzoyl peroxide. They are not bactericidal but instead tend to reduce the skin conditions that promote bacterial growth. That is, by promoting healthy skin conditions, alpha hydroxy acids make it more difficult for bacteria to grow and create the inflammation that causes acne. They are far less irritating, and tend to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the skin.

Specifically AHAs decrease acne, or adult acne, by two important mechanisms. One of the primary symptoms of acne is hyperkeratinization, or excess production of partially detached cellular tissue, particularly in the follicles or pores. AHAs not only moderate this hyperkeratinization but also exfoliate this tissue (Van Scott, Yu, 2004). AHAs thin out, or rather micro-decrease this outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, causing stiff, dry skin cells to shed faster and more normally. This exfoliation inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria because in part there is less fissured, less partially attached dead tissue to trap oils and harbor bacteria. Newer, more supple actively growing skin is closer to the surface, which in turn increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the outer layers of the skin. The skin is consequently softer and less dry. This exfoliation also levels out tiny creases in the skin which can distort newly emerging tissue into visible fine lines and wrinkles.

Secondly, AHAs stimulate the biosynthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid (Bernstein et al, 2001). Hyaluronic plays a role in dispersing basal layer melanin, the pigmentation that results in age spots. Collagen underpins skin structure. For the adult acne sufferer this means that use of alpha hydroxy acids can lessen the skin discoloration and the scarring resulting from acne, and firm skin. In other words, anti-acne alpha hydroxy acids fade age spots , enhance skin firmness, and improve overall color and tone.
Alpha hydroxy acids are also humectants, and improve the ability of the skin to absorb moisture (Kneedler et al, 1998). One survey conducted by the National Health and Wellness Club documented that the most significant finding about the use of the anti-aging acne product, Alpha Clear Adult Acne Treatment was that an improvement in acne was dependent on an increase in skin moisturization.

Research, thus, has documented that the same physiological factors that make alpha hydroxy acids an effective adult acne treatment, are the same mechanisms that make alpha hydroxy acids a desirable skin treatment for aging skin. Because AHAs improve aging skin, they are more likely to used regularly as an adult acne treatment than benzoyl peroxide and this may be an important factor in their effectiveness as an adult acne care product.

The development of AHAs as an anti-aging acne treatment offers great potential to provide adult women with more appropriate over-the-counter therapies for adult acne. Combination therapies are being studied, for example AHAs, used in conjunction with Benzoyl peroxide may be useful in alleviating the irritation common with Benzoyl Peroxide (Berson, et al, 1995). As research continues more alternatives will become available that are more appropriate for adult acne.

references:
Morelli R. Lanzarini M. Vincenzi C, et al: Contact dermatitis due to benzoyl peroxide. Contact Dermatitis 20:238-239, 1989

Bernstein EF, Lee J, Brown DB, Yu R, Van Scott E: Glycolic Acid Treatment Increases Type I Collagen mRNA and Hyaluronic Acid Content of Human Skin. Dermatol Surg; 27:429-433, 2001

Van Scott EJ, YU RJ: Alpha-hydroxyacids and Carboxylic acids. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3, 76-87, 2004

Kneedler JA, Sky SS, Sexton LR: Understanding Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Dermatology Nursing, Vol 10(4), 247-262, 1998

Alpha Clear Adult Acne Treatment, An independent survey by the National Health and Wellness Club, (National Health and Wellness Alpha Clear Acne Treatment Survey), Nov 200TEMPLATE

Berson DS, Shalita AR:The treatment of acne: The role of combination therapies, J. Am Acad Dermatol 32: S31-S41, 1995

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/antiaging-acne-care-1426287.html

About the Author

Paul Resnick

Niora Naturals