Sun damage causes the outer layer of skin to become thick and the lower layer of skin (which holds support structures such as collagen and elastin) to become thin and inflexible. In addition to affecting the regeneration of skin cells in the lower layers of skin, the shedding process on the surface can also become inefficient, causing a buildup of skin cells
on the outer layers. Sun damage, loss of estrogen, dry skin, oily skin, and disorders such as psoriasis or rosacea can all affect how smoothly this natural exfoliation process takes place. When normal or healthy exfoliation doesn’t happen because of these reasons, skin can become rough, scaly, thickened, discolored, and look more lined.
Different forms of exfoliation help to remove the built-up outer layer of skin to uncover a more normal, younger-looking layer hiding beneath. The most effective skin-care options for helping skin with this essential function are a well-formulated (meaning pH-correct) alpha hydroxy acid (AHA; the ingredient shown on the label would be glycolic acid, lactic acid, or gluconoalactone), or beta hydroxy acid (BHA; appearing on the label as salicylic acid). Although salicylic acid is the only BHA option, there are a variety of AHAs. The five major types of AHAs that show up in skin-care products are glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids. Of these, the most commonly used and most effective AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids. Both of these have the ability to penetrate the skin, plus they have the most accumulated research on their functionality and benefit for skin.
AHAs and BHA are available from several cosmetics brands. Using these types of products on a routine basis (which for some may mean once or twice daily, and for others every other day or just twice per week) will make a remarkable difference in your skin’s appearance, not to mention its healthy functioning.