The Use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Xerosis and Photoaging

In 1974 Van Scott and Yu first described the effects of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) on keratinization disorders. However, it was not until the 1990s that AHA products gained acceptance and popularity [1]. In this last decade, multiple reports showed the beneficial effects of AHAs in patients with xerosis and hyperkeratotic conditions [2-5]. As a result, AHA use by dermatologists and consumers increased dramatically. The

main benefits of products containing these fruit-acid derivatives are the normalization of the keratinization process, replacement of water content, and stimulation of the epidermal cell renewal process [6].