How Does Alpha Hydroxy Acid Work?

Alpha hydroxy acid works by preventing cells from adhering to one another on the skin surface, which then causes the top layer of skin to peel and shed, revealing new and smoother skin underneath. It can be applied to the skin in the form of a topical cream or gel with a 5 to 10 percent concentration. Alpha hydroxy acid is also used to temporarily smooth the skin at 10 to 50 percent strength. Chemical peels, one of the advanced treatments for acne, involves the application of alpha hydroxy acid at 50-70% percent for a period of 3 to 8 minutes.