AHAs are commonly called fruit acids because many of these compounds are found in edible fruits.  They are a group of naturally-occurring, non-toxic, organic compounds with the unique ability to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin by gently loosening the bonds between the surface layer cells.  AHAs are multi-functional and they can be found naturally in your body.  They work at the bottom layers of the skin optimizing exfoliation, while turning on the process of cellular renewal.  AHAs are proven age fighters.  They reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the skin. Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA, which allows rapid skin penetration.  Glycolic acid is easily formulated in products.

A non-AHA/PHA moisturizer hydrates the skin by trapping water in the skin, or attracting water from outside the skin.  AHAs/PHAs work first by normalizing the barrier function of the skin, enabling the skin to retain its own moisture.  Secondly, AHAs help increase the skin's natural moisture binders so the skin retains moisture more effectively.  Finally, AHAs exfoliate the dead, upper layers of the stratum corneum allowing the other moisturizing ingredients present in the formulations to function better.  Whether used on the body or the face, an AHA moisturizer can combat dryness better than a non-AHA moisturizer because it helps eliminate the cracks, lines and wrinkles formed by an accumulation of dead cells.

 When choosing an AHA product, there are many things to consider, including the type of AHA the product contains, the product's formulation and other protective elements such as sunscreens and antioxidants.  It is recommended to use skin care products developed by the same company which are designed to work together, rather than an array of products from various product lines.  By using product from the NeoStrata line, you can ensure optimum AHA benefits.

The NeoStrata Skin Care System was designed to optimize your skin care.  The cleanser prepares the skin for moisturization by removing excess sebum and cellular debris, and evening the pH of the skin.  Other cleansers can make the skin alkaline (less acidic) causing the AHA to change from the free acid form to the neutralized salt form, which inhibits the effectiveness of AHAs.

All of the NeoStrata products will increase moisture to your skin.  In oily and acne prone skin, you may experience a deep cleansing that may bring out blemishes.  This should dissipate within a week or two.  Visible peeling of the skin from the use of the cleanser and the moisturizers may occur because of an exfoliation of the skin.  This will also dissipate within a few weeks.