Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA) are a series of alpha hydroxy carboxylic acids extracted from fruits and yogurt, and are also known as “fruit acids” because they are mainly derived from fruits. In 1974, Dr. Van Scott, an internationally renowned dermatologist, and Dr. Ruey Yu, a medical doctor, discovered the remarkable efficacy of fruit acids in the treatment of ichthyosis and in cosmetic and anti-aging treatments. They published the first scientific paper on fruit acids and introduced “Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA)” to the global dermatological community. After decades of unremitting research and clinical trials, more than 55,000 dermatologists and cosmetic specialists in more than 100 countries and regions have now recommended that fruit acids can improve abnormal skin keratinization, photoaging (uneven skin tone, pigmentation, rough skin, fine lines, large pores) by promoting the metabolic rate of epidermal cells and acting simultaneously on the epidermis and dermis, which has a very obvious effect on improving the skin. Fruit acids are recognized as a safe and effective medical aesthetic technology. Fruit acid treatment mechanism 1. The effect of fruit acid on the epidermis Fruit acid degrades bridge particles by activating steroid sulfate esterase and serine protease, causing instantaneous exfoliation of bridge particles between keratin-forming cells and accelerating the shedding of keratinocytes, thus loosening the keratin-forming cells accumulated at the opening of sebaceous glands, correcting the abnormal keratinization of the epithelium of hair follicles, enabling the smooth excretion of sebaceous secretions, and inhibiting the formation of acne. At the same time, fruit acids also activate the metabolism of keratin-forming cells, renew or rebuild the epidermis, and promote the elimination of melanin particles to reduce hyperpigmentation. The effect of fruit acid on the dermis Fruit acid activates the damage reconstruction mechanism, activates the synthesis and secretion function of dermal fibroblasts, increases the density of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, and makes the skin firmer and more elastic. Fruit acids also stimulate the synthesis of endoglucosamine and other intercellular matrices, promoting the release of more hyaluronic acid from the dermis, enhancing the skin’s ability to retain water and making the skin soft and supple. Q & A of fruit acid treatment 1. Is fruit acid treatment safe? Folic acid treatment is a widely used and clinically proven medical aesthetic treatment operated by professional physicians with high safety and predictable and controlled results. It is known as a “lunchtime beauty treatment” and has been popular for decades because it is effective, safe and convenient, and does not affect daily life and work. 2. Will fruit acid treatment and long-term use of fruit acid skin care products make the skin thinner? Fruit acids only help to remove the old keratin accumulated in the epidermis and naturally shed it. Receiving fruit acid treatment or long-term use of fruit acid formula skin care products not only will not make the skin thinner, but also increase the thickness of the epidermis and the synthesis of dermal elastic fibers, collagen fibers and mucopolysaccharides, which increases the overall thickness of the skin, making it fuller, healthier and more elastic. 3. Can I receive fruit acid treatment if I have sensitive skin? Yes, but before treatment, please communicate fully with your doctor to determine the treatment plan. Before starting treatment, it is best to use low concentration of AHA formula products to ensure that the skin is tolerant to fruit acids. Make sure to start with a low concentration, shorten the duration of the fruit acids on the skin, and lengthen the interval between treatments. 4. Can I resume using my daily skin care products and makeup after the treatment? Yes, it is possible to carry out normal daily skin care after fruit acid treatment, but in consideration of the rapid repair and safety after treatment, it is recommended to use the same series of post-operative repair products from the fruit acid manufacturer. You can also wear makeup, but it is recommended to do so after 24 hours after completing the current treatment. 5. Are there any adverse reactions to the fruit acid treatment? During the treatment, you may feel tingling and burning of the skin, which are mostly normal, as the fruit acids are acting as a treatment. However, it is important to always tell the treating doctor or staff about these sensations so that they can determine the depth of action and the time to end the treatment based on your level of discomfort. After fruit acid treatment, the skin may still feel itchy, stinging, burning, redness, tightness and other discomfort. Some patients may experience slight edema, superficial crusting and flaking, which are normal post-operative reactions and only need to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions for cold compresses and soothing with the use of post-operative restorative skin care products, these symptoms usually gradually disappear within a week.