Anti-Aging Treatments

AHAs and the Sun

At Alpha Skin Care, we want to help you to make good, well-informed decisions about skin care products and how to use them. We have found that there a lot of confusion regarding alpha hydroxy acids, commonly known as AHAs and whether or not they increase sun sensitivity. We thought we would take this opportunity to clarify the information.

AHAs are natural exfoliates. They are derived from natural ingredients like sour milk, grapes and sugar cane. When used in skin care products, these natural fruit acids loosen the glue-like bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface of skin. If you are not using AHAs as part of your skin care routine the top layer of cells is fairly thick. This thick layer of dead cells is the body’s natural way of providing protection from the sun.

When you begin using an AHA treatment product, it gradually exfoliates the layer of dead cells from the skin’s surface. AHAs allow newer, fresher, healthier cells to come to emerge. That’s a good thing. The newer, healthier cells are what makes your skin look younger and more radiant. Skin feels softer and smoother. Fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots are less noticeable. As unwanted cells are removed, however, so is your natural protection from the sun.

AHAs do not make you more sensitive to the sun. They simply remove the layer of dead cells. There are ingredients that do make you more sensitive. For example, retinoids, also known as retinol or Retin-A can cause significant sun sensitivity. Many people will stop using retinoids in the summer for that very reason. Although, sun exposure any time of year is equally damaging.

If you are using an alpha hydroxy acids as part of your daily skin care routine you must wear a sunscreen to replace the natural protection that is lost with exfoliation. Some people think that if you are using AHAs at night, you do not need to wear a sunscreen during the day. At Alpha Skin Care, we suggest wearing a sunscreen every day year round. We all know that the sun can damage skin and accelerates the aging process. Why take chances when wearing a sunscreen is so easy? You can still enjoy feeling the sun on your face.

For more information on Alpha Skin Care visit our website.

The Ways to Use AHAs

Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs help to improve the appearance of skin in two ways; moisturizing and exfoliating. AHAs function differently based upon the pH level of the formulation. When used as a moisturizer, the pH level is higher than 4.0. At this level, AHAs help to increase the water content of skin making it softer, smoother and more flexible.

Alternatively as an exfoliant, the most effective pH level is 4.0. This is the level where AHAs begin to dissolve the glue-like bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. This stimulates cellular renewal and regeneration and allows newer, fresher cells to emerge. Products with a pH level of 3.5 or below can be too irritating and may leave skin feeling dry and tight.

We live and breathe AHAs everyday, but most people do not realize the importance of the pH level in skin care formulas. AHAs are extremely effective ingredients, and we feel it is important to know how they function in a product. Products like Alpha Skin Care put the percentage of AHA and the pH level on the box, we’re proud of our product formulation and stand by our years in supporting your skin care regiment. Be a savvy consumer. Next time you are shopping for skin care products, be sure to look at the pH level. It will help you to know what products are best for you.

For more information on Alpha Skin Care visit our website.

Top 10 Daily Skin Care Essentials

It can be a bit overwhelming with all the skin care rituals out there, some of which are not even needed. To make life easier, here are 10 daily skin care essentials to know about!

There is more to having beautiful healthy, glowing than just the skin care products you are using. A healthy lifestyle is essential. If you smoke, drink, get too much sun or eat a lot of processed food, creams and serums will not be enough to prevent the negative effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. You exercise to take care of your heart and never smoked to protect your lungs. Doesn’t your skin deserve the same care and concern? After all, it is the largest organ of the body.

Here are the Top 10 Daily Skin Care Essentials for healthy, younger-looking skin.

Cleanse Gently.
- Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to get rid of dirt, makeup and environmental impurities. Alpha Skin Care Refreshing Face Wash is free of soap, fragrances, parabens and its pH balanced. If skin is pH balanced it will not feel tight or dry after cleansing. Clean, pH balanced skin helps other skin care products work their best. They are easier to apply and are more fully absorbed.

Exfoliate with AHAs.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) gently exfoliate dead skin cells and allow healthier cells to come to the surface. AHAs are derived from natural fruit acids. They are gentle and can be used twice a day. Removing dead skin cells send a message to the skin that it needs to produce new cells. Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal products feature Glycolic AHA and are formulated for every skin type.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
- As skin ages, it holds less moisture. Applying a topical moisturizer will help to replenish skin and promote cellular repair. Dry skin makes lines and wrinkles look deeper. Healthy, well-hydrated skin is softer and lessens the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Alpha Skin Care Essential Daily Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and is formulated for all skin types.

Wear Sunscreen every day!
- A broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen should be worn daily to protect your skin from sun exposure. Unprotected sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, dryness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, premature aging, and skin cancer. All of which are preventable, so Don’t Forget the Sunscreen.

End Bad Habits!
- If you smoke, stop and if you drink, drink less. Smoking accelerates the aging process. Smoking increases the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. It also reduces levels of oxygen which is necessary for cellular renewal. Alcohol can cause dehydration making skin look dull and dry. It also causes inflammation which leads to redness and broken capillaries. Cheers to a New You.

Eat healthy food.
- Good nutrition is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, A, E and zinc help to protect the body from sun damage and help to build collagen. A balanced diet that includes Omega-3, beta-carotene and selenium support skin repair, improve elasticity and firmness. A body that is well nourished is strong and vibrant and that goes for skin as well. Top Healthy Food for Your Skin.

Drink Water.
- 64% of your skin is made up of water. Drinking enough water helps to hydrate skin from the inside. It helps to prevent dryness and flush away toxins. Well-hydrated skin reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, helps skin look full and plump and has fewer breakouts. Moisturize from the Inside Out.

Exercise.
- Exercise promotes circulation which keeps skin healthy and vibrant. By increasing blood flow, exercise nourishes skin cells and keep them vital. Sweating helps cleanse your skin from the inside, getting rid of cellular debris and toxins. Exercise also eases stress which can help to improve skin conditions like acne and eczema. So take a brisk walk and your skin will thank you! Add outside article

Reduce Stress.
- Taking time to rest and relax is essential for healthy skin. Acne and other skin problems can become worse with high levels of stress. Stress also decreases skins ability to renew and regenerate. Make time for a little ‘me time’ each day. You’ll feel better and your skin will look better, too. Add breathing podcast

Get someZzz!
- Getting enough sleep is very important for healthy skin. Your skin is actively involved in cellular repair while you sleep. Your skin makes new collagen which prevents sagging and increases blood flow which gives your skin a healthy glow. Plenty of rest also minimizes dark circles and puffy eyes. The key is to get enough sleep is 7 to 9 quality hours each night. Add Link to Sleep Study

There it is – 10 daily skin care essentials. If you commit to a simple skin care routine and a healthy lifestyle, you will have healthy, younger-looking skin. Chances are, you are doing some of these already. Keep it up! Building a healthier lifestyle takes time but the rewards will be worth it.

For more information about Alpha Skin Care products visit our website.

For more information on Alpha Skin Care visit our website.

Three Simple Steps to Glowing Skin

Toners, tonics and serums, oh my! Do you really need 8 steps in your skin care routine? Despite all the advertising and media hype, skin care can be very simple and doesn’t have to break the bank. There are only 3 simple steps needed to have healthy glowing skin; cleanse, treat, and protect.

A good cleanser is key and is the first step in a simple skin care routine. It provides the foundation for using other products. A good cleanser is gentle, soap-free, and should remove all dirt, oil, environmental pollutants, and make-up. After cleansing, skin should not be irritated, tight or dry, just fresh and clean. Alpha Skin Care Refreshing Face Wash is pH balanced and leaves skin soft and smooth. Plus, it’s only $8!

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion

Treatments are the second step in a simple skin care routine and are best when they include some type of exfoliation. Exfoliation means removing the top layer of dead cells from the skin’s surface. Exfoliation can be as simple as washing with a rough washcloth, to using a facial scrubs, or even dermabrasion. Products containing alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs are one of the best forms of exfoliation. AHAs gently remove the glue-like bonds that hold old skin cells to the surface of the skin, in turn signaling the body to produce new fresh cells. AHAs help to promote cellular regeneration bringing newer healthier cells to the surface. Skin looks and feels fresh, soft with more even tone and texture. AHAs can be used by all skin types and are typically a more effective exfoliant then most other methods of refining. The cost of exfoliation ranges widely and can easily be as low as a few dollars all the way up to a few hundred dollars. Alpha Skin Care treatment products offer some of the highest percentages of AHAs available and cost less than $20!

Alpha Skin Care Essential Facial Moisturizer

Hydrating and protecting your skin is the last step in a simple routine. If you use your skin care products at night, a moisturizer should be the last step in your routine, in the day follow only with a light sunscreen. Hydrating is in itself is protecting the skin, most of the time moisturizing simply keeps some discomfort at bay, but the cracks and fissures of dry skin can easily lead to inflammation, and in the worst cases even an infection. If you have normal to dry skin, a moisturizer will help your skin to look and feel healthier. Many believe that using a moisturizer is the only way to get softer, younger-looking skin. Moisturizers, however, do not affect change in your skin like AHAs. Alpha Skin Care Essential Facial Moisturizer, contains vitamins, is lightweight, features Hyularonic Acid, a moisture binding agent, and costs only $15!

As mentioned, if you use skin care products in the morning, use a good sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Sun damage causes many of the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. Even on cloudy days it’s best to wear a sunscreen with SPF15 or higher. There are lots of wonderful facial sunscreens available for a sub $20 price point.

So, do you need 8 steps in your skin care routine? No, but listen to your skin, if it likes the way a toner, tonic or serum feels, go ahead and use it! Skin care is simple and can be very affordable, cleanse, treat and protect is all you really need. With Alpha Skin Care, just 3 products for less than $45 and you can have healthy, glowing younger-looking skin!

For more information on Alpha Skin Care visit our website.

Amp Up Your Moisturizers

At Alpha Skin Care, we know that living with a dry skin type can be scratchy and uncomfortable. This is why it’s so important to get the most out of facial moisturizer. Although important year-round, it is especially critical to pay extra attention in the winter when the dry air makes dry skin even worse. When choosing a facial moisturizer, one of the most important ingredients to look for when choosing a facial moisturizer is Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it extremely effective in helping skin retain moisture. Ever wonder why a baby’s skin is so soft, plump and dewy? Babies are born with high levels of hyaluronic acid in their skin.

How and when to apply a moisturizer is an important consideration in addition to knowing the best active ingredients. For best results, apply a moisturizer after using a toner or exfoliant when pores are open, clear and ready to receive maximum benefit from hydration. For those with exceptionally dry skin, use Alpha Skin Care Essential Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid twice a day; morning and at night!

Alpha Skin Care formulates a full line of skin care products with naturally powerful ingredients that really work!

For more information on Alpha Skin Care visit our website.

Spend Less, Look Better in 2021

In January, we all have a chance to begin again and start fresh. Every year several of the Top 10 New Years’ Resolutions involve saving money. This year, saving money will be particularly important for many families. As you might have guessed, other resolutions tend to be about health, fitness and breaking bad habits. There is a way you can do both; start an Alpha Skin Care routine this year. You’ll spend less on skin care products and your skin will look and feel better!

You’ve heard the expression, “You get what you pay for”. For many, that means if something is inexpensive then it must be poorly made. That may be true of some things like clothing and appliances, but it is not true of everything. Some products are expensive because of high-cost packaging and expensive marketing campaigns. Skin care and cosmetics products are notorious for doing both. Who pays for the packaging and marketing? You do! Unless, of course, you are a smart, savvy shopper.

Alpha Skin Care is not a value-brand, but it is affordable. Our ingredients and formulas are equal to, and often better than high-cost luxury brands. We use naturally powerful ingredients for results you can see and feel. The packaging is simple yet suitable for each product and, as an online brand, our marketing costs are minimal.

If you want to start a skin care routine in 2021, we suggest trying a simple 3 step night-time routine. Start by cleansing with Refreshing Face Wash. Follow Essential Renewal Lotion with 10% Glycolic AHA, and finish with Essential Facial Moisturizer. If you follow this routine for six weeks, your skin will be softer, smoother, healthier and younger-looking.

Alpha Skin Care has been making anti-aging skin care products since 1992. We are committed to making skin care products that offer real results for lines and wrinkles. Keep your skin care New Year’s Resolutions in 2021. Spend less and look better. It all starts with Alpha Skin Care!

For more information on Alpha Skin Care, visit our website.

Happy New You!

Is taking better care of your skin on your list of New You Resolutions? What would that even mean? Does it mean washing your face before bed? Possibly just wearing sunscreen every day? Or does it mean committing to a daily skin care routine? Taking better care of your skin is likely not just one thing. Like a healthy diet, it means doing a lot of little things that add up to healthier, fresher, younger-looking skin.

So let’s try a different approach to taking better care of your skin this year. Instead of taking on the entire year together, why not focus on one resolution each month? It is easier than trying to change every aspect of life at one time. Here are some suggestions for making changes to your skin care routine in 2021!

In January – Take off your make-up at the end of the day and wash your face. Make-up traps skin oils, dirt, and environmental pollutants to cause acne and dull skin. It’s only January, let’s start small.

In February – Moisturize after washing your face and body. Hot water can strip skin of natural oils leaving it dry and tight. Replace lost moisture with a lightweight lotion even if you have oily skin.

In March – Start wearing sunscreen every day. It is easy and it is the best way to reduce and prevent signs of premature aging, and time to get in the habit before summer.

In April – Shower after exercise! Trying to squeeze in a work out at lunch? Sweating is good. It helps get rid of toxins, but don’t let those toxins just sits on your skin too long. It will lead to acne and blemishes.

In May – Exfoliate regularly. We recommend using AHAs to gently exfoliate skin but you can use a gentle scrub as well. Be sure to exfoliate all parts of your body for soft, glowing skin from head to toe.

In June – Clean make-up brushes regularly. Brushes hold skin oils and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash them at least once a month with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Our Refreshing Face Wash works great on brushes!

In July – Take care of your hands. Hands often take a beating and can give away your age. Give them a little extra TLC every day. Use a SPF on your hands during the day and rich lotion on them at night.

In August – Start a basic skin care routine that includes a Glycolic AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). Stick to a program for at least 6 weeks. That’s how long it takes to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Patience and diligence will pay off with a skin care routine.

In September – Schedule an annual skin check-up. Follow up by doing a monthly self-exam as well. Never let unusual moles, bumps or rashes go to long without seeing a dermatologist.

In October – Keep your hands off your face! The germs and bacteria on your hands wind up on your face causing acne and irritation. And clean that cell phone with anti-bacterial wipes for the same reason.

In November – We’re in the home stretch of the year! Keep your momentum in November. Take care of your lips! Use moisturizers and lip balms that have an SPF. Lips are the thinnest skin on the body and are more susceptible to sun damage than any other part of you.

In December – Holiday season, time to celebrate! Be aware, however, of alcohol consumption. Alcohol leaves you dehydrated causing dryness, bloating and redness. It also makes some skin conditions worse, like rosacea and broken capillaries. Just be aware and moderate when celebrating at the end the year.

At the end of 2021, your skin will look better and feel better than it has in years. By focusing on just one small change each month you can develop skin care habits that will last a lifetime. Just like a healthy diet, these changes are lifestyle changes that can help you to be healthier, younger-looking and truly comfortable in your own skin. Best wishes to a Happy New You!

For more information on Alpha Skin Care visit our website.

A Breath of Fresh Air!

Who remembers 1992? Disney’s Aladdin topped theater box offices, while MTV tried something other than music videos with the first season of The Real World. Whitney Houston was top of the charts with “I Will Always Love You” and the still surprisingly high cost of a super bowl ad was $850,000, while this past year it was more than $5.8 million! Basically, what we’re getting at, times change. Way back in 1992 Alpha Skin Care was known by another name and was brand new to the health and beauty market. It was just beginning to lead the way in naturally powerful skin care.

We launched in 1992 as Alpha Hydrox with just two products. At the time the name originated from the active ingredient, alpha hydroxy acid. Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs were innovative in skin care in the 1990s. The name showcased what made Alpha Hydrox unique at the time and was intended to help consumers know about products with this new, powerful ingredient.

Over time, skin care formulas changed. At Alpha Hydrox, we began incorporating other active ingredients. We added retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants and vitamins to many products. As our skin care line evolved and grew, the name Alpha Hydrox no longer fit. Over the years, we learned a lot and our skin care products offered so much more than just Alpha Hydroxy Acids. In 2016, we embarked on a new chapter by changing the name of the brand to Alpha Skin Care. As Alpha Skin Care, we still offer many of the same great products you know and love, but our loyal users have noticed a few new names. We think the names of Alpha Skin Care better represent who we are today. Our newest names as follows.

Foaming Face Wash is now Refreshing Face Wash

Toner Astringent is now Clarifying Toner

10% AHA Enhanced Cream is now Essential Renewal Cream

10% AHA Enhanced Lotion is now Essential Renewal Lotion

10% AHA Oil-Free Formula is now Essential Renewal Gel

12% AHA Souffle is now Enhanced Renewal Cream

Silk Wrap Body Lotion is now Renewal Body Lotion

14% AHA Intensive Serum is now Intensive Renewal Serum

Retinol ResQ is now Enhanced Wrinkle Repair Cream

Eye and Upper Lip Cream is now Nourishing Eye Cream

Spot Light Skin Lightener is now Dual Action Skin Lightener

Additionally, to be environmentally friendly, we’ve removed all internal platforms from the packaging and eliminated any extra waste in the updated design, and most importantly the packaging itself is recyclable. Why is Alpha Skin Care the best choice in skin care? Affordable quality, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and simple (now recyclable!) packaging; we give you everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Our sincere thanks to the many loyal Alpha Hydrox users for their support during the last 28 years. You helped to make product development and evolution possible and we appreciate your continued support through this transition and beyond. Our mission in 1992 was to offer highly effective, quality products at an affordable price. That remains our mission today. Alpha Hydrox or Alpha Skin Care – it’s still The One That Works!