Sun Tan Lotion

Howstuffworks "How do sunless-tanning products work?" Auto Stuff Science Stuff Health Stuff Entertainment Stuff People Stuff Computer Stuff Electronics Stuff Home Stuff Money Stuff Travel Stuff Shop for Stuff Popular Searches Bug Zapper Chocolate Coffee Grill Lock Picking Nail Gun Security Sponsored By: Subjects Food Home Appliances Home Improvement Home Office Home Security In the Yard ShortStuff Browse the Home Library Reference Links Sunless Tanning Lotion Explore Stuff Lidrock.com Big List of Articles Get the Newsletter Shop for Top Products Shop or Compare Prices Search HSW and the Web Main > Home > ShortStuff How do sunless-tanning products work? If you've read our article How Sun Tans and Sunburns Work , you know that skin is made up of two main layers: the epidermis on the outside and the dermis on the inside. Whether you are talking about sun tanning or self-tanning, the epidermis is where the action occurs. The epidermis is also made up of layers. The deepest layer of the epidermis, called the stratum basale ( basal layer ), is affected during sun tanning. The stratum corneum ( horny layer ) is the outermost layer of the epidermis -- it is this layer that is affected by most sunless-tanning products. There are several different kinds of sunless-tanning products available today. People have been able to pour on a tan since 1960, when Coppertone came out with the first sunless-tanning product -- QT or Quick Tanning Lotion. If you are old enough to remember this, then you are probably thinking of the incredibly orange hue this lotion produced. Since then, there have been several advancements made on the sunless-tanning front. These days, you can find tanning pills, sunless- or self-tanners and bronzers. You can smooth, swipe or spray on a light bronze glow or a deep, dark tan. Many of these products take 45 minutes to one hour to start taking effect, and once you factor in drying time, you could be looking at about three hours spent achieving that sun-free tan. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , the most effective products available are sunless- or self-tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with the dead cells located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells , a color change occurs. This change usually lasts about five to seven days from the initial application. Every day, millions of dead skin cells are sloughed off or worn away from the surface of your skin. In fact, every 35 to 45 days, you have an entirely new epidermis. This is why tans from sunless- or self-tanning lotions will gradually fade -- as the dead cells are worn away, so is your tan. For this reason, most of these products suggest that you reapply the sunless- or self-tanner about every three days to maintain your "tan." Although gels, lotions or sprays that contain DHA are said to be the most reliable and useful, there are dozens of other types of products on the market. Tanning accelerators -- lotions or pills that usually contain the amino acid tyrosine -- claim that they stimulate and increase melanin formation, thereby accelerating the tanning process. At this time, there is no scientific data available to support these claims. Another sunless-tanning product is a tanning pill that contains canthaxanthin , which is most commonly used as a color additive in certain foods. Although the FDA has approved the use of canthaxanthin in food, it does not approve its use as a tanning agent. When used as a color additive, only very small amounts of canthaxanthin are necessary. As a tanning agent, however, much larger quantities are used. After canthaxanthin is consumed, it is deposited all over your body, including in your skin, which turns an orange-brown color. These types of tanning pills have been linked to various side effects, including hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy, a condition in which yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye. Another popular form of sunless tanning is the bronzer . These powders and moisturizers, once applied, create a tan that can easily be removed with soap and water. More like make-up, these products tint or stain your skin only until they are washed off. It's important to remember that most of these products, unless they contain an added sunscreen, will not protect you from the sun's UVA and UVB rays . Even products that do contain a sunscreen won't be of much help, since they lose their efficacy within hours of application. So, if you're planning to head outside to show off your new glow, be sure to apply some extra sunscreen. Here are some interesting links: How Sun Tans and Sunburns Work When you have an itch, what is happening under your skin? How Cancer Works The American Academy of Dermatology The Electronic Textbook of Dermatology: Sun Damage and Prevention Skin Cancer Facts and Figures Definition of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) Top Selling Sunless Tanning Products SkinStore.com: "Simply put, sun is the single most powerful factor responsible for aging skin." ~ Dr. Michelle Copeland Achieve a healthy, beautiful tan without the ... $68.00 One Step Tan: One Step Tan Self Tanning Towelettes-Sunless Tanning Made Easy. Refreshingly scented with pure natural lemon. One Step Tan's triple-action self tannin... $24.99 Goddess Within: Fake Bake Kit includes: Fake Bake Self Tan Lotion 6oz Fake Bake Skin Smoothie Oil 6 oz Fake Bake Passion Fruit Body Polish 6oz. 2 Gloves. 1.... $29.99 Question Archive HowStuffWorks Stuff Home Store Newsletter Search Advertising Privacy Contact About Help © 1998 - 2006 HowStuffWorks, Inc.

Gorgeous Skin

Toolbar Page- Dermabrasion from Gorgeous Skin Loading Toolbar KJBP_~3~3~~~~~~~~(default)~0~0~0,0,0|0,0~0~st1~~~~0~0~0~~~~~~~~~~~tableCol=3;tabBord=0;cellSpa=0;cellPad=0;tableBreak=0;imgAlign='Center';tableBrCol='';tableBgColor='#ad55ad';bgColorPanel='#ad55ad';tAlign='Left';tWidth='100%';cValign='Top';cWidth='';~0~0~First Layout Table~[~~]~[~~]~[~~]~1~~~~ 0JBP_~3~447~%3Ctable width=%22780%22 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0%3E %3Ctr%3E%3Ctd width=%22260%22 valign=%22top width=%22%22 bgcolor=%22#ad55ad%22 halign=%22left%22260%3E%3CA HREF=Javascript%3Aparent.parent.backBut() onmouseover=document.B6620708.src=%27images/gs/btn_back_on.gif%27 onmouseout=document.B6620708.src=%27images/gs/btn_back.gif%27%3E%3CIMG ALIGN=absmiddle BORDER=0 NAME=%27B6620708%27 SRC=%27images/gs/btn_back.gif%27 WIDTH=%27260%27 HEIGHT=%2720%27 VSPACE=%270%27 HSPACE=%270%27%3E%3C/A%3E%3CSCRIPT type=%22text/javascript%22%3Evar img=new Image();img.src=%27images/gs/btn_back_on.gif%27%3C/SCRIPT%3E%3C/td%3E%3Ctd width=%22260%22 align=%22center%22 valign=%22top%22%22 bgcolor=%22#ad55ad%22 halign=%22center%22260%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(448,0,0) onmouseover=document.B4495961.src=%27images/gs/btn_how_on.gif%27 onmouseout=document.B4495961.src=%27images/gs/btn_how.gif%27%3E%3CIMG ALIGN=absmiddle BORDER=0 NAME=%27B4495961%27 SRC=%27images/gs/btn_how.gif%27 WIDTH=%27260%27 HEIGHT=%2720%27 VSPACE=%270%27 HSPACE=%270%27%3E%3C/A%3E%3CSCRIPT type=%22text/javascript%22%3Evar img=new Image();img.src=%27images/gs/btn_how_on.gif%27%3C/SCRIPT%3E%3C/td%3E%3Ctd width=%22260%22 align=%22right%22 valign=%22top%22%22 bgcolor=%22#ad55ad%22%3E%3CA HREF=Javascript%3Aparent.parent.orderFlag=true;parent.parent.preOrder() onmouseover=document.B5245261.src=%27images/gs/btn_checkout_on.gif%27 onmouseout=document.B5245261.src=%27images/gs/btn_checkout.gif%27%3E%3CIMG ALIGN=absmiddle BORDER=0 NAME=%27B5245261%27 SRC=%27images/gs/btn_checkout.gif%27 WIDTH=%27260%27 HEIGHT=%2720%27 VSPACE=%270%27 HSPACE=%270%27%3E%3C/A%3E%3CSCRIPT type=%22text/javascript%22%3Evar img=new Image();img.src=%27images/gs/btn_checkout_on.gif%27%3C/SCRIPT%3E%3C/td%3E%3C/tr%3E%3C/table%3E~~~~~~~n/a~0~0~0,0,0|0,0~0~si6~~~~0~0~0~~~~~~~~Left~~~popWin=0~-1~-1~buttons~[~~]~[~~]~[~~]~1~~~~ Frameset Page | Index Page | Table of Contents EROL - Electronic Retail Online E-commerce shopping cart software

Bath Salts Other products

Amazon.com: Jurlique Rosemary & Mandarin Bath Salts: Beauty Your Store Beauty See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Browse Brands & Products | Free Gifts & Special Offers | Fragrance | Makeup | Skin Care | Bath & Shower | Hair Care | Men's Grooming Search Amazon.com Beauty Skin Care Makeup Fragrance Bath & Shower Hair Care Men's Grooming Health/Personal Care Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . or Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . See larger image Share your own customer images Jurlique Rosemary & Mandarin Bath Salts Other products by Jurlique More about this product Price: $16.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days. Ships from and sold by Saffron Rouge . You May Also Like Jurlique Body Care Lotion $33.00 Jurlique Rosemary & Mandarin Body Wash $15.00 Primavera Body Line Bath Salts sachet $4.50 Product Features Extremely relaxing to the muscles. Activating, uplifting and energising. Rosemary and Mandarin Orange fragrance to suit personal preference. Key Plant Ingredients: Sea Salt, Green Clay (Kaolin), Mandarin Orange Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil and Grapefruit Oil. Natural and herbal antioxidants, vitamins and ingredients grown organically and biodynamically on the Jurlique Herb Farms in South Australia. No artificial colors, fragrance, petrochemical or coal tar ingredients. Not tested on animals. No animal contents. Product Description Product Description Rosemary & Mandarin Bath Salts are moisturising and very relaxing - great for footbaths at the end of a long day. Jurlique's delicately scented bath salts contain a mixture of pure Sea Salt, Clay, essential oils and Jojoba Oil.Size: 14 oz/400g Important Information Ingredients Sea Salt; Kaolin (Green Clay); Citrus nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil; Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil; Glyceryl Cocoate; Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil; Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil. Directions For a luxurious aromatherapy bath, add two desert spoons of bath salts to running water. Product Details Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item. ASIN: B00023DT1M Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,840 in Beauty (See Top Sellers in Beauty ) Yesterday: #10,503 in Beauty This page was created by a seller. Customer Reviews Be the first person to review this item . Look for similar items by category Beauty > Products > Bath & Shower > Bath > Minerals & Salts Beauty > Products > Gift Sets > Bath & Shower Beauty > Products > Men's Grooming This Item and You Write a Review | Write a So You'd Like To... Guide | Tell a Friend About This Item | Rate This Item Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. Saffron Rouge Privacy Statement Saffron Rouge Shipping Information Saffron Rouge Returns & Exchanges Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Pet Supplies Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Automotive for Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France | China Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Room | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1996-2006, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

Skin Care Products ----------------------

DDF in Skin Care Products at BizRate - Compare Prices and Online Stores Log in to your account Bookmark this page! Home Home & Garden Computers Clothes Toys Electronics Kids Jewelry Health & Beauty Supplies All Departments I'm shopping for in All Departments Health & Beauty Supplies Skin Care Products ---------------------- Special Offers Store Ratings Welcome to BizRate.com's free comparison shopping site! We help you find the best deals on the biggest selection of products from all of the top-rated stores. Compare products, read reviews, and compare prices to make sure you quickly find the right product at the right price every time! Shop smarter at BizRate. Home > Health & Beauty Supplies > Skin Care Products > DDF Email this page | Report an error or bug Search took 0.005 of a second. DDF in Skin Care Products Not what you're looking for? See Other Matches for “ DDF ” DDF in Skin Care Products Price Range Under $30 $30 - $50 Over $50 More Face Products Acne Treatment Mask Skin Care Kit Facial Peel Eye Cream Facial Serum Toner More Popular Skincare Products Ddf Fade Cream Ddf Fade Gel Ddf Sulfur Therapeutic Mask Ddf Redness Relief Ddf 7-day Radiance Peel Kit Ddf Retinol Energizing Moisturizer Ddf Moisturizing Photo-age Protection More Bath & Body Products Body Lotion Hand Cream Sunblock Shower Gel Bath & Shower Gel Mud Spa Pre And Post Sun Care More Shaving Products Shave Cream SPF Spf 30+ Spf 10+ Skin Type Oily Sensitive Normal Dry or Browse by: Skin Care Components Skin Care Product Features Gender Stores Products per page: 15 30 60 120 Sort by: Best Match Price Low-High Price High-Low Product Rating Store A-Z Store Z-A 1 2 3 4 5 … Next > Product Title Store Price DDF - Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Gel with 3% Sulfur - 2 oz A 10% Benzoyl Peroxide water based gel with the added therapeutic... AskDerm.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $24.00 DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask Free Shipping, Always free samples - DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask... Spalook.com This store is rated: $29.00 Calculate tax & shipping costs DDF Fade Gel 4 DDF Fade Gel 4 is a pigmentation control cellular based formulation... CosmeticMall.com This store is rated: $50.00 DDF -Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Holistic Lightening Protocol A hydroquinone-free Cleanse, Protect, Treat protocol to reduce... Sephora.com This store is rated: $69.00 DDF Cellular Revitalization Age Renewal - 1.7 oz This item ships FREE. Save $4.95! A sumptuous formulation for... SkinStore.com This store is rated: $125.00 DDF - Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection - SPF 30 - 4 oz OUT OF STOCK - Available from Manufacturer March 2006 Completely... Dermatologistrx.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $25.00 DDF - Cellular Revitalization Age Renewal - 1.7 oz For mature or damaged skin in need of cellular repair. Cell management... TNSSkinCare.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $125.00 DDF Medicated Skin Cleanser 5% BP Actively prevents and controls blemishes. Promotes clear skin... Acnewizard This store is rated: $23.00 DDF Moisturizing Photo-Age Sunscreen SPF 30 4 oz Buy DDF Moisturizing Photo-Age Sunscreen SPF 30 4 oz from Amazon... Amazon.com This store is rated: $25.00 DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, 4 oz This therapeutic medicated mask is for the treatment of acne beauty.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $32.00 DDF Fade Cream SPF 30 Free Shipping, Always free samples - DDF Fade Cream SPF 30 contains... Spalook.com This store is rated: $38.00 DDF Ultra Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew DDF Ultra Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew is a delicate, mild, all... SkinElite.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $16.00 DDF - Intensive Holistic Lightener - 1 oz A powerful blend of holistic lighteners for effective fading of... AskDerm.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $48.00 DDF Nourishing Eye Cream - 1 oz Easily absorbed ultra rich yet light eye cream that helps restore... SkinStore.com This store is rated: $42.00 DDF - After Sport Shower Gel - 8.5 oz This extra rich sudsing gel is an ideal companion for your activity... Dermatologistrx.com This store is not yet rated. Why? $24.00 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … Next > Related Searches in Skin Care Products Shiseido , Neutrogena , Hydroquinone , Skinceuticals , Skin Care , La Mer , Eye Cream , Microdermabrasion , Clarins , Collagen , Aveda , Olay , Kiehls , Serious Skin Care , Lotions , Skin Care Kit , Bath Body Works , La Prairie , Crabtree Evelyn , Jason Natural Cosmetics , Biomedic , More Stores Selling Skin Care Products (Sponsored Links) Buy DDF skincare direct. Try doctor's dermatologic formula. DDF Advanced skin care treatments. www.ddf.com Overall Rating: Not Yet Rated DDF Skin Care Products Beauty.com. Shop Prestige Brands Free shipping with minimum purchase www.beauty.com Overall Rating: Not Yet Rated DDF Skin Care Free Samples! Free Shipping. Fast Delivery. 100% Guarantee. www.spalook.com/freeshipping Overall Rating: DDF Free Shipping over $75, Free Gift Packaging & Free Samples at Sephora www.sephora.com Overall Rating: Ddf Skin Care Shop the DDF advanced skincare line Free tote & samples with $85 order. www.nordstrom.com Overall Rating: DDF Skin Care Products Fast, free shipping on DDF Products . Free Samples. www.ariva.com Overall Rating: Not Yet Rated DDF Skin Care Products 30% Off with Free Shipping While Supplies Last! www.spa-solution.com Overall Rating: Not Yet Rated I'm shopping for in All Departments Health & Beauty Supplies Skin Care Products ---------------------- Special Offers Store Ratings See the 2005 Circle of Excellence Winners! Stores are responsible for providing BizRate with correct and current prices. 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Facial Skin Care

FDA Consumer: Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care: SmoothSailing or Rough Seas? U. S. Food and Drug Administration FDA Consumer March - April 1998; Revised May 1999 Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas? by Paula Kurtzweil Baby boomers and others who once sought the sun's rays with little thought of skin damage are now paying the price--billions of dollars annually for cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Derived from fruit and milk sugars and served up in creams and lotions, AHAs attract customers with their supposed ability to reduce wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin. Some scientific evidence suggests they may work. But are these products safe? Since 1989, the Food and Drug Administration has received more than 100 reports of adverse reactions in people using AHA products. Their complaints included severe redness, swelling (especially in the area of the eyes), burning, blistering, bleeding, rash, itching, and skin discoloration. FDA believes reactions from AHAs are probably even more widespread. Past experience suggests that for every adverse reaction report the agency receives, the manufacturer receives 50 to 100. "This would translate into approximately 10,000 adverse reactions being received for AHA-containing products," says John Bailey, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors. Also, their relative newness (they've been widely available only since about 1992) means that their long-term effects are unknown. An industry-sponsored study found that people who use AHA products have greater sensitivity to sun, raising the specter of greater risk of photoaging and skin cancer. "There are many unanswered questions in front of us," Bailey says. "AHAs are unlike anything else ever introduced onto the cosmetic market on such a wide scale. They are not your traditional cosmetics." In spring 1997, the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Science accepted FDA's proposal to study AHA safety. While FDA awaits the results, expected by the year 2000, the agency is cautioning consumers to take extra care with AHA products: for example, avoiding the sun when possible, otherwise using adequate sun protection, and reporting adverse reactions immediately to doctors or FDA directly. "These are very, very popular products," Bailey says. "Very little about the process restricts their sale. And it's a somewhat alarming idea to put acids on the skin. It raises obvious safety questions." AHAs Are Everywhere AHA cosmetics are believed to have derived from the "chemical peels" that dermatologists and plastic surgeons have used for years. The peels, typically trichloroacetic acid, phenol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid, help remove undesirable signs of skin aging, such as discoloration, roughness and wrinkling. The chemicals cause the skin to lose its outer layer, or peel off, revealing a fresher-looking layer of skin. Known as chemical exfoliation, the procedure is done in doctors' offices so that doctors can control the process and prevent deep skin burns from the highly acidic solutions. Cosmetic manufacturers began to market similar but milder versions of these chemical peels containing AHAs for salon and at-home use around 1989. They quickly caught on, and by 1992, mass marketing had begun. Today, says Lisa Berger, a cosmetic sales manager for a Hecht Co. department store in Washington, D.C., "every [cosmetic company] has AHA products. There used to be only three product lines; now there are 20." The AHAs used most often in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid, although there are others, and many are used in combination. Increasingly, says Zoe Draelos, M.D., a dermatologist in High Point, N.C., manufacturers are using poly-AHAs, which have larger molecules, and ingredients such as salicylic acid. According to Draelos, who consults for several large U.S. cosmetic companies, these products may produce less skin irritation. Typically, AHA products sold to consumers have an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less. The concentration of AHA products used by trained cosmetologists may run between 20 and 30 percent, while those used by doctors can range from 50 to 70 percent. Though sold to consumers mainly in face and body creams and lotions, AHAs also can be found to a lesser degree in other cosmetics, such as shampoos and cuticle softeners. Available everywhere, from discount pharmacies to fine department stores, the products typically range in price from a few dollars to as much as $60 a bottle. Product Status Some in the cosmetic industry have suggested that AHA products are more than simple cosmetics, coining the term "cosmeceutical" to describe them instead. Under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are defined as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." Drugs are defined as products intended for treating or preventing disease and affecting the structure or any function of the body. They are subject to premarket review and approval; cosmetics are not. "The term 'cosmeceutical' is not recognized by law," Bailey says. "These products, depending on their intended use, would be regulated either as cosmetics, drugs, or both as cosmetics and drugs." FDA has a particular concern about AHAs because, unlike traditional cosmetics, AHAs seem capable of penetrating the skin barrier. In reviewing the limited data on AHAs, FDA concluded in a 1996 report that certain formulations of AHA products can affect the skin in a manner similar to that of chemical peels--that is, increasing cell turnover rate and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin. The effect depends on the product's pH level (a measure of its acidity), the AHA concentration, and the AHA vehicle cream, as well as how the product is used (for example, frequency of use and where on the skin it is applied). Sun Sensitivity An additional concern arose as FDA prepared its 1996 report on AHA safety: Some people who had reported adverse reactions cited increased sun sensitivity. In addition, one industry-sponsored study found that participants whose skin was exposed to 4 percent glycolic acid twice daily for 12 weeks developed minimal skin redness with 13 percent less ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure than normal. Three participants developed minimal redness with 50 percent less UV exposure than normal. Another study that looked at the effects of glycolic acid on production of sunburn cells (markers for UV-induced skin damage) found that people who received the AHA product in the presence of UV radiation experienced twice the cell damage in areas where the AHA had been applied than those who were treated with the non-AHA product. FDA's concern is that people who are sensitive to sunlight may be particularly susceptible to UV rays, which can damage the skin and, over a long period, can cause skin cancer. In 1997, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel--the cosmetic industry's self-regulatory body for reviewing and addressing safety of cosmetic ingredients--concluded that the AHA's glycolic acid and lactic acid and their related chemical compounds are safe for use in products intended for consumer use when: the AHA concentration is 10 percent or less the final product has a pH of 3.5 or greater (lower numbers indicate greater acidity) the final product is formulated in such a way that it protects the skin from increased sun sensitivity or its package directions tell consumers to use sunscreen products. For AHA products used by trained cosmetologists, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel concluded that formulations of glycolic acid and lactic acid at concentrations of 30 percent or less and a pH of 3.0 or greater intended for only "brief" use at one time followed by thorough rinsing and daily use of sun protection are safe. The panel's conclusions actually serve as guidelines for cosmetic manufacturers, Bailey says. "This means that each manufacturer of an AHA product should conduct appropriate testing on their products to measure whether or not the product increases the sensitivity of the user to UV radiation and, if so, should add sun protection to their product and warn consumers to take extra steps to protect themselves at all times." Meanwhile, FDA continues to study AHA safety. Later this year, scientists with the National Toxicology Program and FDA will use hairless mice to study the effect of AHAs on the risk of cancer associated with sunlight and UV radiation. The study will run for about three years. Depending on the outcome of FDA's investigation, Bailey says, the agency may or may not take action against AHA products. "The absence of action by FDA to date doesn't mean that there won't be any in the future." Use with Care Considering the questionable safety status, FDA and dermatologists advise consumers who use AHA products to follow these precautions: Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen product with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. Wear a hat with a brim of at least 4 inches (about 10 centimeters). Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Buy products with adequate label information: for example, a list of ingredients to see which AHA or other chemical acids are in the product; the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, which can serve as the contact if a problem or question arises; and a statement about the product's AHA concentration and pH level. The first two pieces of information are mandatory; the third is optional. Consumers can call or write the manufacturer, however, to get information about a product's AHA concentration and pH level. Buy only products that comply with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel's 1997 recommendations--that is, products with an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or greater. Do a skin-sensitivity test on a patch of skin if you are a first-time user of any AHA product or are using a different brand or a product with a different concentration or pH than you are used to. Stop using the product immediately if you experience adverse reactions. Signs of adverse reactions include stinging, redness, itching, burning, pain, and bleeding or change in sun sensitivity. Even mild irritation is a sign that the product is causing damage, FDA's Bailey says, despite what the manufacturer may indicate on the product label. "Cosmetics shouldn't sting or cause irritation," he says. If you have an adverse reaction, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell you whether an adverse reaction is from the product or is an indication of an underlying disease, such as skin cancer. Dermatologists also can recommend appropriate skin-care products, and they will report your case, keeping your name confidential, to FDA's adverse reaction monitoring program. You also can report your adverse reaction yourself to FDA. Reports can be made to local FDA offices, listed in the Blue Pages of the phone book or to FDA's1ffice of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-532-4440 . + Have the label and any other packaging information on hand. Be prepared to give the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and any identifiable product code numbers. Also be prepared to state where and when you bought the product, if you can remember, and whether you saw a doctor. "We'd like to know about it even if it's only a mild reaction," Bailey says. Bailey adds that these precautions are important until AHAs' safety is better known. "We are told that AHAs are here to stay," he says. "But they are not reviewed for safety before they are put on the market. And we don't have enough information to say that they are safe." Paula Kurtzweil is a member of FDA's public affairs staff. Ingredient Terms Here are some ingredient terms that indicate a cosmetic contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid lactic acid glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid hydroxycaprylic acid mixed fruit acid triple fruit acid tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids sugar cane extract alpha hydroxy and botanical complex L-alpha hydroxy acid glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium Beta hydroxy acids: salicylic acid * beta hydroxybutanoic acid tropic acid trethocanic acid Alpha and beta hydroxy acids: malic acid citric acid * From a chemist's perspective,salicylic acid is not a true BHA.However, cosmetic companies often refer to it as a BHA and,consequently, many consumers think of it as one. Approved Treatments for Signs of Aging, Sun-Damaged Skin These are the only products that have been studied for safety and effectiveness and approved by FDA for treating signs of sun-damaged or aging skin: Renova (tretinoin emollient cream). This vitamin A derivative, available by prescription only, is approved for mitigating of fine wrinkles and mottled darkened spots and roughness of facial skin in people whose skin does not improve with regular skin care and use of sun protection. Renova does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, or restore skin to its healthier younger structure. Also, the safety of daily Renova use for longer than 48 weeks has not been established, and it should not be used by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Renova has not been studied in people 50 and older or in people with moderately or darkly pigmented skin. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers. These medical devices are approved for treating wrinkles. The procedure requires removal of facial skin in a layer-by-layer manner. It is performed under anesthesia by a doctor in an outpatient surgical setting. --P.K. For More Information FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Information Line 1-888-723-3366 FDA's Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Website: Backgrounder on Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetics Information About Cosmetics For more information, consumers can also call toll-free 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). Questions concerning the content ofthis article should be directed to FDA's Office of Public Affairs. . This is a mirror of the page at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_ahas.html + Updated Contact Information: CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) Phone: 301-436-2405 Email: Cosmetics Foods Home | FDA Home | HHS Home | Search/Subject Index | Disclaimers & Privacy Policy | Accessibility/Help