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Betahydroxy acids - Wrinkle treatment by Betahydroxy acid
Akin to alphahydroxy acids, betahydroxy acids are naturally derived compounds. True betahydroxy acids, like tropic acid, are not marketed as antiaging products. Instead, a compound called salicylic acid (that resembles a beta hydroxy acid) is used to reduce wrinkles and sun-aged skin.
Salicylic acid is often marketed as a betahydroxy acid because of their commonality, but technically they are not identical. Because the public and some practitioners use the acid terms interchangeably, this book lists salicylic as a betahydroxy acid for reference ease.
Salicylic acid has been used for decades as an effective antiacne medication. At present salicylic acid is also being used to help reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Some dermatologists believe that salicylic acid, used in superficial peel strength formulation, can be as effective as but less irritating than alphahydroxy acids in reducing sun damage. Superficial peels of salicylic acid are being promoted to diminish brown blotching, iron out fine wrinkling, and tighten the skin for a smoother look.
Some dermatologists believe that salicylic acid in "lunchtime peel" strength may also be as effective as alphahydroxy acids in reducing skin discoloration, such as melasma. (Early reports seem to show that these peels may be safer than alphahydroxy acids in a broader range of skin pigmentation types.) Salicylic acid peels may' be combined with over-the-counter or prescription-strength alphahydroxy acids or the antiwrinkle cream Renova to further reduce sun damage.
Low-concentration salicylic acid is available in some over the counter products; however, how those salicylic acid products compare with over-the-counter alphahydroxy acid creams is not known. These salicylic acid creams are sold as "betahydroxy acids," rather than as salicylic acid products.
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