Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids are a group of Organic Hydroxy Acids that are chemically similar to Vitamin C.

Hair

 A blend of Retin-A and an (unspecified) Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (applied topically to the Scalp) is under investigation as a means of returning Hair - Gray to its original color: 

 A New York dermatologist, Jim Baral, claims to have restored his Hair color to normal after accidentally smearing the mixture onto his Scalp.  He claims that his Hair color remains normal one year after the “incident”.

 AHAs (applied topically) may slow the degeneration of the cells lining Hair Follicles, possibly inhibiting Hair Loss (according to speculation by one dermatologist - this claim has not been investigated using scientific methods). 

Metabolism

 AHAs (applied topically) function as topical Antioxidants in the Skin.  ^[1]

Skin

 AHAs (applied topically) may alleviate Acne. 

 AHAs (applied topically) may alleviate Skin - Dry (due to their moisturizing capabilities):  ^[2]

 AHAs (applied topically) may facilitate the desquamation of dead Skin cells from the Stratum Corneum, thereby alleviating Dry Skin.

 AHAs (applied topically) may alleviate Hyperkeratosis.  ^[3]

 AHAs (applied topically) may alleviate Ichthyosis.  ^[4]

 AHAs (applied topically) may reduce the severity of Psoriasis.  ^[5]

 AHAs (applied topically) may alleviate Seborrhea (by removing excess oil from the Skin).  ^[6]

 AHAs (applied topically) may improve the health, function and visual appearance of the Skin: 

 AHAs (applied topically) may increase the elasticity of the Skin.

 AHAs (applied topically) may accelerate the exfoliation cycle of the Skin, increasing the turnover of Skin cells and thinning and smoothing the upper layer of the Skin (especially the Stratum Corneum layer).  ^[7]

 AHAs (applied topically) may improve the texture of the Skin, causing it to reflect light more evenly.