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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2014, 17(2): 127-133pl  Hydroxyacids - structure, activity and application in cosmetology and dermatologyBeata Szmigiel 1/, Ewa Żymańczyk-Duda 2/, Stanisław Lochyński 1,2/ 1/ Instytut Kosmetologii, Wyższa Szkoła Fizjoterapii we Wrocławiu 2/ Zakład Chemii Bioorganicznej, Wydział Chemiczny Politechniki Wrocławskiej Summary The paper presents information on hydroxyacids - a group of compounds commonly used in exfoliating treatments for skin renewal as well as improve the appearance and skin structure. Discussed their chemical structure, properties and classification. Hydroxyacids commonly occur in nature and there are received from natural sources, through the process of obtaining plant extracts. In addition, they can be received by chemical or biotechnologycal methods. Hydroxyacids are difunctional compounds containing both a hydroxyl group (-OH) and carboxyl group (-COOH). There are alpha-hydroxyacids, called fruit acids such as glycolic acid, lactic, citric, mandelic, tartaric and malic acid. Beta-hydroxyacids, which include salicylic acid, and polyhydroxyacids which are a new generation of alpha-hydroxyacids (lactobionic acid and gluconolactone). The study characterized the operation of hydroxyacids and their possible use in cosmetology and dermatology. Discussing the most popular alpha-, beta- and polyhydroxyacids noticed many benefits which they offered to the skin. Hydroxyacids are used to regenerate the skin, improve quality, as well as to eliminate many skin defects. Due to their wide activity they can be adapted to the skin type and skin problem. Key words: hydroxyacids, cosmetology, dermatology |