One of the common ingredients in harsher chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acids have been used to reduce age spots, wrinkles, and acne for obvious reasons. The concentration determines just who can use it. But it has been known to have a skin bleaching effect, especially in higher quantities and concentrations. So it is not for those with more pigmented skin tones when used in things like chemical peels.

Over the counter versions of this are dispensed through over the counter products. And some of these products have been known to call themselves the best acne treatments. These have been known to increase the rate at which the skin is able to shed away dead skin cells. But when used in concentrations of 20% or even 30%, alpha hydroxy acids are only used by professional cosmetologists. Generally, it is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles within 1 to 3 applications. However, it has to be repeated every 3 to 6 months to maintain these results. In some cases, doctors have used anywhere from 50%-70%. Those results will last anywhere from 2-5 years. However, in terms of acne fighting, 50-70% is no more effective than 10 to maybe 20%.

Alpha hydroxy acids have been pushed as some of the best acne treatments on the market. And they have been proven to remove dead skin cells and shed away layers that would clog the pores and cause dull, acne prone skin. As the chemical peel use would indicate, it can cause redness, irritation, and some degree of skin damage. But it is not necessarily among the best acne treatments even as compared to something like tea tree oil, which is non damaging.