Despite the Hype, No Elixirs of Youth

By Amy Tsao

Following is a guide to the good, the bad, and the ugly among popular cosmeceutical products:

Alpha hydroxy acid Loads of products contain alpha hydroxy acid -- chemicals derived from fruit and milk sugars. Some data suggest that they may help the appearance of aging skin by exfoliating dead cells. But they're also known to have damaging effects, including rashes, swelling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

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