Chemistry & ProductsQuestion 79 of 484

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid act primarily on the skin by:

a.Bleaching pigment in the cortex
b.Killing bacteria deep in the dermis
c.Exfoliating the surface of the stratum corneum
d.Tightening the underlying muscle

Explanation

AHAs are water-soluble acids that loosen the bonds between dead surface skin cells (corneocytes), promoting gentle exfoliation. They work on the surface of the stratum corneum, not in the dermis.

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