Vitamin A, Retinol, stimulates the production of epidermal cells making the skin thicker and softer. This contributes to smoothing out fine lines, improving acne, and perhaps somewhat bleaching the skin. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a fruit complex extracted from a number of non-toxic or non-irritating fruits that has the same effects as vitamin A acid (retinoic acid) - but without its irritating effect. Popularly speaking, AHA speeds up the renewal of cells making the skin soft and smooth. Creams with AHA is typically used for "treating" problematic skin for a period of six weeks.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) resembles AHA and relieves acne infections. Several creams contain both AHA and BHA.
Vitamin C tightens the skin and gives it fullness. With age, the connective tissue of the skin becomes thinner and more loose because the corium produces less collagen. Creams with added vitamin C penetrate the skin and tighten it. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which, among other things, protects the skin.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant working together with and supporting the effect of other antioxidants. Creams with added vitamin E protect the skin from pollution and free radicals. The destruction of skin cells in both the epidermis and subcutis is caused by free radicals (molecules - most often oxygen molecules - that cause damage to the surrounding cells).
