Alpha-hydroxy acids, enzyme treatments are named after their type of molecular structure. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and their relatives, betahydroxy and poly-hydroxy acids, can be derived in such acid forms as citric, glycolic and malic, from such natural sources as fruits, plants and trees. Found now in products that range from scrubs and daytime moisturizers to makeup foundations and tattoo removal treatments, the acids are designed to exfoliate through a chemical reaction that dissolves the top layer of dead skin cells, plumping up the newer, younger cells underneath and boosting a rosier, brighter complexion.

The watchword with any product that contains AHA has to be gentle. Otherwise, any subtle inflammation of the skin will become an aggravation. For sensitive skin, this may mean avoiding products with AHAs altogether, they are not all suitable choices for someone wanting to use them for tattoo removal.

There are some exciting new enzyme products on the market that are designed to be absorbed into the skin. These as well as TCA tattoo peels can be administered in a variety of strengths at home or by dermatologist, aestheticians, and cosmetic surgeons. Peels can improve many concerns in addition to tattoo removal, these include fine lines, poor skin texture, some discoloration as well as acne scarring – but they can’t tighten loose skin or make much of a difference with more pronounced wrinkles. Similar capacities are seen in dermabrasion, a form of sanding of the skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble and come from many sources. Glycolic, in concentrations of 2 percent to 20 percen, are made from sugar cane; citric from citrus fruits, from sour milk; malic from apples; phytic, from rice; and tartaric, from grapes. Beta hydroxy acids (salycylic, from willow bark and sweet birch trees) are oil soluble. Glycolic acid is the most commonly used AHA, because it is the most effective, but it is also the most irritating. Use of any AHAs causes greater sensitivity to the sun, so after applying it for tattoo removal you would be advised to use a sunscreen.

Most OTC chemical peel products contain about 4 percent to 8 percent active AHA, these are not generally strong enough for removing your unwanted ink. Do some research on this and you can find numerous peels for tattoos in the range of 30 percent plus acid concentrations. make sure you are dealing with a reputable company that fully discloses their ingredients, the FDA does not mandate the disclosure of AHA concentration in OTC chemical peel products.