Skin cream is an amalgam of many chemicals, both manmade and natural. If you take the time necessary to read the label, you may find yourself lost in a world of scientific terms that will leave you more boggled than informed. If, however, you understand what that collection of Latin means, you will have a better knowledge of which skin cream is right for you. So what are some these terms and what do they stand for?

AHA. An acronym that sounds like you might be laughing, but it has nothing to do with humor. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acids. This group of chemicals includes such compounds as glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids. We have been putting these compounds on our face for quite some time. You would be surprised to note that there are over 200 skin care products containing these alpha hydroxy acids. These compounds are used to help you to lessen such things as those fine lines that frame your mouth. They also assist in dealing with age spots and controlling enlarged pores. However, for all the good these compounds do, they can also cause irritation and sun sensitivity. Therefore, if you are using AHAs, you should also be applying sunscreen. If you are concerned about what AHA skin care products may do to you, you should start using them in small controlled amounts. If you are feeling okay, then you can gradually increase your applications.

Beta hydroxy acid is also known as salicylic acid. Skin care products that contain this compound are use commonly in the exfoliation of skin. If the sun has damaged your skin, it can improve the texture and color of your affected areas. Salicylic acids penetrate your pores and can help reduce acne. Skin care products, like skin cream, using salicylic acids can either be found at your health and beauty outlet or they can be prescribed by your physician. Please note that on the whole salicylic acids are considered to be safer than standard AHA compounds, but there are exceptions to its usage. If you are using medication such as aspirin, you should not be using skin care products with salicylic acids as they combine with the compounds in aspirin and can cause dermatitis. Also, if you were carrying a child or breast feeding a baby, it would be advisable to contact your physician to ensure that you are not going to do damage to yourself or your baby.

Hydroquinone skin creams are used to combat conditions such as age spots, pregnancy related skin conditions and melasma. Hydroquinone is a compound used to lighten skin because of its bleaching properties. Skin care products containing this compound can be obtained at your health and beauty outlet or prescribed by your physician.

Copper peptide is relatively new to the skin care product market. This recent addition has been referred to as a skin regeneration compound. Copper peptides incite the creation of collagen and elastin, both important ingredients for healthy skin. There are enzymes in your body that accentuate your tissue repair. These enzymes rely on copper to complete their process. It has also been discovered in medical studies that copper peptides help your skin in its natural process of cleaning your system of damaged collagen and elastin. This keeps your skin healthy, firm and tight.

Dimethylaminoethanol or DMAE is long been considered to be the fuel of your brain. Not only is this chemical produced from within your skull, it can be found outside in fish. So the next time you are showing down on salmon, you are getting an extra dose of DMAE. DMAE skin care products have been touted as age reducing wonders. These skin care products are known to decrease lines and wrinkles when applied in cream form.

These are but a small sampling of the chemicals present in your skin care products. Now that you have a basic understanding, you should go online and discover the world of chemicals in your skin care products, so you can find the right skin cream for you.