What is glycolic acid? Glycolic acid is one of a group of acids known as alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA). Glycolic acid is one of the mildest types of AHA's. It is found naturally in sugar cane and grapes and is commonly used in skin care treatments including acne treatment, exfoliation, and chemical peels.
How glycolic acid skin care treatment works.
Over the counter glycolic acid skin care treatments usually contain from 6-10% glycolic acid in a base cream or lotion. The lotion is applied to the face like any other facial wash and rinsed away with water.
Glycolic acid works by breaking down substances that bond dead skin cells beneath the top layer of skin. Dead skin cells, which contribute to clogged pores and dull skin, can then be rinsed away.
Benefits of glycolic acid treatments.
As described above, glycolic acid is a natural exfoliant. Freshly exfoliated skin tends to have a healthy glow. Skin looks softer and smoother. Long term use of glycolic acid skin care products has been shown to help diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It also helps smooth out uneven facial tone and can even reduce the appearance of surgical scars, acne scars, and other blemishes.
Used on a regular basis, glycolic acid has also proven helpful in the treatment of acne.
Individuals who use glycolic acid appreciate the benefits of a professional chemical peel by adding glycolic acid treatment to their skin care routine. Generally, a complete line of skin care treatment is sold with glycolic acid cleansers, including neutralizers and skin moisturizers.
Risks of glycolic acid skin care.
Glycolic acid is a very powerful acid. At up to 10% concentration it can be neutralized and washed away with water. Skin care products containing more than 10% glycolic acid must be followed by a neutralizer.
Professional chemical peels use concentrations of 20% - 70% glycolic acid. This requires a specially formulated neutralizer and should be done by someone with experience. Glycolic acid chemical peels are not right for every skin type.
Skin that has been treated with glycolic acid, as with any AHA, must be moisturized following treatment. High acidity dries out skin, which can result in dry patches or excessively oily skin as sebum production intensifies to replenish oils that have been stripped away.
Restorative skin moisturizers also help mitigate potentially destructive effects of glycolic acid.
Use only if you have had experience doing an acid peel at home.
Use at own risk.
