Glycolic acid is an organic acid, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which can be found in fruit and milk. Alpha hydroxy acids have been used for many years as natural moisturisers, exfoliants and softeners for the skin. Examples of AHA’s are lactic acid and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti wrinkle lotions often contain glycolic acid. There are lots of glycolic acid skin care preparations to choose from.
How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations Work?
Glycolic acid is a very small molecule which is extracted from sugar cane. It is a single chain molecule and the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids. Since it is so small it can easily go through the skin where it interferes with the attachments that connect any dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a soft and more young-looking skin. In addition glycolic acid is a very efficient moisturizer. In one trial there was a 200% increase in skin moisture when glycolic acid was used consistently over a month or two. Glycolic acid skin care products include peels, lotions and gels.
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels containing glycolic acid are the gentlest obtainable and side effects ought to be mild. They sometimes include stinging, redness and some irritation. Side effects are generally transient and will clear up in a few days.
A Word of Caution
Retinol or related derivatives of vitamin A sometimes make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more severe. This is specially important for glycolic acid peels so be careful if you are also using any of these types of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations
Glycolic acid cleansers, creams and gels
All these glycolic acid skin care products are manufactured for every day use as cleansers, exfoliating agents and moisturisers. Creams and lotions are formulated for oily, dry or combination skins. Serums are mostly much lighter in consistency and are consequently more suitable for oily skins.
Glycolic Acid Peels
At higher concentrations glycolic acid can be used as a chemical peel to provide a more aggressive therapy than gels and creams. Chemical peels work by literally blistering the skin to allow the skin to peel off to expose soft skin underneath. Glycolic acid skin peels are accessible OTC but if if you have never used one before it is wise to check with a medical practitioner before use to make certain the product is suitable for your skin. Glycolic acid peels can be used to remove fine lines, dry areas and pigmentation. In addition they are beneficial in controlling acne outbreaks or to cure skin damaged by the sun.
Glycolic Acid Anti Aging Preparations
There are numerous anti aging skin care products available with many different ingredients. Glycolic acid is often included in these products, typically blended with additional ingredients for example Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. Some people could have skin that is too hypersensitive to use a product that contains glycolic acid and retinol together so be sensible when using this kind of product and try on a small spot, possibly on the inner arm, before applying to your face. In addition be sure to use a sunscreen when using any product that contains retinol in the day as this makes the skin more hypersensitive to the sun.
Glycolic Acid Skin Lightening Products
Skin lightening products are to be used on areas of the skin that are discolored from sun damage or aging. They must not be used all over the face. They can be purchased as gels or creams and usually contain additional ingredients such as azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Glycolic Acid Eye Preparations
Glycolic acid skin care products appropriate to take care of the fine lines around the eyes contain much lower levels of glycolic acid than the gels and creams formulated for the whole face. The skin about the eyes is thinner than in other areas of the face. Glycolic acid eye gels are usually formulated with other ingredients, for instance retinol.
Glycolic Acid Cleaners
Cleansers formulated with glycolic acid generally have levels which vary from 4% to approximately 10%. They may be used for daily cleansing and exfoliating. Pick a lotion or gel with a lower concentration if this is the first occasion you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and increase the level as your skin becomes adapted to it.
Glycolic Acid Face Masks
These categories of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher level of the active ingredient and are usually used for more intense and deeper cleansing therapies.
Glycolic Acid Toners
Toners are mostly used to bring back the pH of the skin prior to other procedures and can augment their efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a wide range of skin treatments and are helpful and usually gentle. Combined with added ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are well-liked and widely used in skin care products.
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