Glycolic acid is an acid that occurs naturally, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which can be found in fruit and milk. AHA’s have been employed for a long time as natural moisturisers, exfoliants and softeners for the skin. Some examples of alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid and tartaric acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti wrinkle and anti aging products often include glycolic acid. There are lots of glycolic acid skin care products to choose from.
How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products Work?
Glycolic acid is a very small molecule extracted from sugar cane. It is a single chain molecule and the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids. As it is so tiny it can easily penetrate the the top layer of the skin where it breaks the attachments that connect any dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a soft and more youthful looking skin. Additionally glycolic acid is a very powerful moisturiser. In one experiment there was a 200% increase in the moisture of the skin when glycolic acid was used consistently for a month or two. Glycolic acid skin care products include creams, gels lotions and peels.
Some Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels which contain glycolic acid are the mildest available to purchase and side effects are usually mild. They may include redness, stinging and irritation. Side effects are ordinarily short-lived and will clear up in a few days.
A Word of Caution
Retinol or associated vitamin A derivatives may make the effects of some glycolic acid skin care products more intense. This is particularly important for glycolic acid peels so be careful if you are also using one of these kinds of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products
Glycolic acid gels, creams and lotions
All these glycolic acid skin care products are formulated for daily use as exfoliating agents, moisturisers and cleansers. Creams and lotions are intended for dry, oily or combination skins. Serums are frequently much lighter in texture and are as a result more suitable for oily skins.
At higher concentrations glycolic acid can be used as a chemical peel to give a more intense remedy than gels and creams. A chemical peel works by literally blistering the skin to cause the skin to peel off to leave smooth skin beneath. Glycolic acid skin peels are available over the counter but if you haven’t used one before it is advisable to seek advice from a doctor before use to make certain it is suitable for your skin. Glycolic acid peels can be used to remove pigmentation, fine lines and dry areas. In addition they are beneficial in controlling acne flare ups or to treat sun damaged skin.
Anti Aging Preparations
There are a lot of anti aging skin care products available with a wide range of constituents. Glycolic acid is regularly incorporated in these products, usually mixed with additional ingredients for instance retinol or Coenzyme Q10. Some individuals could have skin that is too hypersensitive to use a product containing retinol and glycolic acid in combination so be sensible when using this kind of product and put to the test on a small area, possibly on the inner arm, before applying to your face. Furthermore be careful to use a sunscreen when using any retinol containing product during the daytime as this will make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Skin Lightening Products
Skin lightening products are for use on areas of the skin that are discolored from sun damage or aging. They should not be used all over the face. They can be purchased as creams or gels and frequently contain further ingredients for example azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Eye Products
Glycolic acid skin care products suitable to take care of the fine lines in the region of the eyes contain much lower concentrations of glycolic acid than the gels and creams formulated for the whole face. The skin about the eyes is more sensitive and thinner than in other areas of the face. Glycolic acid eye gels are typically formulated with added ingredients, for instance retinol.
Cleansers
Cleansers formulated with glycolic acid typically have concentrations which vary from 3% to about 10%. They can be used for daily exfoliationg and cleansing. Pick a product with a lower concentration if this is the first time you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and increase the concentration as your skin becomes used to to it.
Masks
These kinds of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of the active ingredient and are by and large used for more intense and deeper cleansing therapies.
Toners
Toners are mostly used to restore the pH of the skin before other treatments and can increase their effectiveness.
Face Washes
A glycolic acid face wash can be used daily to give a lovely luminosity to the skin. Though a lot of the glycolic acid products that are for sale have a rather high concentration of the active ingredient, face washes have a lot lower concentration and for that reason are entirely safe for anyone to use. The single exception to this is if you have a serious skin problems, you should consult a medical practitioner before you use this kind of face wash even though it is not likely that concentrations this low will cause any problems.
Finally
Glycolic acid skin care preparations are used for a wide range of skin treatments and are helpful and generally mild. Combined with further ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are very popular and extensively used in skin care products.