Glycolic acid is an organic acid, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is found in milk and fruit. AHA’s have been used for many years as natural moisturisers, exfoliants and softeners for the skin. Examples of alpha hydroxy acids are tartaric acid and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti aging and anti wrinkle creams often contain glycolic acid. There are a wide variety 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 AHA’s. Since it is so tiny it can easily penetrate the the top layer of the skin where it interferes with the connections that hold the dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a soft and more youthful looking skin. Also glycolic acid is a very efficient moisturiser. In one test there was a 200% improvement in the moisture of the skin when glycolic acid was used on a regular basis for four or five weeks. Glycolic acid skin care products include peels, cleansers, creams and gels.
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels containing glycolic acid are the gentlest obtainable so side effects ought to be mild. They sometimes include some redness, stinging or irritation. Side effects are ordinarily transient and will go away in a few days.
A Word of Advice
Retinol or associated vitamin A related products frequently make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more severe. This is especially important for glycolic acid peels so take care if you are also using any of these types of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products
Glycolic acid creams, gels and lotions
These types of glycolic acid skin care products are formulated for every day use as exfoliating agents and cleansers. Creams and lotions are made for oily, dry or combination skins. Serums are frequently much lighter in texture and are therefore more suitable for oily skins.
At higher concentrations glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel to provide a deeper remedy than gels and creams. A chemical peel works by literally burning the skin so that the skin ‘peels’ off to leave soft skin below. These types of peels are obtainable OTC but if if you have never used one before it is advisable to talk to a dermatologist beforehand to ensure it is appropriate for your skin. Glycolic acid peels can be used to remove pigmentation, fine lines and dry areas. They are also beneficial in controlling acne flare ups or to cure skin damaged by the sun.
Anti Aging Products
There are a lot of anti aging skin care products for sale with lots of different components. Glycolic acid is often included in these products, frequently mixed with supplementary ingredients for instance Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. Some individuals could have skin that is too sensitive to use a product that contains retinol and glycolic acid at the same time so be cautious when using this kind of product and try out on a small spot, perhaps on the inner arm, before using on your face. Additionally be sure to use a high factor sunscreen if you use any retinol containing product during the daytime as this will make the skin more hypersensitive to the rays if the sun.
Skin Lightening Preparations
Skin lightening products are to be used on small areas of skin discoloration from damage from the sun or aging. They must not be used over the whole of the face. They can be purchased as gels or creams and customarily contain further ingredients for instance hydroquinone, azelaic acid and kojic acid.
Eye Preparations
Glycolic acid skin care products appropriate to take care of the fine lines in the region of the eyes include much lower concentrations of glycolic acid than creams and gels intended for the entire face. The skin about the eyes is more sensitive and thinner than in other parts of the face. Glycolic acid eye creams are generally made with added ingredients such as retinol.
Cleansers
Cleansers formulated with glycolic acid generally have levels varying from 3% to around 10%. They can be used for daily cleansing and exfoliating. Pick a lotion or gel with a lower level if this is the first occasion you have used a glycolic acid cleanser and step up the concentration as your skin becomes adapted to it.
Face Masks
These types of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of the active ingredient and are typically used for more intense and deeper cleaning procedures.
Toners
Toners are usually used to bring back the pH of the skin ahead of other treatments and can boost their efficiency.
Face Washes
A glycolic acid face wash may be used daily to give a wonderful glow to your skin. Though many of the glycolic acid products that you can buy have a quite high concentration of glycolic acid, face washes have a much lower concentration and for that reason are entirely safe for anybody to use. The one exception to this is if you have a severe skin problems, you should talk to a medical practitioner before you use this type of face wash even though it is not likely that the low concentrations used will cause any harm.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a wide range of skin remedies and are effective and generally mild. In combination with further ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are very popular and widely used in skin care preparations.
