Health and Fitness

Glycolic acid is an acid that occurs naturally, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is found in milk and fruit. AHA’s have been used for a long time as moisturisers, skin softeners and exfoliants. Some examples of alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti aging products frequently contain glycolic acid. There are many glycolic acid skin care preparations to choose from.

How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products 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 minute it can easily go through the skin where it interferes with the links that bind the dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a soft and more youthful looking skin. In addition glycolic acid is a very useful moisturiser. In one trial there was a 200% increase in the moisture of the skin when glycolic acid was used consistently for a few weeks. Glycolic acid skin care products include lotions, creams, gels and peels.

Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels

Peels containing glycolic acid are the gentlest that are sold so side effects should be mild. They sometimes include redness, stinging and some irritation. Side effects are ordinarily temporary and will disappear in a day or two.

A Word of Warning

Retinol or associated vitamin A derivatives can make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more severe. This is particularly significant 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 creams, gels and lotions

All these glycolic acid skin care products are made for every day use as exfoliating agents, moisturisers and cleansers. Lotions and creams are formulated for combination, oily or dry skins. Serums are usually much lighter in consistency and are consequently more appropriate for oily skins.

Glycolic Acid Peels

At higher levels glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel to provide a more intense therapy than creams and gels. Chemical peels work by literally searing the skin so that the skin ‘peels’ off to expose soft skin below. Glycolic acid skin peels are accessible OTC but if you haven’t used one before it is advisable to seek advice from a medical practitioner before use to ensure it is appropriate for your skin. Glycolic acid peels are often used to eradicate finr lines and pigmentation. In addition they are effective in controlling acne flare ups or to treat skin damaged by the sun.

Glycolic Acid Anti Aging Products

There are many anti aging skin care products on the market with many different constituents. Glycolic acid is frequently incorporated in these products, generally in combination with other ingredients for example Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. A few people may have skin that is too hypersensitive to use a product containing glycolic acid and retinol together so be careful when using this sort of product and put to the test on a small area, possibly on the inner arm, before applying to your face. Furthermore be sure to use a sunscreen when using any retinol containing product during the day as this makes the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Glycolic Acid Skin Lightening Preparations

Skin lightening products are to be used on small areas of skin discoloration from aging or damage from the sun. They must not be used all over the face. They can be purchased as creams or gels and usually contain further ingredients such as azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.

Glycolic Acid Eye Products

Glycolic acid skin care products suitable to deal with the fine lines in the region of the eyes include much lower concentrations of glycolic acid than gels and creams made for the entire face. The skin around the eyes is more sensitive and thinner than other areas of the face. Glycolic acid eye gels are frequently made with added ingredients such as retinol.

Glycolic Acid Cleansers

Cleansers made with glycolic acid generally have concentrations which vary from 4% to around 10%. They may be used for daily cleansing and exfoliating. Select a cream with a lower concentration if this is the first time you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and step up the level as your skin becomes used to to it.

Glycolic Acid Masks

These types of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of the active component and are frequently used for more intensive, deeper cleansing procedures.

Glycolic Acid Toners

Toners are usually used to restore the skin’s pH ahead of other remedies and can enhance their efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a variety of skin procedures and are helpful and in general mild. Combined with further ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are well-liked and widely used in skin care products.