Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is found in milk and fruit. AHA’s have been employed for a long time as natural moisturisers, exfoliants and softeners for the skin. Some examples of AHA’s are glycolic 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 a wide variety glycolic acid skin care preparations to choose from.
How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations Work?
Glycolic acid is an extremely small molecule extracted from sugar cane. It is a single chain molecule and among the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids. Because it is so minute it can easily penetrate the skin where it interferes with the bonds that secure 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 effective moisturizer. In one trial there was a 200% increase in skin moisture when glycolic acid was used consistently for a few weeks. Glycolic acid skin care products include lotions, creams, gels and peels.
Some Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels containing glycolic acid are the mildest available to purchase and side effects ought to be mild. They sometimes include redness, stinging and some irritation. Side effects are ordinarily short-lived and will go away in a few days.
A Word of Warning
Retinol or related vitamin A related products can make the effects of some glycolic acid skin care products more severe. This is particularly important for glycolic acid peels so be careful if you are also using one of these types of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations
Glycolic acid creams, gels and lotions
These glycolic acid skin care products are formulated for daily use as cleansers, moisturisers and exfoliating agents. Lotions and creams are manufactured for combination, oily or dry skins. Serums are mostly much lighter in texture and are therefore more appropriate for oily skins.
At higher levels glycolic acid can be used as a chemical peel to provide a more intense therapy than creams and gels. A chemical peel works by literally burning the skin to cause the skin to peel off to expose soft skin underneath. Glycolic acid skin peels are accessible at your local pharmacy but if if you have never used one before it is advisable to seek advice from a physician before use to make sure the product is appropriate for your skin. Glycolic acid peels may be used to eradicate dry areas, pigmentation and fine lines. They are also beneficial in controlling acne flare ups or to cure skin damaged by the sun.
Anti-aging Products
There are numerous anti aging skin care products for sale with a wide range of components. Glycolic acid is frequently included in these products, generally blended with supplementary ingredients for instance Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. A few individuals may possibly have skin that is too sensitive to use a product that contains glycolic acid and retinol in combination so be cautious when using this type of product and try on a small area, perhaps on the inner arm, before using on your face. In addition be careful to use a high factor sunscreen when using any product that contains retinol during the day as this will make the skin more sensitive to the rays if the sun.
Skin Lightening Products
Skin lightening products are for use on discolored areas of the skin resulting from from damage from the sun or aging. They should not be used over the whole of the face. They can be purchased as creams or gels and frequently contain further ingredients such as azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Eye Products
Glycolic acid skin care products appropriate to deal with the fine lines around the eyes contain lower levels of glycolic acid than gels and creams intended for the entire face. The skin about the eyes is more sensitive than other parts of the face. Glycolic acid eye gels are typically made with added ingredients, for instance retinol.
Cleaners
Cleansers formulated with glycolic acid usually have concentrations which vary from 4% to approximately 10%. They can be used for daily cleansing and exfoliating. Choose a lotion or gel with a lower level if this is the first occasion you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and increase the level as your skin becomes adapted to it.
Masks
These categories of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of the active ingredient and are frequently used for deeper, more intense cleaning treatments.
Toners
Toners are usually used to bring back the skin’s pH before other procedures and can enhance their efficiency.
Face Washes
A glycolic acid face wash can be used on a daily basis to give a lovely glow to your skin. Though many of the glycolic acid products that are for sale have a fairly high concentration of the active ingredient, face washes have a lot lower concentration and for that reason are entirely safe for anybody to use. The single exception to this is if you suffer from a serious skin problems, you ought to speak with a doctor before you use this form of face wash even though it is unlikely that concentrations this low will cause any harm.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid skin care preparations are used for a wide range of skin treatments and are effective and by and large gentle. In combination with other ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are very popular and widely used in skin care preparations.
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