Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which can be found in milk and fruit. Alpha hydroxy acids have been employed for a long time as moisturisers, skin softeners and exfoliants. Some examples of AHA’s are tartaric acid and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti-aging creams often contain glycolic acid. There are a wide variety glycolic acid skin care preparations 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 one of smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids. As it is so minute it can easily go through the skin where it breaks the connections that connect 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 an exceptionally efficient moisturizer. In one experiment there was a 200% improvement in skin moisture when glycolic acid was used on a regular basis over a month or two. Glycolic acid skin care products include lotions, creams, gels and peels.

Some Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels

Peels which contain glycolic acid are the mildest that are sold so side effects should be mild. They include some redness, stinging or irritation. Side effects are generally transient and will go away in a day or two.

A Word of Caution

Retinol or related vitamin A related products often make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more intense. This is specially notable for glycolic acid peels so take care if you are also using any of these types of products.

Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations

Glycolic acid gels, creams and lotions

These glycolic acid skin care products are intended for daily use as exfoliating agents and cleansers. Lotions and creams are intended for oily, dry or combination skins. Serums are usually much lighter in consistency and are therefore more appropriate for oily skins.

Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels

At higher levels glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel to give a more intense treatment than gels and creams. Chemical peels work by literally searing the skin to allow the skin to peel off to leave soft skin below. Glycolic acid skin peels are available OTC but if if you have never used one before it is sensible to seek advice from a medical practitioner before use to ensure it is suitable for your skin. Glycolic acid peels may be used to eliminate pigmentation and fine lines. In addition they are effective in controlling acne outbreaks or to cure skin damaged by the sun.

Anti-aging Preparations

There are many anti aging skin care products available with many different components. Glycolic acid is often incorporated in these products, generally mixed with other ingredients for instance Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. A few people may have skin that is too sensitive to use a product containing glycolic acid and retinol together so be cautious when using this type of product and try out on a small spot, maybe 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 in the daytime as this will make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Skin Lightening Preparations

Skin lightening products are to be used on discolored areas of the skin resulting from from sun damage or aging. They should not be used all over the face. They can be bought as gels or creams and generally contain additional ingredients for example azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.

Eye Creams

Glycolic acid skin care products appropriate to treat the fine lines in the region of the eyes include lower concentrations of glycolic acid than creams and gels formulated for the complete face. The skin around the eyes is more sensitive than other parts of the face. Glycolic acid eye creams and gels are frequently made with other ingredients, for example retinol.

Cleaners

Cleansers made with glycolic acid typically have levels which vary from 3% to approximately 10%. They may be used for every day exfoliationg and cleansing. Go for a cream with a lower level if this is the first occasion you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and step up the concentration as your skin becomes accustomed to it.

Face Masks

These kinds of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher level of the active component and are by and large used for more intensive, deeper cleaning treatments.

Toners

Toners are mostly used to bring back the skin’s pH before other therapies and can boost their efficiency.

Face Washes

A glycolic acid face wash can be used on a daily basis to give a wonderful radiance to your skin. While lots of the glycolic acid products that are for sale have a rather high concentration of glycolic acid, face washes have a much lower concentration and therefore are entirely safe for everyone to use. The single exception to this is if you have a severe skin problems, you should talk to a dermatologist before using this type of face wash although it is unlikely that concentrations this low will cause any harm.

Final Thoughts
Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a variety of skin therapies and are helpful and usually mild. Combined with additional ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are very popular and widely used in skin care preparations.

Technorati Tags: benefits, chemical, cleansing, cream, effects of, eye cream, gels, glycolic acid, lotion, lotions, peel, peels, products, Skin Care