Ingrown Hair and Glycolic Acid

April 1st, 2009

An ingrown hair often occurs where the hair grows or curls back down into the skin. This usually results in a bump that becomes infected. Ingrown hairs often occurs in regions of the body  that people shave such as the face, arms, legs and genital region. These ingrown hairs can sometimes be painful and the bumps are often not pleasing to look at.

Glycolic acid is a useful treatment for ingrown hairs. Glycolic acid is often used as a skin exfoliant and it often removes layers of dead skin cells. When treating the skin with glycolic acid it often will leave the skin feeling very soft and smooth.

If you have an ingrown hair it is a good opportunity to apply glycolic acid over it. The bacteria will not only be killed, but the swelling and irritation will also be reduced. Glycolic acid should be used in concentrations under 10% as higher levels could cause more irritation. The acid will exfoliate the skin and also stop the oil from building up in the follicles of the hair. It is good to use this product in combination with salicylic acid. If done correctly there should be a big reduction the amount of ingrown hair that can be found.

Video: Products That Contain Glycolic Acid

April 1st, 2009

This video will look at the various different products that are associated with the use of glycolic acid. Great information resource for those people who are looking for specific products that contain this alpha hydroxy acid

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid

April 1st, 2009

Many people who are considering using different acids for the treatment of their face or acne often want to know which one is better, glycolic acid or salicylic acid. The answer depends on what the product is being used for.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is a alpha hyrdroxy acid that is used for the treatment of the skin. It is effective in getting rid of dead skin cells and works deep beneath the skin. This ingredient can be found in a host of creams, gels and lotions. It is sometimes used as a treatment for acne.

Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and it is often used for the treatment of acne (comedonal and non-inflamed). This ingredient is found in many different creams, gels and lotions.

Which is Better Salicylic acid  or Glycolic Acid?

There is a raging debate between which one is better; the beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid or the alpha-hydroxy acid, Glycolic acid. Research states that out of the two salicylic is the most popular. Researchers did studies comparing the two acids and the results echo want dermatologists have been doing for years. Generally the salicylic acid was more effective for the treatment of acne, while Glycolic acid was good and renewing and rejuvenating the skin.

Other information stated that salicylic acid had fewer side effects such as redness and irritation compared to glycolic acid.

It’s not to say that glycolic acid is no good at treating acne. In higher concentrations glycolic can be just as effective as salicylic. The real test to see which one is best for an individual is to see how their skin reacts to either of the acids.

Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cleanser

April 1st, 2009

Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cleanser is one of those skin rejuvenating products that works very effectively. This product contains glycolic acid which can help the skin look much younger and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles; all associated with aging.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser has the ability to reduce the look of wrinkles, lines and the appearance of pores. It is able to treat the skin and give it a nice textured, soft, toned and smooth look and feel. It has a special alpha and beta hydroxy formula that works with microbeads that allows it to be as effective as it is on the skin. The Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser works by removing the dead skin cells, making way for the new ones. It also gets rid of uneven areas of the skin by smoothing it down. Finally it is able to find its ways deep down into pores, where it is able to reduce their appearance. All of this result in a skin that is more evenly toned smoother, clear and has less pores that are visible.

The Glycolic Acid that is found in Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser has the ability to stimulate elastic and collagen, both of which are vital for the skin looking good. Glycolic acid also has the ability to remove dead skin cells from the hair follicles and also reduces scars associated with acne. The acid will also prevent the skin from growing over pores and this in turn reduces the potential for ingrown hairs. The glycolic acid is also a very good skin exfoliator.

The ingredients for Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, purified water and others.

Get Younger Skin With The Glycolic Acid Peel Treatment

April 1st, 2009

Alpha Hydroxy Acids have been around for awhile, but there has been a boom in the use of them for cosmetic purposes. These acids, especially glycolic acid has seen a boom as people learn about the ability for the glycolic acid peel to allow for younger skin. Glycolic acid peels are able to reduce age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, all associated with aging. The peel can slough off dead cells and this can expose a layer of much younger looking skin.

People do not like to get old as the older they get their skin begins to show the age. Fine lines and wrinkles will appear, discoloration and dark pigmentation will also show up on the skin. All of these blemishes add together to give the person this aged look. Many women opt to have the glycolic acid peel to have their skin look younger.

The glycolic acid peel is a very gentle alpha hydroxyl acid. There are many different concentrations available and these can be purchased over the counter. These over the counter options are much cheaper compared to the treatments found in spas and other facilities. The results from these chemical peels results in skin that is tighter, smoother and softer. There are even indications that it can reduce acne.

Despite these wonderful claims, many people are still cautious about the possible side effects associated with the use of this product. This concern was echoed by people who had sensitive skin. The good thing is that the glycolic acid peel is very safe. If done correctly the only side effects should be a light stinging on the skin, redness and some irritation. Many people look at these risks and consider the benefits and go ahead with the treatment. If done correctly then the risks should be minimal.

Persons can have their glycolic acid peel done in spa or doctor’s office. Here higher concentrations can be used to get deep into the skin. The procedure is pretty quick and people are often satisfied with the results. To get the optimal results it is often recommended to have at least 4 treatments.

Home treatments can also be effective but it depends on the brand of the product and the concentration. These glycolic peels are available over the counter for anywhere from $20-$50. This requires more use as the concentrations are usually lower. The cost however is much cheaper compared to professional ones. Many people say there are satisfied with these products.

If you want to have younger looking skin and get rid of age defining skin problems, then the glycolic acid peel treatment is one of the best options available.

Glycolic Acid Skin Peel Dangers

April 1st, 2009

Many women race off to their doctor’s office to have the latest facial treatments using the widely popular Alpha Hydroxy Acids. These acids, especially glycolic acid have grown in popularity due to their effectiveness in reversing the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. There are often discussions regarding how dangerous is glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid peel treatments are available in home kits and these products are able to exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells. The result is a fresh new layer of skin that looks youthful and fresh.

Research has shown that glycolic acid peel is a very safe and pain free process that can be used to exfoliate the skin. It is a good method to get rid of damaged skin cells as well as the top layer of the skin. The result of this is skin that looks younger.

Glycolic acid peels prevent options to people to have younger looking skin, without the pain or the cost of having it surgically done. These peels were often done in the office of a doctor, but the development of kits can now allow the procedure to be done at home.

Various home products exist and they are all relatively cheap.  Many of these home kits retail for under $20. They are available in concentration from up to 12%. Higher concentrations up to 35% are also available. These higher concentrations are created in a way to help remove dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles in the skin.

The dangers with these home peels are that many people are dealing with a product that can burn the skin. Glycolic acid can be dangerous if left on too long and the instructions not followed properly. Incorrect use can leave people with damaged faces as well as serious pain.

Serious burns and blotchy skin are just some of the side effects that can occur from these home glycolic acid peels. This is why it is extremely important to follow all the instructions included in the kit.

People who have their glycolic acid peel done at a doctor’s office often have better results. The doctor is trained professionally to do these types of treatments and here the patient is less at risk. It might be more expensive but the results could be totally different from the home kits.

Acid peels are popular for a reason and their popularity is only set to grow. As people relish in the results of these peels, they will continue to burn their skin off to expose the younger and more youthful looking skin. There are some dangers are associated with this treatment and if the person is ok and aware of what they are, then it should be no problem.

Glycolic Acid and Hydroquinone

April 1st, 2009

Many skin lightening creams, gels and lotions often contain both glycolic acid and hydroquinone. The combination of ingredients allows the skin lightening products to be more effective and the results to be more pronounced.

Hydroquinone - Is a chemical that is used to inhibit the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment that is used to give the skin its color. Hydroquinone is effective at bleaching the skin and it is used to treat melasma, acne scars, age spots and other skin discolorations.

Glycolic Acid - is a Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is very good at exfoliating the skin and moisturizing it. Glycolic acid is an active ingredient in many different facial treatments and it glycolic acid peels are often used to get rid of old skin and have the face looking young and fresh.

Many skin lightening products often add Glycolic Acid because it can allow the skin lightening ingredient to be absorbed into the skin more deeply. This will amplify and speed up the results, while at the same time the skins tone and texture will be improved greatly.

If you are looking for a skin lightening cream that is effective, make sure it contains both hydroquinone and glycolic acid. The combination of these two products will speed up the skin lightening process, while at the same time giving the skin a nice tone.

It should be noted that these creams are only to be used at night. The reason behind this is that hydroquinone does not interact well with sunlight. As a result of this the product will not be effective if exposed to the suns rays.

Video: Glycolic Acid Peel In Action

April 1st, 2009

If you want to see glycolic acid peel in action then this video will look at every aspect related to this treatment. It will give a breakdown and show how the face is prepared, how the glycolic acid is applied and the results. This is a good A-Z video that will highlight this treatment. This can be helpful to people who are considering having this treatment done and want to know what to expect

Glycolic Acid Peel Home Treatment

April 1st, 2009

Many people have heard about the wonderful results in having a glycolic acid peel done. Some people are not interested in going to the spa to have this peel done and would love to have it done by themselves at home. There are many different glycolic acid peel home treatments available that can allow the individual to get the results that they want from the comfort of their home.

Do it yourself Glycolic Acid Peels can be found at local drugstores or on the internet. These products claim to give the same results as having an acid peel done in the spa. These home products that contain Glycolic Acid often have very detailed instructions and important warnings. This should be read carefully by the individual who is considering using this product.

These home kits are a good way to save money if you want to have a glycolic acid peel. The results may not be the same as ones in the spa, but many people are satisfied with the results.

Home Glycolic Acid Peel Process

There are different processes that need to be done once you have and plan to use your home peel

Instructions - You should carefully read the instructions that came with the home peel before you begin using the product. These instructions will often carry specific actions that need to be done and warnings that need to be heeded.

Testing The Product - It is reccomneded that the individual do a patch test to ensure that they won’t have an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the peel. This should be explained in detail in the

Get The Supplies - The instructions should state the different supplies that will be needed. This will be sure to include a mixture that will be needed to neutralize the acid.

Application of The Acid Peel - Some kits will provide a brush to apply the peel, while others will suggest that you use the fingers.  The acid should not be rubbed into the skin and areas such as the mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes should be avoided.

Neutralizing the Acid - Once the acid has been applied, after a couple of minutes it will need to be neutralized. This mixture should be had before hand and applied to the face. This is very important as if the acid is left on, it could burn the face. The face should be flushed with warm water after the peel has been neutralized.

Drying The Face & Moisturizing It - After the peel has been neutralized, the face should be dried. This can be done by gently patting a towel the face. The face should then be moisturized as this will help with the peeling process.

Peeling of the Skin - Skin peeling will begin but it won’t be anything drastic. The peeling of the skin will be very gradual and subtle. Some people might experience a bit of redness.

Is A Glycolic Acid Peel Treatment Right For You?

April 1st, 2009

Many people have heard about the wonderful results gained from having a glycolic acid peel. It is a good option to reverse aging by reducing or removing wrinkles and fine lines. The popularity of these peels have grown and this is due to its success. With all the hoopla surrounded the glycolic acid peel many people wonder if this treatment is for them.

The glycolic acid peel treatment is for those people who are aiming to look younger and have their skin looking fresh and new. Chemical peels in general are an effective and widely popular way.

The Reasons Why A Glycolic Acid Treatment Should Be Done

  • Research has been conducted to show the effectiveness of glycolic acid peels in treating and reversing aged skin. These peels are able to reduce wrinkles and fine lines that are often associated with agent. The research has also shown that they may be able to encourage the production of collagen. Collagen can also help to bring the aging process down to a crawl. These peels also have the ability to get rid of pigmentation of the skin due to long term damage from the sun or age spots.
  • Glycolic acid facial peels can be done in a medical facility or the office of a doctor. It is not very painful and it is a quick procedure. It should not take more than ½ an hour of your time. The procedure entails cleaning the skin and then the application of the glycolic acid peel. The peel is applied to the neck and face and does not stay on very long. The acid is the neutralized and then washed off.
  • After having the glycolic acid peel done the skin will appear much younger and it will have a nice tone to it. To get the right results it takes a couple treatments to accomplish this. There are very little side effects and these may be limited to redness and flaking of the skin. After having the glycolic acid treatment it is highly recommended to use a good sunscreen. The reason behind this is that the skin can be easily damaged by the suns rays.
  • The main disadvantage to a glycolic facial peel is that the results won’t be immediate. To see reduction in fine lines and wrinkles multiple treatments need to be done. This might be a bit expensive as this maybe done up to 4 different times. Even though it might be pricey, a lot of people are highly satisfied with the results.