Gylcolic Acid and Age Spot Treatment

What Are Age Spots?

Contrary to what people believe age spots are not caused by or are a sign of aging. Age spots essentially are caused by an overexposure to sunlight.

When the sun ultraviolet (UV) rays hit the skin, the skin begins to protect itself by producing more melanin. Melanin is a chemical hormone which makes the skin darker or more pigmented. This darker color gives the skin the ability to block the dangerous UV light from penetrating the skin too deeply. It will not have the chance to reach the susceptible cells found under the surface of the skin.

People who get age spots usually get annoyed, as these brown spots begin to pop up all over the body.

Treatments

People who suffer from age spots often try different remedies to get rid of them from the skin.

Sunblock – This should be the first line of defense for people who are looking to get rid of their age spots. Sunblock is really important as exposure to sunlight is the main reasons why age spots appear on the skin. The damaging rays and overexposure to sunlight will cause these spots to develop. This is why it is very important that sunblock is used. The good thing about some Bruck is that they will not only protect the skin against future age spots, it can also help to lighten the affected areas. This happens as the sun will be blocked from darkening them, the same way it would with the rest of the skin. The results in a reduced color contrast between the skin and the age spots.

If you are planning on using sunscreen, you should ensure that it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Doctors have advised that anything less than 15 will result in too many UV rays to penetrate the skin.

Glycolic Acid – Gylcolic acid has been proven to be a very effective treatment for age spots. It is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and it is very good at loosening and removing pigmented dead cells at the surface of the skin. The removal of these dead cells will then promote the development of new tissue that is flesh colored.

When using a glycolic acid peel to get rid of age spots, it should be noted that a series of peels will be needed to totally get rid of the spots. These peels can be a bit irritating to the skin.

How to Use Gylcolic Acid to Treat Age Spots

The best way to treat age spots is with a daily treatment that consists of glycolic acid. This treatment is usually used 2-3 weeks after the glycolic acid peel had been done. To get the best result, it is good to do this every day. If the age spots are still there, you should continue to do acid for a couple of months and resume the daily treatment.

It is always good to consult a doctor before any treatment is started. Not all age spots will go away with a treatment like this. The doctor should be able to evaluate the skin and determine if this treatment will work.

Glycolic Acid Acne.org

glycolic-acid-acneorgWhen it comes to treating acne, Acne.org is a great source of information. They essentially look at the different treatments that are available for acne and the benefits that are associated with their use. One particular product that they look at is Alpha Hydroxy Acid – “AHA” (aka Glycolic Acid)

Spot Treatment – When it comes to spot treatment with Glycolic Acid, Acne.org essentially states that to effectively treat the problem, it is important to use the regimen they suggest on the site daily. However the site goes on to state that if a zit should come up, then they will treat it with benzoyl peroxide and then apply 10% glycolic acid after. According to them, this combination will stop the zit from maturing.

Body Acne – In regards to Glycolic Acid, Acne.org also looks at its use for the treatment of body acne. Generally the author of this particular page often states that when they wear sweaty clothing that is constantly irritating their back or after they get a massage, they will often use the back acne regimen.  This regimen includes the use of a light cleanser and a 10% alpha hydroxy acid such as Glycolic Acid.

Other Information

Acne.org when looking at Glycolic Acid has issued a Sunburn alert. This alert essentially states that when you use alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, there is the possibility that the sun will be sensitive to the sun. This makes it easier to get sunburn. As a way to reduce it, it is import to limit how much time you spend in the sun as well as wearing a proper sunscreen.

Another tip that Acne.org issues in regard to Glycolic Acid is the fact that you need to be on their regimen for awhile before using the acid. Glycolic acid can prove to be quite irritating, especially if you use it in combination with benzoyl peroxide. After a couple of weeks the body will get used to it.

Glycolic Acid Pads

glycolic-acid-padsIf you have browsed through this site you have probably realized that Gylcolic Acid is excellent for the skin. This alpha-hydroxy-acid is used in a wide range of skin and beauty care products for the main reason that it works. Many people try to incorporate Gylcolic Acid into their skin care regimen through the use of different products. One of the more popular products that people are currently using is Glycolic Acid Pads.

Glycolic Acid Pads are used for a variety of skin care reasons, but generally they are used to exfoliate dead skin cells, while at the same time removing impurities and excess oil that can be found on the skin. These pads also have the ability to tone and prepare the skin for a wide range of beauty products. People who use Glycolic Acid pads will also give some added benefits such as reducing fine lines, as well as increasing the cell turnover for the face, which will translate into a younger, fresher and smoother look. Finally, depending on the type of Glycolic Acid pads formulation, you will be able to also strengthen the skin.

The Best Way to Use Glycolic Acid Pads

Glycolic Acid Pads are designed in such a way that it makes them quite perfect to be used a typical beauty regimen.  You are able to apply just the right amount of glycolic acid to the face, while getting rid of dirt, grease and grime that may be found there. The pads along with glycolic acid are perfect for exfoliation of the skin and the face will definitely benefit from this product.

Glycolic Acid Pads work very well because you know how much you are using based on how it is designed. Depending on the concentration, it can be used twice a day to treat the face and have it look
There are numerous ways and products to incorporate Glycolic Acid into your daily skin care. Because I do not like to add layers of products, I am always looking for products that aren’t in creams or lotions. I think one of the best ways to use Glycolic Acid is with pads. WIth the pads, you wash and dry your face, use the pad and let it dry for a few minutes and then use the rest of your products. Some people (like me) can use the pads twice a day with no irritation, others can only use them every 3 or 4 days. You will need to start slow and see how your skin responds to the pads and adjust your useage for maximum reults and minimum irritation.

Since I am shopping for pads for myself, I thought it would be fun to compare the Glycolic Acid Pads that are available on the market. Each of these pads contains 10% Glycolic Acid – which is a good strength for most people. (Although I do wish they would make them in stronger concentrations for those of us who need it.)

Glycolic Acid Pads Concentrations

There are a wide range of concentrations available for Gylcolic Acid Pads. These concentrations vary from 10%, 15% and 20%. Depending on how sensitive an individual’s face …..

Wipe the entire affected area with a moist pad one to three times a day. If excessive drying of the skin occurs, start with one application a day, then gradually increase to two or three times a day if needed or as directed by a physician. If extreme dryness or peeling occurs, Reduce application to once a day or every other day.

Popular Glycolic Acid Pads

There are a bunch of different manufactures of Glycolic Acid Pads. Each of these brands offers different concentrations as well as different mixtures. They all work wonderfully for rejuvenating the face

Glycolix Pads –

DCL Glycolic Acid Pads –

Avon Glycolic Acid Pads –

Want Younger Looking Skin, Consider a Glycolic Acid Peel

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For individuals who are looking for younger skin, they should consider a glycolic acid chemical peel. This chemical peel is perfect for getting rid of the old layer of skin, while at the same revealing the newer and younger looking skin. This skin will be smoother and toned.

Generally a glycolic acid peel is often used to treat skin that is blemished, sun damaged, wrinkled, blotchy, uneven, splotchy or is scarred as a result of acne. It has been noted that these peels are also known to improve skin dryness. This chemical peel will be able to allow the skin to have its original and youthful look. The glycolic acid peel is also used to remove precancerous skin lesions that are referred to as actinic keratoses.

Glycolic acid peels are generally mild exfoliates that operate by exfoliating and loosening the superficial top layer of the skin. When this peel is done, the result is a more evenly textured, toned and smoother skin. Generally these peels can be done on one area of the skin such as the face or body. The look at the end of the peel is skin that will look younger, fresher and tighter than before.

Depending on the concentration of glycolic acid used, you can either have very little skin removed, or it can be used to go deeper into the layer of the skin. For chemical peels that go deep into the skin, the doctor will often sedate or use anesthesia.

The concentration of glycolic acid used on the chemical peel will usually determine how much recovery time is needed. Light peels will see very little side effects, however heavier ones will leave the skin looking crusty, red and it will also have scabbing. This will occur for a few weeks after the treatment.

In the end most people state that a glycolic acid chemical peel is worth it. The skin will look more youthful and the skin tone and texture will be improved greatly. This is definitely worth the money, especially for individuals who are looking at turning back the hands of time.

Ingrown Hair and Glycolic Acid

glycolic-acid-ingrown-hairAn 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.