Glycolic Acid Information

If you want information on anything related to Glycolic Acid, then this is the place to go. You will find a wide range of topics, all with the main focus on this popular Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

Glycolic Acid and Oily Skin

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Oily Skin can be very problematic for people. Our skin naturally oils itself, however at times there may be excessive amounts that can have the face looking shiny. One way of treating oily skin is through the use of glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is a popular form of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can lift away excessive facial oils. Glycolic acid is able to clean the skin and also act as a temporary oil reducer. Because of its properties, it is able to cut through surface oils, while at the same time it penetrates deep into the skin to clean out pores that are blocked. It is good to treat the skin with a combination of glycolic and salicylic acid. This product will absorb the oil off the skins surface.

Steps to Cleaning Oily Skin with Glycolic Acid.

  • Get a cleanser that can be used on a daily basis. This cleanser should contain both salicylic and glycolic acid. When these two acids are used together they have the ability to absorb the majority of the oil that is usually found on the skin. If looking for a product that can be used on a daily basis, it is good to get one with a concentration of glycolic acid between 8% and 10%. The reason for this is that the skin can be damaged if higher concentrations are used on a daily basis.
  • A solution that minimizes the pores should be used along with the daily cleanser. This will contain a serum that will be able to control sebum. These products often have moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. Look for products that have concentrations of glycolic acid 8-10%. moisturizers and lotions; it is able to keep skin hydrated.
  • If your skin becomes too irritated or your experience dryness, redness and burning then it is recommended that you switch the hydrating product that you use. Glycolic acid might be too harsh for some people and as a result the concentration needs to be lowered to around 3% – 4%.
  • Weekly use of glycolic acid peels for up to two months should be done. These peels are very effective when it comes to treating acne and oily skin. It is also able to smooth out wrinkles and should have the skin looking very youthful. These peels often come in concentrations up to 50%.

Glycolic Acid and Wrinkles

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Glycolic acid is a very popular wrinkle-reducing product that is found in a wide range of skin care products such as moisturizers, serums, masks, cleansers and gels.  Because it is a alpha hydroxy acid, it is able to penetrate the skin and slough away wrinkles and other skin flaws.

Glycolic comes from sugar cane and it is said to be the most effective of the alphahydroxy acids. It is able to stimulate smooth skin and exfoliation. Dermatologists state that glycolic acid can improve skin clarity and texture. It is able to reduce and remove wrinkles or fine lines, help to fade acne scars, skin discolorations and age spots. It is also good at improving skin tone.

Glycolic acid works mainly as an exfoliant. They cause the cells of the epidermis to become unglued and as a result the dead skin cells will be able to slough off. When this happens, it will allow for the regrowth of new skin. When it comes to treating wrinkles, this is an important first step. Glycolic acid is also known to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. This will make the skin feel younger and tighter and in the process eliminate wrinkles.

There are many different products that contain glycolic acid such as toning pads, lotions, facial cleaners and gels that all are effective in the treatment of wrinkles. Many of these products contain 10%, 15% and 20% concentrations of glycolic

Using these products can all combat the signs of aging such as wrinkles. Applying glycolic acid products in the morning can lead to more skin exfoliation and also stimulate the production of collagen.

Glycolic Acid and Acne Scars

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Acne scars are blemishes that are left on the skin that acne after they die off. The scars are visible on the face due to the skin pigment color defect or defects with the texture of the skin. Generally these acne scars are often treated with solutions that come from the alphahydroxy acid group.

Glycolic acid is an alphahydroxy acid that is used and found in many skin care products. It is very popular as it is very beneficial to the skin. Because it is an alphahydroxy, it is a very good cleaning agent for the skin.

When it comes to the treatment of acne scars, Glycolic acid is a good product to do the job. People who want to clean their skin on a regular basis then it is good to use glycolic acid and a combination of salicylic acid as they haveexcellent exfoliating properties.

How Glycolic Acid Treat Acne Scars

The main reason that Glycolic acid is used for the treatment of acne and acne scars is mainly due to its acidic properties. It is able to kill bacteria and also exfoliate the skin, which works out to be very beneficial.

When glycolic acid is applied to the skin, it is able to penetrate and attack the bonding substance that is responsible for dead cells that can be found in the dermis. This layer of dead cells is the starting point for the development of acne.

The glue properties of substance are killed and the dead cells are prevented to form a clump to exhibit bacterial activities. This process makes the follicle to remain clean and allow the oil glands to freely supply oil on to the surface of skin through the duct carrying with them the dead cell. The dead cells are washed off by natural exfoliation process and the new skin layer comes up.

In another process, glycolic acid is able to stimulate the Glyco-Amino-Glycans leading to development of the Hyaluronic acid a compound that maintains the moisture of the skin by binding the water molecule in a form of gel like layer. Another process that glycolic acid assists in is the development of more elastin and collagen. This allows the skin to remain elastic like a rubber.

Glycolic acid is also used to make the edges of skin pore is contract and this results in the skin having a tighter feel and look. This helps the skin as when the dirt is cleaned and the pores contract, there is very little chance of dirt getting into pores which will eliminate the possibility of the development of acne and acne scars.

Glycolic Acid Products

Glycolic acid is available in many different product forms. You can get them in lotions, gels, scrub creams, facial masks and moisturizers. When applied constantly, the skin will naturally become more tight and bouncy and have a healthy texture.

It should be noted that Glycolic acid makes the skin sun burn sensitive. As a result of this, it is important to wear sun protection, like sunscreens if you plan on going out in the sun.

Glycolic Acid and Pregnancy

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Is it safe to use glycolic acid lotion when pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Many people ask if it is safe to use Glycolic acid or get a Glycolic Acid Peel while they are pregnant? The answer to this question is yes, it is safe to use Glycolic Acid while pregnant. In general if a pregnant woman should do a chemical facial or microdermabrasion that uses glycolic acid then generally it is not a problem. The danger may occur if women do those same procedure using chemicals that have not been research properly, with their effects on a pregnant woman.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid and these are often used to enhance the look of the skin, by removing the layers of dead skin. It occurs naturally and it is ingested when you eat specific fruits.

The only risk of using Glycolic Acid might come when a woman uses higher concentrated levels. It has been shown that glycolic acid under 10% is safe and not harmful to the body. At these levels, the acid does not penetrate the skin far enough for it to be a threat to the blood stream, the life blood of the unborn baby.

Glycolic acid that is greater than 10% does however penetrate to the lower and deeper levels of the skin. It should be of little harm if it does penetrate to the bloodstream as it is a naturally occurring acid.