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Author: janet ashby | Total views: 302 Comments: 0
Word Count: 832 Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 9:58 PM

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are acids that occur naturally in fruit and milk. They have been used for many years as natural moisturisers, exfoliants and softeners for the skin. Examples of AHA's are glycolic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid which are similar. Glycolic acid skin care products are commonly sold as anti aging or anti wrinkle preparations.

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 is the smallest of the AHA's. Because it is so small it can easily penetrate the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) where it breaks the bonds that hold the dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a smooth and more youthful looking skin. Glycolic acid is also a very powerful moisturiser, in one test there was a 200% increase in skin moisture when glycolic acid was used regularly over a few weeks. Glycolic acid skin care products include creams, gels and lotions and peels.

Side effects of Glycolic Acid Peels

Peels containing glycolic acid are the mildest available so side effects should be mild. They include redness, stinging and irritation. These side effects should be temporary and disappear in a day or two.

A Word of Caution

Retinol or related vitamin A derivatives can make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care product more intense. This is especially important for glycolic acid peels so take care if you are also using one of these products.

Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

Glycolic acid serums, lotions and creams

These glycolic acid skin care products are made for daily use as exfoliationg agents and cleansers. Creams and lotions are formulated for dry, oily or combination skins. Serums are lighter in texture and are more suitable for oily skins.

Glycolic acid peels

At higher concentrations glycolic acid can be used as a chemical peel to give a more aggressive treatment than for creams and gels. A glycolic acid peel is the mildest form of peels found on the market today. A chemical peel works by literally blistering the skin so that the skin 'peels' off to leave smooth skin beneath. Glycolic acid skin peels are available OTC but if this is your first time using one it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before use to make sure the product is suitable for your skin. Glycolic acid peels are used to remove pigmentation, fine lines and dry areas. They are also useful top control acne flare ups or to improve skin damaged by the sun.

Glycolic acid anti aging products

There are many anti aging skin care products on the market with a wide range of ingredients. Glycolic acid is often included in these products, usually in combination with other ingredients such as retinol or Coenzyme Q10. Some people may have skin that is too sensitive to use a product containing both glycolic acid and retinol so be careful when using this type of product and test in a small area, perhaps on the inner arm, before applying to your face. Also be sure to use a sunscreen if you use any retinol containing product during the day as this makes the skin more sensitive to the rays if the sun.

Glycolic acid skin lightening products

Skin lightening products are for use on small areas of discoloration that has resulted from aging or damage from the sun. they should not be used all over the face. They can be purchased as gels or creams and usually contain other ingredients such as azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.

Glycolic acid eye creams

Glycolic acid skin care products suitable to treat the fine lines around the eyes contain lower concentrations of glycolic acid than the gels and creams intended for the whole face. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the face. Glycolic acid eye creams are usually formulated with other ingredients such as retinol.

Glycolic acid cleansers

Cleansers formulated with glycolic acid usually have concentrations varying from 3% to about 10%. They can be used for daily cleaning and exfoliating. Choose a product with a lower concentration if this is the first time you have used a glycolic acid cleanser and increase the concentration as your skin becomes accustomed to it.

Glycolic acid masks

These types glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of the active ingredient and are used for deeper, more intense cleansing treatments.

Glycolic acid toners

Toners are used to restore the pH of the skin before other treatments and can increase their effectiveness.