Using Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products – Some Tips
Posted Under: Skin Care
Glycolic acid is an acid that occurs naturally, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which can be found in milk and fruit. Alpha hydroxy acids have been employed for many years as moisturisers, skin softeners and exfoliants. Examples of alpha hydroxy acids are lactic acid and tartaric acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti aging and anti wrinkle lotions often contain glycolic acid. There are lots of glycolic acid skin care products to choose from.
How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations Work?
Glycolic acid is a very small molecule extracted from sugar cane. It is a single chain molecule and among the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids. Since it is so small it can easily enter the the top layer of the skin where it interferes with the bonds that bind the dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a smooth and more youthful looking skin. In addition glycolic acid is a very useful moisturiser. In one trial there was a 200% increase in the moisture of the skin when glycolic acid was used consistently over four or five weeks. Glycolic acid skin care products include gels, creams and lotions.
Some Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels containing glycolic acid are the gentlest available and side effects ought to be mild. They include stinging, redness and some irritation. Side effects are usually temporary and will disappear in a less than a week.
A Word of Caution
Retinol or related vitamin A derivatives frequently make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more intense. This is specially notable for glycolic acid peels so be careful if you are also using one of these types of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products
Glycolic acid gels, creams and lotions
All these glycolic acid skin care products are intended for every day use as cleansers, moisturisers and exfoliating agents. Lotions and creams are formulated for dry, oily or combination skins. Serums are usually much lighter in texture and are consequently more appropriate for oily skins.
At higher concentrations glycolic acid can be used as a chemical peel to give a more aggressive treatment than gels and creams. Chemical peels work by literally searing the skin to cause the skin to peel off to leave soft skin underneath. Glycolic acid skin peels are available over the counter but if if you have never used one before it is wise to seek advice from a physician 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. In addition they are useful in controlling acne outbreaks or to treat skin damaged by the sun.
Anti Aging Preparations
There are many anti aging skin care products for sale with lots of different ingredients. Glycolic acid is frequently incorporated in these products, generally combined with supplementary ingredients such as Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. A few individuals could have skin that is too sensitive to use a product that contains retinol and glycolic acid at the same time so be cautious when using this sort of product and try on a small spot, possibly on the inner arm, before using on your face. In addition be careful to use a high factor sunscreen if you use any retinol containing product in the day as this does make the skin more hypersensitive to the sun’s rays.
Skin Lightening Preparations
Skin lightening products are made for use on discolored areas of the skin resulting from from damage from the sun or aging. They should not be used all over the face. They can be purchased as creams or gels and generally contain further ingredients such as azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Eye Gels
Glycolic acid skin care products appropriate to deal with the fine lines in the region of the eyes include much lower concentrations of glycolic acid than products formulated for the complete face. The skin in the region of the eyes is more sensitive and thinner than in other areas of the face. Glycolic acid eye gels are frequently made with added ingredients such as retinol.
Cleaners
Cleansers made with glycolic acid typically have levels varying from 4% to approximately 10%. They can be used for every day cleansing and exfoliating. Go for a lotion with a lower level if this is the first time you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and step up the concentration as your skin becomes adapted to it.
Masks
These types of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of active component and are frequently used for deeper, more intense cleaning treatments.
Toners
Toners are mostly used to bring back the skin’s pH before other therapies and can increase their effectiveness.
Face Washes
A glycolic acid face wash can be used on a daily basis to give a lovely luminosity to your skin. Even though several of the glycolic acid products that you can buy have a rather high concentration of the active ingredient, face washes have a much lower concentration and as a result are entirely safe for anybody to use. The single exception to this is if you suffer from any severe skin problems, you ought to talk to a doctor before you use this kind of face wash although it is unlikely that the low concentrations used will cause any harm.
Final Thoughts
Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a wide range of skin procedures and are helpful and generally mild. Combined with added ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are very popular and extensively used in skin care preparations.
