Information on Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products
Glycolic acid is an acid that occurs naturally, known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is found in milk and fruit. Alpha hydroxy acids have been employed for many years as exfoliants,moisturisers and skin softeners. Some examples of AHA’s are glycolic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid and is similar in structure. Anti aging preparations often contain glycolic acid. There are lots of glycolic acid skin care preparations to choose from.
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 one of smallest of the AHA’s. Because it is so small it can easily go through the the top layer of the skin where it interferes with the connections that secure the dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a soft and more youthful looking skin. Additionally glycolic acid is an exceptionally effective moisturiser. In one trial there was a 200% improvement in skin moisture when glycolic acid was used consistently for four or five weeks. Glycolic acid skin care products include creams, gels lotions and peels.
Some Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels containing glycolic acid are the gentlest obtainable so side effects ought to be mild. They may include stinging, redness and some irritation. Side effects are mostly transient and will clear up in a few days.
A Word of Warning
Retinol or associated derivatives of vitamin A sometimes make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more severe. This is specially significant for glycolic acid peels so be careful if you are also using any of these types of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations
Glycolic acid gels, creams and lotions
These types of glycolic acid skin care products are intended for daily use as cleansers, exfoliating agents and moisturisers. Lotions and creams are formulated for oily, dry or combination skins. Serums are mostly much lighter in consistency and are as a result more appropriate for oily skins.
At higher concentrations glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel to provide a more intense remedy than gels and creams. Chemical peels work by literally searing the skin to cause the skin to peel off to expose smooth skin below. These types of peels are available OTC but if if you have never used one before it is sensible to consult a dermatologist before use to confirm the product is appropriate for your skin. Glycolic acid peels may be used to eliminate fine lines and pigmentation. In addition they are effective in controlling acne outbreaks or to improve skin damaged by the sun.
Anti-aging Products
There are numerous anti aging skin care products available with many different constituents. Glycolic acid is frequently incorporated in these products, frequently mixed with supplementary ingredients such as retinol or Coenzyme Q10. Some people may possibly have skin that is too sensitive to use a product containing glycolic acid and retinol in combination so be sensible when using this type of product and try out on a small area, possibly on the inner arm, before using on your face. In addition be sure to use a sunscreen if you use any product that contains retinol in the daytime as this will make the skin more hypersensitive to the rays if the sun.
Skin Lightening Products
Skin lightening products are made for use on discolored areas of the skin resulting from from damage from the sun or aging. They must not be used all over the face. They can be purchased as creams or gels and generally contain additional ingredients such as azelaic acid, hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Eye Gels
Glycolic acid skin care products appropriate to deal with the fine lines around the eyes include much lower concentrations of glycolic acid than creams and gels intended for the entire face. The skin about the eyes is more sensitive and thinner than other areas of the face. Glycolic acid eye gels are frequently made with other ingredients such as retinol.
Cleansers
Cleansers made with glycolic acid usually have levels varying from 4% to around 10%. They may be used for daily exfoliating and cleaning. Choose a cream with a lower level if this is the first time you have used a glycolic acid cleaner and increase the level as your skin becomes used to to it.
Face Masks
These kinds of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of active component and are as a rule used for more intense and deeper cleaning treatments.
Toners
Toners are usually used to bring back the pH of the skin before other procedures and can augment their efficiency.
Face Washes
A glycolic acid face wash may be used daily to give a lovely radiance to your skin. Even though lots of the glycolic acid products that are for sale have a rather high concentration of glycolic acid, face washes have a lot lower concentration and consequently are entirely safe for everyone to use. The one exception to this is if you have any serious skin problems, you should talk to a medical practitioner before using this type of face wash even though it is doubtful that concentrations this low will cause any harm.
Finally
Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a wide range of skin therapies and are effective and usually gentle. In combination with additional ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are well-liked and extensively used in skin care products.
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