Some Different Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products
Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid, 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 natural moisturisers, exfoliants and softeners for the skin. Examples of AHA’s 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 frequently contain glycolic acid. There are a wide variety glycolic acid skin care products to choose from.
How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations Work?
Glycolic acid is an extremely small molecule which is extracted from sugar cane. It is a single chain molecule and among the smallest of the AHA’s. Since it is so minute it can easily enter the the top layer of the skin where it interferes with the attachments that secure the dead cells to the skin. They can then be easily sloughed off leaving a smooth and more youthful looking skin. Also glycolic acid is an extremely efficient moisturiser. In one test there was a 200% improvement in the moisture of the skin when glycolic acid was used on a regular basis over a month or two. Glycolic acid skin care products include gels, creams and lotions.
Some Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Peels which contain glycolic acid are the mildest available to buy so side effects ought to be mild. They may include irritation, redness and perhaps stinging. Side effects are mostly temporary and will disappear in a less than a week.
A Word of Warning
Retinol or related vitamin A derivatives often make the effects of any glycolic acid skin care products more severe. This is especially significant for glycolic acid peels so be careful if you are also using one of these kinds of products.
Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Preparations
Glycolic acid creams, gels and lotions
These types of glycolic acid skin care products are made for daily use as exfoliating agents, moisturisers and cleansers. Creams and lotions are made for dry, oily or combination skins. Serums are usually lighter in consistency and are consequently more suitable for oily skins.
At higher concentrations glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel to give a deeper therapy than creams and gels. Chemical peels work by literally searing the skin to allow the skin to peel off to expose smooth skin underneath. Glycolic acid skin peels are obtainable at your local pharmacy but if if you are using one for the first time it is advisable to talk to a doctor before use to make certain it is appropriate for your skin. Glycolic acid peels are often used to remove 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 lots of anti aging skin care products available with many different components. Glycolic acid is regularly incorporated in these products, typically mixed with further ingredients for example Coenzyme Q10 or retinol. A few people might have skin that is too sensitive to use a product containing glycolic acid and retinol at the same time so be cautious when using this type of product and try on a small area, possibly on the inner arm, before using on your face. Additionally be careful to use a sunscreen when using any product that contains retinol in the daytime as this will make the skin more susceptible to the sun’s rays.
Skin Lightening Products
Skin lightening products are made for use on discolored areas of the skin resulting from from sun damage or aging. They should not be used over the whole of the face. They can be bought as creams or gels and generally contain additional ingredients for instance hydroquinone, azelaic acid and kojic acid.
Eye Preparations
Glycolic acid skin care products suitable to treat the fine lines around the eyes contain much lower levels of glycolic acid than products intended for the complete face. The skin about the eyes is more sensitive than other parts of the face. Glycolic acid eye creams are usually formulated with added ingredients, for instance retinol.
Cleansers
Cleansers made with glycolic acid generally have concentrations varying from 4% to approximately 10%. They may be used for every day exfoliating and cleaning. Choose a lotion with a lower level if this is the first time you have used a glycolic acid cleanser and step up the concentration as your skin becomes adapted to it.
Masks
These kinds of glycolic acid skin care products have a higher concentration of active ingredient and are as a rule used for more intense and deeper cleansing treatments.
Toners
Toners are mostly used to bring back the pH of the skin ahead of other therapies and can boost their efficiency.
Face Washes
A glycolic acid face wash can be used on a daily basis to give a lovely glow to the skin. Though lots of the glycolic acid products that are for sale have a fairly high concentration of the active ingredient, face washes have a much lower concentration and as a result are completely safe for anyone to use. The one exception is if you have a serious skin problems, you ought to chat to a doctor before you use this type of face wash even though it is unlikely that these concentrations will cause any harm.
In Conclusion
Glycolic acid skin care products are used for a wide range of skin therapies and are effective and generally gentle. In combination with additional ingredients they have a wide range of uses and are well-liked and widely used in skin care preparations.
Beat Eczema Today-Put it Behind You
Beat Eczema Now-Put it Behind You
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Author: M.A. Steeden