Glycolic Acid, How Does It Benefit Your Skin?

by Sonia Archer on July 22, 2009

citrus

If you have dry, flaky, sun damaged, coarse or mature skin that needs a good kick up the bum. You could definitely benefit greatly from one of the many fabulous Glycolic Facials  available today or by simply using the best prescribed glycolic products, which can give you instant results and make you look years younger.

For starters what is Glycolic Acid?

Just in case you’re interested, let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first.  Glycolics are a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family, it is the smallest AHA and works not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the layers we cannot see. Glycolic acid has garnered a lot of attention in the beauty industry over the last ten years.  Additional products for home use include glycolic lotions, glycolic cleansers, moisturizers, gels, toners and serums.Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial form of alpha hydroxy acid. A natural derivative of sugar cane, glycolic acid has amazing exfoliating properties and is used extensively in skin care products. Popular sources of glycolic acid include the citric acid of lemon, orange and grapefruit extracts.

Let me explain just a few benefits…

smooth-skinI’ve used glycolic’s for years and my skin has never felt or looked better. The acid acts as a natural exfoliator to the skin and scrapes dead skin cells. Moreover, it eliminates the bacteria within the skin pores and controls acne inflammations and blemishes. It also opens up the skin pores in order to improve the penetrating power of skin care products, which I’m sure you’ll agree is music to any womens ears. In addition to all this, glycolic acid also helps to bring more natural moisture to the surface of the skin, and you won’t here me complaining about that!

But before I get ahead of myself, how does it work???

Glycolic acid does many different things, all of which can be beneficial to the skin. It’s acid is a rapid exfoliant. On the surface of the skin, it dissolves the fatty molecules that keep the dead, dry skin cells on the surface of the skin. When it dissolves these molecules, the dead skin cells are washed away, leaving only the new, radiant skin behind. Your skin will feel smooth and soft, and because the dead skin cells have been removed, your other products, like moisturizers, will better penetrate the skin, making them more effective. I still personally believe that skin resurfacing and exfoliation are the most important part of proper skin care.

And guess what?

Used over time, glycolic acid will start working beneath the skin’s surface to produce more advanced results. It can lighten pigmentation caused by sun damage and it will stimulate collagen production. Loss of collagen and sun damage are both signs of aging skin. Increasing the collagen production makes skin more supple, and fine lines and wrinkles less visible. Lightening the sun spots and other skin discoloration makes the skin appears more youthful as well.

Yes it’s true, glycolic acid skin care is also excellent for acne-prone skin

glycolic - small molecular structureBecause of its small molecular structure, it is well able to battle acne. Just as the glycolic acid dissolves the dead skin cells, glycolic acid will also work to destroy Propionibacterium, which is the bacterium that causes whiteheads and other acne. People who experience mild to moderate acne will benefit from using glycolic acid products on a semi-regular basis. Those who have moderate to severe acne may find that glycolic peels by a skin care professional, along with regular home maintenance, can control their acne for the long term. The results delivered by glycolic acid skin care products depend on two factors:

  • Percentage of Glycolic Acid in the product
  • Your skin type

Let me tell you more tips to use glycolic treatments…

  • Always do a patch test before starting any glycolic treatments…
  • Don’t forget to use sunscreen with SPF 30. This is because AHA based skin care products make the skin highly sensitive towards sunlight.
  • Pregnant women or women with highly sensitive skin should avoid these products.

And that’s not all, here are some brilliant glycolic products, I personally recommend…

Unlike other alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid works well in a complete skin care regimen. It is used extensively in a variety of skin care products like cleansers, moisturizers and other skin treatments. Glycolic acid rejuvenates the skin and keeps it refreshed and moisturized.

Glycolic tonerGLYCOLIC CLEANSER 15% – Platinum 200ml

GLYCOLIC TONER 10% – Platinum 200ml

 GLYCOLIC SERUM 15% – Platinum 30ml

12% GLYCOLIC BODY SMOOTHER – Platinum 200ml


About The Author

Day Spa Perth - Sonia ArcherSonia Archer Founder & Managing Director of Blush Day Spa Perth, Western Australia's premier Day Spa, Hair & Beauty Salon. Visit Blush Day Spa Perth for our exclusive range of Salon Spa packages. For 7 Great Reasons why Blush Day Spa Perth should be YOUR #1 choice for a luxurious Day Spa experience, go to Perth Day Spa

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