Glycolic acid is one of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and it belongs to carboxylic acids. It is a colorless solid with no smell; it is soluble in water and related solvents. Glycolic acid is isolated from sugar-crops such as pineapple, sugar beets, and unripe grapes.

Because of its splendid capability to penetrate deed to the skin, nowadays glycolic acid is widely used in skin care products (mainly natural skin peels). It also can be used in natural moisturizers because it is able to draw moisturising components deep into the exfoliated skin surface. As a result many cosmetics companies often produce a complete skin care systems containing skin peel, moisturizer and neutralizer which counteract and make glycolic acid peel procedure more effective and safe. It improves the skin’s appearance from wrinkles, acne scarring, uneven pigmentation, sun-related damage and many other skin conditions.

Glycolic acid works in the following way: when applied on the skin glycolic acid goes under the damaged epidermal cells (upper layer of skin) and weakens the binding properties of the lipids, which work as a “glue” and hold skin cells together. As a result the damaged skin peels off and reveals the underlying new skin layer. In addition, glycolic acid stimulates new cells to generate elastic fibers and collagen that improves and strengthens the skin’s condition. This is the reason why it is often sold with a complete system of skin care, that contains moisturizers and neutralizers to counteract the corrosive actions of glycolic acid.

Usually glycolic acid peel is used by dermatologists in concentrations from 20% to 80% for chemical peel? Also it can be used for home chemical peel, but in lower concentrations (about 10%). Glycolic acid is also included in many skin-care products with a concentration of not more than 10%, which makes it less effective, but more safe. The companies do not increase concentration level because it can cause concern over skin damage. Glycolic acid has indeed a very powerful process so even industrial suppliers of glycolic acid do not allow the concentration to be more than 80%. If the person is looking for a more complete exfoliation he/she should visit a dermatologist.

Quite often after treatment the skin may turn pink, as if it was sunburnt. Sometimes there can also be minor flaking that is seen for a couple of days. It is a normal reaction and the recovery usually takes several days. The process can cause temporary discomfort but the results are absolutely worth it.

AHAs are the mildest of the chemical peel substances. Individuals, who are recommended to use glycolic acid peel are people with:
• Uneven pigmentation problems
• Superficial acne scars of the face
• Enlarged facial pores
• Wrinkles on the face, neck, upper chest, arms, etc.
• Areas of dryness
• Age spots

Before using glycolic acid treatment a person should consult with a doctor or dermatologist to find out the optimal concentration of glycolic acid that can be used. Concentration can range from 20 to 80% glycolic acid, and treatment may last weekly for as long as 6 weeks.

Using and action of Glycolic peel

AHA – glycolic acid treatments are appropriate for people with the senescent skin. Such defects as fine lines, dry spots (solar keratoses) and brown marks can be treated with regular procedures or peels. Glycolic acid may also improve skin condition as prone and acne.

Due to time and sun influence the old cells are removed from the surface of the skin and are replaced by newer cells. This leads in a surface layer of dead skin cells which are responsible for the skin appearance.

Glycolic Acid slacken the glue-like substances which holding the outer skin cells to each other, and allow the dead skin to be renewed. The newer skin layers look fresher and healthier with a more smooth color and texture.

Possessing high concentration and long-term use, AHA’s may also influence the deeper skin layers. Collagen and elastin affect on fine lines less obvious.

Glycolic peel involving

Due to its short period of treatment fruit acid facial peels are considered to be more appropriate for those who are busy and unable to spend much time for a deeper peel or laser resurfacing procedures, because it takes about a few months. The procedures are also useful to cope with oily or acne-prone skin and to improve skin color.

The procedure of glycolic acid peel takes about 15 – 20 minutes. It is usually may be repeated at one to two weekly time periods as it is surface and treatment is immediate. The strength of each peel varies from 20 – 70% glycolic concentration and depends on skin sensitivity. As usual it is starting gently.

The face needs to be cleansed properly after that the peel solution is applied for a few minutes. It may cause mild stinging. Then the solution is washed off.

There is a possibility of little redness rapidly after the procedure, and a little peeling during the following days. Moisturizer helps to overcome it.

Glycolic Wash/Chemical Peel

A light and medium level peels, utilizing a non-buffered glycolic acid contain accordingly of 30% and 70%. This type of peel is appropriate for an oilier, acne prone skin. This peel may not be suitable for dark skin; it’s easy to find it out from a specialist if your skin is too dark. Some negative effects also can be possible such as, scabbing, stinging, redness, and light irritation. It’s recommended to apply 4 to 6procedures planned one week apart of each other, and then once a month if needed for keeping the results. A kind of sloughing is possible and may persist for up to one week. Nevertheless there many benefits including textural changes, diminution of pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, and also lightening discoloration. This procedure takes nearly 10 minutes.

Glycolic Acids stimulate new growth of skin and collagen which prevent the reason holding dead skin cells on the surface. It helps dead cells to be removed little by little, leaving behind new layer of smoother and softer skin.

There are a lot of products with different concentrations of fruit acids. To achieve better results, Glycolic preparations should be applied at night, sometimes if necessary twice a day. They can be substitute with some other anti-aging products such as Hydrators and vitamin C.

Dry, normal and oily skin needs certain preparations. Medical are stronger than those which are used in pharmacies and beauty therapists.

Applying the treatment one shouldn’t forget about the most important feature – protecting the skin from the sun!