Glycolic acid, or hydroxyacetic acid, is a crystalline water-soluble solid that comes from sugar cane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe and unripe grapes. Glycolic acid improves the look of the skin by reacting with the epidermis, sloughing away dead skin and allowing new skin to appear. Glycolic acid easily penetrates the skin, smoothing out its texture as collagen is activated and cells plump up to fill in fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. Hyper-pigmentation and large pores also improve with applications of glycolic acid, a major ingredient found in most chemical peels.
What to Look for
Glycolic acid is normally administered by a dermatologist when applying an in-office chemical peel treatment. Under the watchful eye of a professional, concentrations of up to 80% glycolic acid can be applied, depending on the type of skin you have as well as the condition you are treating. There are also many at-home chemical peels on the market that contain glycolic acid. These are best applied at a 20% concentration to avoid burning the skin. An at-home glycolic peel should take 15 to 20 minutes and can be repeated once a week or every other week. If your skin is overly sensitive, look for a glycolic acid peel that has a 10% concentration. Before applying the glycolic acid peel, clean skin thoroughly. Once applied, the peel will sting slightly. Once you are ready to wash it off, use lukewarm or cold water. Some glycolic acid peels are designed to be left on overnight. Find the correct preparation for your type of skin, be it normal, oily or dry. A slightly stronger concentration of glycolic acid is recommended for oily skin.
Common Pitfalls
Read the instructions carefully if you are applying an at-home glycolic acid treatment. Check with a dermatologist to determine which brand is best for you. There can be side effects if the peel is too strong, such as heightened stinging, redness, irritation or scabbing. Always protect your skin from the sun, especially when you are undergoing a skin peel, as new skin is super sensitive. If you are going for an in-office deep peeling, make sure your dermatologist is accredited and has experience with glycolic acid peels. Stay away from deep peels done in health spas or beauty salons unless you are sure that the practitioner has established credibility.
Member Comments