Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA. AHAs are commonly used in facial creams to promote the shedding of old surface skin cells, a procedure known as a "chemical peel." According to Medfacts.com, AHAs are available in different concentrations ranging from 10 percent to 70 percent. Glycolic acid is the AHA most frequently used for facial treatments. Glycolic acid creams include other ingredients in addition to glycolic acid.
Glycolic Acid
With time and sun exposure, the rate at which skin cells are replaced by new cells is gradually slowed. This results in the accumulation of dead skin cells in a surface layer. These dead cells are partially responsible for the appearance of aged skin. According to Glycolic.org, glycolic acid loosens the glue-like substances that connect the surface skin cells together, therefore facilitating the old skin cells to peel off. The skin underneath, with a younger and healthier look with a more even texture, is therefore revealed. Glycolic acid is recommended for those whose skin is showing fine lines, brown marks and dry spots, and it may be helpful for those prone to acne. According to Medfacts.com, many over-the-counter skin care products contain glycolic acid, including moisturizers, cleansers, creams, sunscreen and makeup. Because glycolic acid requires time to be absorbed into the skin, using moisturizers rather than cleansers that contain glycolic acid gives better results. To avoid allergic reactions, glycolic acid creams should be first tested on a small patch of skin on an inconspicuous part of the body.
Exercise caution when choosing and buying glycolic acid products since manufacturers are not required to disclose the concentration. According to the Mayo Clinic, the FDA classifies creams and lotions as cosmetics, which are defined as having no medical value, so the FDA does not regulate them as strictly as it does drugs. This means that glycolic acid creams do not need to undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before approval to be sold in the store. In 2002, the FDA issued an order demanding all manufacturers of AHA products to include a warning label specifying that the acids may increase the risk of sunburn. It should be noted that, because it is not the FDA's mandate to evaluate cosmetic products for effectiveness, there is no guarantee that any over-the-counter product will reduce wrinkles.
Herbal Extracts
Many glycolic acid creams also contain herbal extracts including pumpkin, mint, peach, sage, comfrey, chamomile and witch hazel. Generally, these ingredients enhance the texture, smell and soothing effects of applying glycolic acid creams.
Vitamins
Vitamins in glycolic acid creams are added to enhance the antioxidant effects. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals --- unstable oxygen molecules that cause wrinkles. A common vitamin additive is vitamin A. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A compound is the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams.
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