1. Glycolic Acid Is Fruity
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is a natural fruit acid. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid works by sloughing off dead surface skin cells more effectively than washing daily with face cleanser or soap. The beauty of its action is that surface cells are the ones that take a beating from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. The environment, dirt and oil also bombard surface cells, resulting in blemishes and/or acne. Glycolic acid is the most widely used ingredient in chemical peels, and AHA is available in over-the-counter products such as lotions, exfoliators and home-use chemical peels.
2. A Sun-Damage Warrior
The benefits of a glycolic acid peel include improvement of fine lines, brown spots, sun damage, large pores and acne. The skin beneath the surface layer is softer, so it is a moisturizer, too. Stronger peels used more often may reach deeper layers of the skin. This can result in the regeneration of collagen and elastin. Over-the-counter products offer some of these benefits, but to a lesser degree because the potency is much less.
3. Peeling Is the Point
If you plan to receive a glycolic acid peel, you can expect to feel some stinging when the application is applied. Some estheticians will let you control a hand-held hose that blows cool air to reduce the stinging for the few minutes the glycolic acid remains on the skin. You can also expect the skin to be pink or red for a few hours after the application. A chemical peel causes, well, peeling. But it is minimal, begins a day or two after the application, and lasts for about a week.
4. Side Effects Possible
Darker-skinned people may not do well with a stronger glycolic acid peel. Ask your esthetician or dermatologist for advice. Side effects are possible for anyone. Besides the normal stinging and redness, side effects can include scabbing and irritation. Always use a sunscreen, especially when using products with glycolic acid because your skin is more sensitive to the sun.
5. Less Glycolic Acid Can Be More
You may need to have a professional trained in the application of a glycolic acid peel, which ranges in strength from 30 to 70 percent. Over-the-counter products will contain less AHA. Each state has its own laws that govern what strength is acceptable for over-the-counter use. Products are also available for purchase online. Over-the-counter glycolic acid products may cause dry skin. If it becomes too dry, use it less often. It is best to start out at a lower strength and work your way up to avoid unwanted side effects.
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