Glycolic acid, also known as hydroxyacetic acid, is a relatively simple acid. It's a colorless, crystalline which is solid at room temperature and occurs naturally in some sugar crops. Glycolic acid is most well known for its use in skin peels. Glycolic acid peels may be performed by both physicians and as at-home treatments.
Physical properties
The molecular formula of glycolic acid is C2H4O3, meaning that a molecule of glycolic acid contains 2 atoms of carbon, 4 atoms of hydrogen and 3 atoms of oxygen. It has a density of 1.27 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm^3) and a melting point of 167 degrees F. Glycolic acid is extremely soluble in water and a solution of 70 percent glycolic acid is possible at room temperature.
Application
The high solubility of glycolic acid and the ease with which it penetrates the skin make it suitable for use in a chemical peel. It can improve the skin's appearance by reducing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and scarring due to acne. Glycolic acid peels may also be used to remove skin growths of keratin, known as keratosis.
Effects
The glycolic acid solution is applied to the skin and allowed to react with the upper layer of skin. It weakens the bonds that hold the dead skin together and allows it to be peeled off. This reveals the newer skin that lies underneath.
Home Strength
Glycolic acid peels are available in a wide range of strengths such that home treatments are much weaker than physician strength treatments. A home kit typically uses a solution of glycolic acid with a concentration between 10 and 20 percent. The acidity of at-home kits may be as weak as a pH of 2.5. A pH of 7 is completely neutral and a lower pH indicates greater acidity.
Physician Strength
The concentration of glycolic acid solutions used by physicians is between 20 and 70 percent. The pH of these solutions may be as low as 0.6--strong enough to completely dissolve the upper layer of skin.
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