A glycolic acid peel is a solution of glycolic acid used to remove minor skin defects. It's applied to the skin in liquid form and allowed to dry to a gel-like consistency. The glycolic acid peel takes the upper layer of skin with it when it's peeled away from the skin.
Properties
A molecule of glycolic acid has four atoms of hydrogen, three atoms of oxygen glycolic acid and two atoms of carbon, which gives it a molar mass of 76g per mole. Glycolic acid melts at 167 degrees F and doesn't have a specific boiling point, because it decomposes rather than boiling.
Solubility
Glycolic acid dissolves readily in water and a solution of glycolic acid may contain up to 70 percent glycolic acid. This property also allows glycolic acid to be easily absorbed by the skin. Glycolic acid can penetrate the upper layers of skin, making it useful for skin peels.
Uses
A glycolic acid peel can be used at home and by dermatologists. It's typically used to reduce fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and minor scarring caused by acne. A glycolic acid peel can also treat keratosis, a skin condition characterized by hard skin growths.
Effects
The upper layer of skin is primarily composed of a network of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid weakens some of the bonds between the dead skin cells, depending on the strength of the solution. This allows the dead skin cells to be removed when the glycolic acid solution is peeled off.
Concentration
Glycolic acid peels that are intended for home use typically contain between 10 and 20 percent glycolic acid. Dermatalogists use glycolic acid peels with a concentration of at least 20 percent and may use solutions with the maximum possible concentration of 70 percent. The acidity of a home use glycolic acid peel may have a pH as weak as 2.5. The glycolic acid peels used by dermatologists may have a pH as strong as 0.6.
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