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Glycolic Acid

 

Glycolic acid works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, glycolic acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue' which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is chemically burned off, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the remaining acid. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is glycolic acid's ability to draw moisturizers into the newly-exfoliated skin surface. This is why cosmetic counters often sell a complete system of skin care; the rest of the alpha-hydroxy line contains moisturizers and neutralizers to counteract the corrosive actions of glycolic acid.

Cosmetic exfoliants and moisturizers containing glycolic acid may leave the user's skin especially sensitive to the sun, so many skin care experts recommend using a sunscreen after exfoliating with glycolic acid. If a 10% concentration of glycolic acid can cause concern over skin damage, another use may be even more controversial. Some customers seeking a more complete exfoliation may opt for a chemical peel. In general, a chemical peel involves a careful scrubbing of the skin followed by an application of a powerful AHA such as glycolic acid. Concentration levels of glycolic acid in chemical peels can be as high as 50% or more. Even industrial suppliers of glycolic acid limit their concentration to 70%, so this is indeed a very powerful chemical process.

Quite often after a chemical peel, a patient's skin will look as if it were extremely sunburned. Several days of recovery are often necessary for a complete recovery from a glycolic acid peel. Proponents of glycolic acid say that the process may appear dangerous or unsightly, but the results are worth the temporary discomfort.

Whether or not glycolic acid is the miracle ingredient in a cosmetic Fountain of Youth, there can be no doubt that it is effective when used correctly and in the proper concentration level for an individual's exfoliating and moisturizing needs. As with any other acid, proper attention must be given to storage and access. Young children could experience severe skin rashes or internal problems if the products are improperly applied or ingested.

 

 

WIKIPEDIA DEFINITION

Read the Wikipedia definition of Glycolic Acid here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycolic_acid

 

READER COMMENTS

Posted by: anon30828

 

The Natura Bisse Glycolic is the *best* thing I have ever used. It comes in 25%, 50% and 60%. I have pale, sensitive skin and have *no* problem with the 50% strength. After using it, my skin is smooth, radiant and feels amazing! Also, my treatment products sink is like nothing else! I have never used an exfoliating treatment that comes close to this.

If you're afraid of the GlycoPeel, Trish Mcevoy makes a cleanser that I've used a couple of times a week that really gets you squeaky clean (it's really helpful during the humid summer months of Tennessee!)

Posted by: gabby7676

 

I purchased glycolic acid on ebay over 3 years ago. I am now 32 and have had great success using it. I use 50% or 30% on my face for 4-6 minutes and rise off with the neutralizer. Wrinkles, scars and sun spots are diminished and my skin is tight and clear. Directions say to use it once, three weeks in a row, then take a week off. I don't use it that regularly (too lazy). But if I did, I think my skin would look better and the 50% wouldn't be needed, the 30% would be enough.

Posted by: anon30230

I work at a spa with estheticians and I use a really low dose of glycolic (5%) every once in a while, but that is because I am 20 and my only point of glycolic (other than to dry out the occasional blemish) is to fight free radical damage since I spend a lot of time in the sun. But I have very good skin and I use it probably once a month.

Glycolic should be used once a week, at most! To answer someone's question, yes it is normal to make your skin dry. The point of glycolic is to renew your skin, and you can't do that without having some dry skin to slough off! Use a moisturizer! As you get older, your skin takes more and more time to renew itself, and glycolic speeds that process up.

As for the person who used glycolic products for a year, don't *ever* do that! If you are going to use glycolics or retinoids or anything, you have to take breaks or your skin will react, and not in a good way! It will thin it out which is the worst possible thing you can do to it!

Posted by: ellen70

I've been using Kavi glycolic acid peels for 4 years now with incredible results. Once every other week for 10 minutes and I have smoother, brighter skin that requires less makeup than I've used in 30 years!

Posted by: anon29770

I too have used DoctorSecret brand with great results. Instructions and a huge bottle of neutralizer included. Never had a single problem and clear (wrinkle free) skin for several years.

Posted by: anon29741

I put ebay stregnth 60% on and followed directions and it burned my skin. I washed it off after 3 minutes too. Do not put over 30 on your face!

I do think the results will be worth it, but I have been hiding out 4th day now because it caused the area below my eye to swell and retain water. Its bizarre looking. I did not put it anywhere near my eyes- it does not hurt, it is just like water blisters. It does not seem to be going down and I am frustrated as I need to leave the house! So, any suggestions anyone?

Posted by: shalinic123

I am using Glycolic acid 6% cream and I feel my skin has become very dry especially on the cheeks area. Is it normal or is this a side-effect or allergy?

Posted by: sbowen26

If Glycolic acid is made from sugar cane...Where does the acid portion come from?

Posted by: dbiondolillo

I just purchased AHA revitalizing lotion by DCL(Dermatologic Cosmetic Labortories)

I don't know if I'm supposed to wash this off or leave on like a moisturizer (it's not a moisturizer)

does anyone know??

Posted by: EricaHolmes

I've used doctor secret brand for years and love the results. They sell a complete kit.

Posted by: anon24132

to neutralize glycolic acid use baking soda and water.

Posted by: anon23380

what can you use to neutralize glycolic peel? Water? I bought a kit and the neutralizer leaked out of the bottle in the mail, and I still have had no response about getting it replaced by shipper?

Posted by: anon20451

i try soap which contains glycolic acid and it really works, makes my skin becomes lighter, it tightens my pores, and it reduces my acne..

Posted by: mahen

I am brown skinned person but my face and hand and leg color is darker which makes me really stupid to go out swimming or other activities as such what would be best thing to do?

Posted by: EricaHolmes

I noticed there are several versions of Glycolic acid. Glycopure, Lactic acid, and Malic acid. I guess they are all AHA's, but which one is best?

Posted by: bonjore

i am a 34 male. tanning of both cheeks looks bad. dry skin can i use glycolic acid to peel off my dead skin and kindly guide me in which concentration??

Posted by: anon18951

Glycolic acid has no receptor sites in the skin and when applied, in any concentration, it produces a cascade of free radical damage that disposes the skin to a highly inflammatory response leading pre-mature aging! Best to stay away from this AHA, there are much better products on the market. Left un-neutralized, this acid can burn the skin causing blisters and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots). Stay away from this junk!

LeeAnn Day, R.N.

Posted by: obmermaid

can glycolic acid can be used for tattoo removal? I would like to hear about it

Posted by: anon13880

MD Forte II Glycare with Glycolic Acid.

Buy it. Use it.

I got mine for $18 for 2 oz. liquid. Been using it for years and it really fights acne well.

I first use Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with salicylic acid, and rinse off and let my face dry completely. Then I apply the MD Forte II Glycare (which is a leave on product, do not rinse off). At night, I apply Neutrogena Benzoil Peroxide cream and the one-two-three punch works very, very well. I will always have acne, but this regimen keeps it in remission indefinitely. If used every day, very rarely do I ever have a flare up. Hope this info helps someone. You're not only with your genetic curse.

Posted by: anon12379

I have heard that glycolic acid can be used in tattoo removal. Is this true?

Posted by: anon11049

Acne can be controlled with 10% glycolic acid. The facial peel needs a stronger 10-70% and a neutralizer to protect. I've used Glycopure for years and look 10 years younger than my sister.

Posted by: anon10867

i trust AHA. its given me a lot more youthful skin after its use in a peel and Loreal Creams.

Posted by: anon8516

i use a brand called DDF and it's a Glycolic 10% exfoliator, it works wonders for me, try to not purchase facial products with no less than a percentage of 10% to treat facial flaws, such as acne. it has cleared up my acne, GREATLY reduced the appearance of my pores. i would recommend DDF 10% Glycolic Exfoliating Gel with 2% Salicylic Acid, it can be found at your local Sephora.

Posted by: anon6937

Don't forget that the % is a connection with the pH level. If you buy a glycolic acid at 30% and the pH value is like 5, then it most likely won't be as effective as an glycolic acid at 10% with an pH value of 1.7 - The lower pH value, the more effective the glycolic creme will be.

Posted by: anon6755

I purchased thirty percent glycolic acid online and found that it did not irritate my skin. I feel that my skin is soften and have noticed gradual improvement. I follow the directions, which indicates application one time per week and to be left on the skin 3-6 minutes.

Posted by: anon6746

I started using skin care products containing glycolic acid. After using them for about a year, my eye started watering, then I got a red rash on the sides of my face. My skin also started to burn when applying the moisturizer. I switched to different skin care products and immediately the symptoms disappeared.

Posted by: olittlewood

is glycolic acid safe to use while you are pregnant and/or nursing? since it is a natural substance derived from sugar cane and fruit acids, are there any recipes out there that you can make at home using products from the supermarket? it would probably be a fun thing to make your own glycolic acid face scrub or mask at home, and would be a lot more gentle than commercially prepared products!

Posted by: anon5718

neutrogena oil free acne face wash (the CYLINDRICAL bottle, not the other one) has glycolic in it...

Posted by: anon5420

I use products that have 6-8% glycolic acid, so not lots, but I have noticed a reduction in acne.

Posted by: anon4494

Do not get this stuff in your eye- it is painful and hard to remove!

Posted by: anon3292

Hi, just recently I was looking on the internet for good ways to get rid of acne. While reading an article, I stumbled across this "Glycolic acid" and heard that it does help to decrease the amount of acne you produce. Could you tell me a few products that this chemical is in??

Thank you so much.

Posted by: Dayton

In all honesty, it sounds like you have an allergy to an ingredient in that product. If I were you, I'd go see my physician, and take the product along to examine the ingredients.

Good luck!

Posted by: anon1829

I purchased a product to remove hard skin from feet. The product was in pad form. I used one - as instructed(basic - rub over areas of hard skin). My feet have been itching and feel burned for 2 days. It is extremely unpleasant. There were no warnings of side effects on container at all.

 

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Wikipedia Glycolic Acid Definition

NCI Dictionary Glycolic Acid

Answers.com Glycolic Acid Definition

Glycolic Acid Guide

 

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