Using Glycolic Acid for Skin Care

By Alexandra Nelson

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is a chemical compound that belongs to a group of acids called Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Its formulation naturally occurs in certain fruits, beets, and sugar cane. Its pure composition is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid highly soluble in water. The chemical formula is C₂H₄O₃ or 2-Hydroxyethanoic Acid. Alpha Hydroxy acids are prevalent in skin care products. Glycolic Acid first became popular in the 1990s due to its usefulness and affordability. It is now one of the most common ingredients used in the chemical industry and can even be found in over-the-counter face washes and skin creams. Like all AHAs, Glycolic Acid performs by “un-gluing” or dissolving the very top layer of dead skin cells and oils present on the surface of the face, producing fresh and healthier skin underneath. Glycolic Acid has a minor molecular structure, which likely allows it to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, compared with other AHAs. By its synthesized composition, this compound can chemically exfoliate the skin, contrary to physical exfoliants or scrubs that act by removing impurities adding little solid particles to its structure.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid for the Skin

For skin treatment and beauty routines, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies utilize Glycolic Acid in topical products to treat skin conditions and improve skin texture and appearance. Glycolic Acid is a superior anti-aging product that dramatically plumps the skin, making lines and wrinkles less visible, vanishing hyperpigmentation over time, tightening and clearing pores, and enhancing collagen production for firmer, healthier skin. At the same time, it speeds up cell turnover, as well as hydrates the skin for a youthful look. Older researchers from 1999 suggest that including Glycolic Acid products in our skincare routine can be highly beneficial. As a result, it may cause an  improvement of the following skin conditions:

Acne

It rapidly improves all types of acne, particularly comedonal acne, which occurs when pores become clogged with impurities. Since Glycolic Acid is a chemical exfoliator, one of its main characteristics is that it cleans dead skin cells remaining in the pores accumulated by dirt particles and unnecessary oils. As a result, clogging the tiny orifices in the first layer of the skin to later produce the pimple commonly known as acne.

UV damage

Glycolic Acid is an effective treatment for sun damage to the skin. Daily and unprotected exposure to UV light can cause several skin issues. The visible signs of this fact can include but are not limited to hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Subsequently, Glycolic Acid can fade dark patches over time and also has a protective effect against UVB rays. Furthermore, it may help prevent photoaging.

Lines and wrinkles

1. Increases hyaluronic acid levels in the skin, a substance that keeps the skin naturally moisturized.
2. Rapidly stimulates the production of collagen, the principal and necessary protein in the skin, which causes a plump and radiant appearance, promoting, at the same time, elasticity.
3. Also, it expands fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation rates, which help to repair and regenerate skin cells.

This diagram helps us to observe how the use of antiaging treatments, in this case, exfoliants or moisturizer that contains Glycolic Acid, can dramatically help to enhance the appearance of a younger look. The images on the left show different skin conditions that can develop over time, like acne, hyperpigmentation, and the most common and unavoidable, aging. On the other hand, the images on the right reveal the result of including Glycolic Acid in our skincare routine.   How Can We Use 70% Glycolic Acid? For all skin types, any product with a concentration of Glycolic Acid from 20%–70% should be used in lower concentrations initially, then gradually increase in subsequent sessions with an interval of 2 weeks between two treatment sessions. It is essential to follow the steps listed below for the safe use of this product.

4. Cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser and abundant warm water.
5. Apply one pump of the product across the skin, avoiding the eyes and lips in case of exfoliants.
6. Wait 2-3 minutes. Next, rinse off with warm water.
7. Following the application of Glycolic Acid, it is relevant to apply a moisturizer to hydrate the newly exfoliated skin. It is important to remember that it is convenient to use Glycolic Acid as a nighttime routine and apply sunscreen the following morning after the night treatment.

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