What is Glycolic Acid, Lactic & Citric Acids for Skin?

All of us likes to be in trend and keep our hands on the pulse with new cosmetics and skin care products. But that what encourages us the most is the true results of this cosmetics we see every day! We all know the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (abbr. AHA, contains lactic, glycolic acids etc.). And today we will find out the advantages of high popular Glycolic Acid.

Glycolic Acid used for removing wrinkles and for skin moisturizing purposes because of its natural origin. When it is a raw material it looks like a dull crystal without the smell. Let me introduce you a few of Glycolic Acid’s benefits for our skin!

The Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is widespread in a big amount of chemical peels because of its high efficiency, and if you use it in the right way, you can even use it with sensitive skin. Glycolic Acid is very popular in daily skincare but in lower percentage (facial cleaners, tonics etc.). It also treats Melasma and Psoriasis with its natural ingredients delivered from pineapple and cane sugar!

Doctors all around the world admit Glycolic Acid as the extremely effective exfoliator that removes the top layer of dead dermis opening the natural and bright skin. If you have unwanted scars, wrinkles, lines, skin efflorescence, pigmentation then Glycolic Acid is the finest and gentlest solution. Dermatologists recommend doing exfoliating procedure once a week using products with Glycolic Acid (it may also be at-home procedures). Glycolic Acid brings water from the air to the skin and supplement lost moisture, in low doses it makes a deep moisturizing effect.

Medical researchers show that Glycolic Acid helps to increase collagen production which amazingly freshes the skin. Skin needs natural proteins because it consists of them, so collagen is that textural protein helping skin tissue to stay firm and confront unwanted wrinkles and lines.

How Does Glycolic Acid Work?

– Glycolic Acid affects the top of skin layer breaking the bonds between dissolving sebum and other agents to let the natural and healthy skin appear.

– Made up of small molecules, it is able to penetrate the skin deeply and easily. This makes it most effective for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness and uneven texture.

– Getting rid of dead skin cells by gently exfoliating as a result we have younger, smoother skin.

– Cream with Glycolic Acid represented on market has different percentage of concentration and pH levels. The better ones are the products with clear Glycolic Acid, without other ingredients. However, if you are looking for a moisturizer with lower concentration it may include some natural supporting ingredients, and it is absolutely ok.

Things To Consider

I and many other dermatologists and people in skin care trend think that Glycolic Acid is the intransigent solution with amazing results in fighting with age lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and scars. But when the product has such an extremely results we should deal with some things, so before using Glycolic Acid read the paragraphs below:

Firstly your skin has to get used to Glycolic Acid, especially if we talk about a higher percentage, because it may appear some flaking or redness. We always recommend starting with the lowest percentage no matter what is your aim, just to let your skin adapt.

If you are planning to use products with Vitamin A, Accutane or AHA’s, be careful – it can lead to a reaction because your skin is already becoming sensitive. You can use AHA’s and Retinol at the same time, but remember to do it carefully.

Also if you are planning a vacation or using AHA’s at the summer time you have to use some sunscreens because your skin becomes more sensitive.

Want to add Glycolic Acid in your everyday treatments? Check out the list of our top products including Tretinoin, AHA’s, BHA’s and your skin will thank you!

Post by:

Marcella Jiovanni

Skin Care Professional

“Marcella Jiovanni actively promotes the importance of maintaining healthy skin, she envisions the future of dermatology as moving away from pure medical, pharmacological dermatology and flowing more toward a holistic approach to wellness and skincare.”