Effects of Glycolic Acid

What are the Effects of Glycolic Acid on skin? It renews dry, damaged skin and encourages on-going skin health.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that’s frequently used in skin care products. It comes from fruit and/or sugar cane – a boon for people looking for naturally occurring components in their beauty treatments. People who use cosmetics with Glycolic acid report that, with time, it reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related skin conditions.

Why it Works:

The effects of glycolic acid include reducing inflammation. It also helps the skin stay moisturized and rids the surface dead cells from the skin. This potent trinity means that your skin will naturally look and feel healthier, younger, tighter and smoother. Generally speaking visible results can be seed on most people within a month.

Glycolic Acid and Acne:

Another benefit from using products with glycolic acid is that it’s very effective against acne, especially when combined with salicylic acid. When dead cells are removed, pores can breathe again. Clogged pores is one of the key problems in acne. Additionally, glycolic acid cleanses and nourishes the skin, keeping it less prone to acne re-infection.

Precautions:

Glycolic acid can be very tricky. If it’s too weak, it doesn’t work well. If it’s too strong it can seriously irritate the skin, particularly for individuals who have sensitive skin. As a result, you may want to consult with a dermatologist who can recommend a product that’s right for your skin type.

If you’re already using a glycolic acid product, give it time. Unless you’re experiencing serious irritation your skin will adjust to the pH levels of the acid. Know, however, that you may find that you’re far more photosensitive from using this kind of product regularly.

Those of you shopping on your own for such a skin care product look for ones that have about 10% acid content, as well as vitamin A and vitamin C as ingredients. These two vitamins have natural anti-oxidant properties that will work cooperatively with the glycolic acid and maximize the effects of glycolic acid for the greatest amount of skin exfoliation and rejuvenation.

When the percentage of glycolic acid in a product is high enough, it has shown tremendous benefits for clearing and moisturizing skin. The effects of glycolic acid include reduced wrinkles, moister skin, and overall improved skin health. Note that products with this acid should be kept away from children and pets. If at any time your skin shows signs of irritation, stop using the product and seek medical consultation.

Types of Glycolic Skin Care Products
There are many different types of Glycolic Acid Products. Which one you choose is strictly your preference. You may eventually want to use more than one type, but add each one at a time as AHAs can cause irritation when first used. Start with your first product as tolerates (you may not even be able to use it daily at first) and then you can introduce another product after your skin is accustomed to the first one. However, most people will not need multiple products - only those with thick, congested, clogged or enlarged pores, extensive sun damage or acne should choose to use multiple products.

Glycolic Acid Cleanser can be helpful for anyone who has oily skin or problems with clogged pores. Read More.

Glycolic Acid Toner is a great product if you want to incorporate Alpha Hydroxy Acid (or Glycolic Acid) into your skin care regimen without adding another layer... Read More

Glycolic Acid Pads - more information, recommendations, reviews and ingredients - Read More

Glycolic Acid Lotion if you prefer a lotion or cream product, review these recommendations, reviews and ingredients - Read More

Glycolic Body Lotion is a great optionfor body acne and to exfoliate and smooth out rough and dry spots on your hands, feet, elbows...Read More

Glycolic Shampoo & Body Wash if you want to extend your exfoliation beyond your face and you have body acne or want to use multiple Glycolic Skin Care Products. Read More

Related Pages:
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Benefits of Alpha Hydroxy
Glycolic Acid and Pregnancy

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