What is Glycolic acid?
- It’s plant derived natural acid called alpha hydroxy acid ( AHA).
- That’s easily penetrates into the skin and used for skin rejuvenation, anti-ageing, treat hyperpigmentations, improve skin texture, skin glow etc.
The Amazing Glycolic Acid Peel Benefits.
- Dyschromia : It reduces abnormal pigmentations by exfoliation of skin hence sucessfully used in melasma , post inflammatory hyperpigmentation ,dark thighs ,dark underarms, dark knees , dark circles and dark spots.
- Acne: It clears the pores and hence prevents the comedones, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne like cystic acne, and active acne.
- Exfoliation: Removes the dead skin and used in conditions like keratosis pilaris ( strawberry legs).
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Anti-aging: It decreases fine wrinkles, reverses photoaging.
- Skin glow: Improve uneven skin tone and pigmentation hence used on rough skin, for skin glow.
- To treat scars: Glycolic acid readily penetrates the skin removes the dead cells , stimulates the collagen tissues and hence on repeated usage can treat pick scars and post acne scars.
- For skin rejuvenation: Glycolic is popularly used as one of go to treatment non invasive procedures for skin rejuvenation.
Formulation
Glycolic acid is available as cleanser , face washes, creams ( 3%,6%,12%), solutions ( 20%,30%,50%,70%)
Contraindications
- Open wounds
- Known history of keloid / hypertrophic scar formation
- Active infections
- Sensitive skin
- Avoid Just before important events and vacations
Side effects of Glycolic acid
- Common
- Redness
- Burning
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Sense of heat
- Uncommon
- Acne flare ( unlikely)
- Photosensitivity
- Infections
Advanced peeling -Combination peeling
In solution forms:-
- For hyperpigmentations: Glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
- For acne: Glycolic acid and salicylic acid/ tretinion.
- For sensitive skin: Mandelic acid with low concentrations of Glycolic acid
- Skin rejuvenation: Glycolic acid and vitamin c.
- For skin glow: Glycolic acid, kojic acid, lactic acid.
In cream / gel forms:-
- For hyperpigmentation: kojic acid , Glycolic acid , azelaic acid.
- For acne: azelaic acid , glycolic acid , salicylic.
- For skin glow: glycolic acid, vitamin c.
- For anti-aging: glycolic acid, tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c.
Pure 75% Glycolic Acid Liquid 100 ml
Frequently Asked questions
- Can I use glycolic acid every day?
Glycolic acid in face washes can be used everyday, however glycolic acid in creams is preferred 4 times a week night time application while higher concentrations used in peelings are preferably once in 14days
- Can glycolic acid help me to fight pimples?
- Can glycolic acid damage your skin?
Glycolic acid at lower concentrations used at night with prescribed concentration and amount doesn’t usually damage the skin however risk of side effects as mentioned above are more in sensitive skin.
- Can I use glycolic acid every night?
- Am I too young for glycolic acid ?
- Can glycolic acid help me to fight pimples?
- Is glycolic acid suitable for oily or acne prone skin?
- Can glycolic acid remove mild acne holes?
- Which is better for chemical peeling, glycolic or lactic acid?
Glycolic acid is better in case of deep dermal pigmentation but lactic acid is better in superficial epidermal pigmentations
- Can you apply 70% concentrated glycolic acid straight on your face?
- Is retinol or glycolic acid better for acne scars?