Glycolic acid and AHA - Some Information

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which are naturally occurring acids that are found in milk and fuit and are often used in glycolic acid skin care products. They have a long tradition of use for softening, moisturising and exfoliating the skin. Some other examples of alpha hydroxy acids are lactic acid and tartaric acid. Salicylic acid is a similar chemical compound called a beta hydroxy acid. Glycolic acid skin care products are the most common over the counter preparations that contain AHA's.

How Do Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products Work?

Glycolic acid is extracted from sugar cane and is the smallest of the AHA's. This single chain molecule can easily penetrate the top layer of the skin going underneath the damaged layer where it loosens the bonds holding dead cells to the skin. This allows the dead cells to be easily removed leaving a smoother skin and a youthful appearance. Glycolic acid skin care preparations are sold as creams or gels intended to be used for exfoliating. Glycolic acid is corrosive so is often packaged with a complete skin care kit including neutralisers and moisturisers to counter this. It is a common ingredient in skin care products marketed as anti-aging or for the treatment of acne.

Glycolic Acid Peels

Glycolic acid is also used in a more drastic treatment, a chemical peel. These treatments use a chemical solution to cause the skin to blister and peel off leaving smoother skin with fewer wrinkles. You can buy a glycolic acid chemical peel OTC but it is always best to consult a medical health care practitioner before using one at home. AHA peels including glycolic acid peels are the mildest peels available and are used to remove fine lines, dark pigmentation and dry areas. They can also be used to help control acne and to improve sun damaged skin's texture.

Side Effects of Chemical Peels

Although AHA chemical peels are the mildest that are available they do have some side effects and anyone contemplating using one should be aware of them. they may cause skin redness, stinging, dryness and some irritation. All of these side effects are temporary and should improve within a day or two.

Caution

If you are using a retinol or Retin-A or similar products the effect of an AHA peel can be stronger so take care and inform your practitioner.