Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

There are a wide range of glycolic acid skin care products for both the face and the body. Glycolic acid is used in anti aging skin care products as well as lightening products and acne remedies.

Glycolic acid anti aging products

Many products marketed as anti aging contain glycolic acid as well as other ingredients including retinol and retinyl palmitate. Together they are effective at reducing the number and depth of lines and wrinkles on the face and promote a healthy younger looking skin. If the product you use contains retinol or retinol derivatives either use at night only or be sure to use sunscreen if you use them in the day. Some skin may be too sensitive to use a product with both retinol and glycolic acid. If you have more redness or irritation that lasts more than a day or two stop using the product and replace with one with one ingredient only.

Glycolic acid skin lightening products

These products can be purchased in liquid or gel form and many contain other ingredients for lightening in addition to the glycolic acid. Some ingredients used are azelaic acid, mulberry, hydroquinone, kojic acid and more. These products should not be used all over the face but just in spots where discolouration has occurred due to aging or sun damage to the skin.

Glycolic acid exfoliants

Glycolic acid is an excellent exfoliant as it penetrates the top layer of the skin and breaks the attachments of dead cells so that they can be easily removed to leave smoother, younger looking skin. They can be used two or three times a week.

Glycolic acid eye creams

The glycolic acid concentration in eye creams and lotions is usually lower than in other products as the skin around the eyes is more sensitive that the surrounding areas. Glycolic acid eye creams generally contain other anti aging ingredients, usually retinol. We do not recommend creams that contain collagen and elastin as these cannot be absorbed by the skin (the molecules are too big) so are ineffectual.

Glycolic acid cleansers

Cleansers are available for routine cleaning of the skin and exfoliation and generally contain between 3 and 10% glycolic acid. If you haven't used a glycolic acid cleaner before choose one with a lower concentration and slowly increase the concentration as your skin becomes accustomed to it.

Glycolic acid creams, lotions and serums

Formulated for daily use creams are best for dry to normal skin and lotions for oily or combination skins. They are used to exfoliate the skin and to deep clean the pores. Serums are formulated for oily or combination skins and are lighter in texture.

Glycolic acid masks

These products are formulated with a higher concentration of glycolic acid than the creams and lotions and can be used for intensive, deep cleaning treatments.

Glycolic acid toners

These skin care products are used after cleaning to balance the pH properly. Used before any of the above treatments they can prepare the skin so that the treatment is more effective.

1 comment:

  1. Specialized skin care products that are being made using glycolic acid,according to the necessity for adding it.

    ReplyDelete