Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

Glycolic acid and AHA - Some Information

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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.

Types of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

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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.

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products - Do They Work?

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Alpha hydroxy acids or AHA's are present in many glycolic acid skin care products including anti aging and anti wrinkle treatments as they noticeably improve the appearance of the skin. They are derived from fuits and milk and include lactic acid (from milk) citric acid, tartaric acid and glycolic acid (all from fruits). Glycolic acid skin care products are effective as glycolic acid has well known and largely undisputed beneficial effects on the skin. It has been found to improve dry skin, help to reduce the damage caused by the sun and is effective in treating acne scarring.

There is still some mystery as to how exactly glycolic acid works it's miracle. Current thought is that it does three things, reduces inflammation, promotes removal of dead skin and helps to moisturise. Together these help to make the skin look healthy and give it a good color.

Glycolic acid has been shown in many studies to improve the number of fine lines and wrinkles. Some studies suggest that the appearance of fine lines can be markedly improved in a s little as three weeks. Glycolic acid is also very good at improving the appearance of sun damaged skin and this has also been shown in studies. As a moisturiser glycolic acid is superb with some studies showing more than 200% increase in the skins moisture content after applying to the face for three weeks.

As glycolic acid skin care products need to be at a lower pH to be effective they can cause some irritation to sensitive skin. Lowering the concentration will reduce the irritation but also decrease their effectiveness. It is a good idea to use these products under the supervision of a dermatologist who can adjust the concentration individually to suit your skin. The concentration can often be slowly increased for more effective treatment as the skin becomes adapted.

Three Step Treatment Using Glycolic Acid Products for a Glowing Skin

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For a special occasion try this three step method for smoothing the skin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and giving a lovely glow. It was first published in Harper's Bazaar magazine and is a method used by famous dermatologist Harold Lancer MD. It uses a salicylic acid exfoliator, a glycolic acid skin care product for toning and finishes with a moisturiser containing aloe.

Attend your next important event with your skin in wonderful condition, glowing with health!

Step 1

Use an exfoliator containing 2% salicylic acid for cleaning the face, neck and the upper part of the chest. This will remove the dead cells on your skin. We've found an exfoliator that is good value for money

DDF Salicylic Wash Salicylic Acid
List Price: $35.00
This face wash actively works to regulate excessive oil production and to help prevent and control blemishes and congested pores.

Step 2

Use a toner containing 5% glycolic acid. This will increase the blood flow to the face and give a lovely glow. Below is a toner ideal for this step.

Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10 Clarifying Tonic
List Price: $32.00
Fragrance-free, dye-free tonic for T-zone, oily, problem or combination skin types. Clarifies the skin, removes excess sebum, helps smooth out roughness and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Step 3

Moisturise with a moisturiser containing aloe vera. This will tighten the pores and plump out the skin. The moisturiser below is exceptional value for money!

Olive & Aloe Moisturizer 16 fl oz: K
List Price: $9.85
Highly recommended for sensitive skin, this moisturizer softens with Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, natural herbs & flowers. Olive Oil has been used for centuries to care for the skin, while Aloe Vera has long been acclaimed 'the healing plant.' We blended the two with a rich assortment of Herbs & Flowers renowned for their benefits to the skin. The result - a superb moisturizer for the face, body and hands that will protect your skin all day and revitalize it at night.

How to Choose a Glycolic Acid Skin Care Product

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Glycolic acid skin care products and other products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) are becoming increasingly popular as skin rejuvenation treatments. AHA have a long history of use as skin treatments and exfoliating agents and can be found today in a wide variety of products including toners, moisturisers, cleansers and masks.

They are found naturally in milk and fruit and are particularly valuable in skin care as they are very small molecules that can penetrate the upper layers of the skin to the layer beneath. They then destroy the bonds holding dead cells in place so that the dead cells can be easily removed leaving the skin smoother and with less lines and wrinkles.

In addition to acting as an exfoliating agent glycolic acid is thought to also stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. Elastin is important to ensure the skin remains elastic and collagen supports the skin thus preventing lines and wrinkles. They can improve the appearance of skin damaged by the sun and improve roughness.

The effect is not instant however as to get the full benefit of glycolic acid, and other AHA's they need to be used for up to six months. Glycolic acid skin care products usually have the glycolic acid concentrations of between 5% and 8%. Preparations should never be used with a concentration over 10% as this is considered too corrosive to the skin.

AHA Guidelines from the FDA

The FDA published guidelines for the use of glycolic acid and other products containing AHA's in 1997 to ensure their safe use. The guidelines are as follows.

The concentration of the AHA must be less than 10%

The pH must be above 3.5

The product must contain a sunscreen or there must be a warning on the packaging to inform people that a sunscreen must be used.

Which Glycolic Acid Product Should I choose?

Choose a glycolic acid product for exfoliating and other skin care products that do not contain glycolic acid or other AHA's. Use of glycolic acid in more than one product could lead to irritation.

Glycolic acid skin care products should have between 5% and 8% of the acid. Less than this will make the product ineffective, more can have a too corrosive effects on the skin.

If a product does not have the concentration on the label check the order. if it is second or third it is probably of the correct concentration.

Ideally a glycolic acid product would have a sunscreen incorporated. At present this is not possible as sunscreens are not stable at the low pH of these products. Always use a high factor sunscreen after using a glycolic acid skin care product or other AHA containing product.

About Us

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Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products has been set up to provide you with information on skin care products containing glycolic acid. We hope you find some interesting and informative. Please use the form below if you wish to contact us.

Contact Us

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Privacy Policy

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Site Terms and Privacy Policy

This page sets forth the site terms and privacy policies of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products.

I. LINKS TO OTHER SITES

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products has relationships with other companies that we allow to place ads and links on our Web pages. As a result of your visit to Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products, ad server companies may collect information such as your domain type, your IP address, and clickstream information.

Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are moving from Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products to another Web site. We encourage you to read the site terms and privacy statements of these linked sites as their site terms and privacy policies may differ from ours.

II. ORDERS

If you purchase a product from one of the companies Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products represents, they will request certain personally identifiable information from you on their order form. You must provide contact information (such as name, email, and shipping address) and financial information (such as credit card number, expiration date). Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products is not responsible for the site terms or privacy policies of such other sites so review their site terms and privacy policy before completing your order.

III. REGISTRATION FOR NEWSLETTER

If Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products offers a newsletter then registration is required with Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products, such as name and email address. We use this information to contact you about the services on our site in which you have expressed interest. We will never share this information unless required to do so by law enforcement agencies, as stated below in our privacy policy.

Privacy Policy

CONSUMER PRIVACY

I. INFORMATION WE COLLECT: INDIVIDUAL INTERNET CONSUMERS

A. Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Under no circumstances does Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products request or collect sensitive PII such as an Internet user's medical/health conditions; racial or ethnic origin; political, religious or philosophical beliefs or affiliations; trade union membership or sex life.

B. Non-Personally Identifiable Information (Non-PII).
When a consumer responds to or views an Internet advertisement served by Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products (such as through third-party Web sites or email solicitation) or visits an advertiser's web site, we send a cookie and/or gif file ("Cookies") to assign an anonymous, unique identifier to the end user's Internet browser. Cookies are small data files commonly used on the Internet to help optimize and personalize the Internet end user experience and identify repeat visitors to Web sites.

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products uses Cookies to obtain information about the preferences of consumers and the services they select; and also to optimize and personalize the Internet user's experience. If the Internet user re-visits the advertiser's site directly, Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products is able to continue to track the user's activities.

Like most standard Web site servers, we use log files to collect Internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, and date/time stamp. We use the information to analyze site usage, administer the site, understand usage and navigation trends in aggregate, and determine the relevance of content. This information, however, is not linked to any personally identifiable information.

We also may use Internet browsing and online purchase data associated with an anonymous identifier to develop a predictive statistical user profile of the end user's needs and interests. Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products does not use Cookies or log files to collect end users' names, physical addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or any other information which can be used to identify a specific person. We may match the IP address and user profile with email address data obtained separately in order to better target campaigns to meet user's interests, but will not share this information with third parties.

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products has relationships with other companies that we allow to place ads and links on our Web pages. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are moving to another web site. We encourage you to read the privacy statements of these linked sites as their privacy policies may differ from ours.

Some of these other companies may use marketing technology that allows advertisers to add non-personally-identifying demographic information, such as age, gender, area code, or ZIP code, to the non-identifiable profile data. Thus, there is no direct connection between an end user's online choices and his or her personal identity.

In some cases, Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products receives and records partial email addresses of Internet users, only in circumstances where the user voluntarily provided its identity and contact information through the Advertiser's site or third-party marketer's site. This partial email address does not enable Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products to personally identify an Internet User nor is it shared, sold, rented, or given away.

II. INFORMATION SHARING

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products may release account and any other personal information when we believe release is appropriate to respond to a subpoena or otherwise comply with the law; or protect the rights, property, or safety of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products or others. This may include exchanging information with other companies and organizations for fraud protection.

III. CONSUMER CHOICE AND ACCESS

A. Opting Out.
Some Cookies have an "opt-out" option. This process does not remove Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products's Cookie from your system; it simply replaces it with an opt-out Cookie that does not contain any unique identifiers. If Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products provides such a process it is detailed below.

Some of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products's Cookies do not have an "opt-out" option, yet you still have the option of blocking the use of Cookies by changing a setting in your Internet browser. Please see your browser supplier's Web site for details on how to do this.

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products does not maintain a process for an individual consumer to opt-out of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products's Cookies.

B. Accessing Consumer Information.
Because they are not directed towards individual Internet users, most sites do not maintain a process for an individual consumer to review and/or request changes to any PII collected.

Except as provided below, Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products does not maintain a process for an individual consumer to access his/her PII.

IV. SECURITY

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products employs industry standard security measures to ensure the security of all data. Any data that is stored on Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products's servers is treated as proprietary and confidential and is not available to the public. Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products allows access to this data only to those employees or third parties who have a need to know such information for the purpose of effectively delivering Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products's products and services by means of user login and password requirements.

No transmission of data over the Internet is guaranteed to be completely secure. It may be possible for third parties not under the control of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products to intercept or access transmissions or private communications unlawfully. While we strive to protect your PII, Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us. You acknowledge and assume this risk when communicating with Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products.

V. CONSENT AND CHANGES

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products may find it necessary or be legally obligated to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post those changes on this page and update the effective date so that you are always aware of the information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it. Except as otherwise required by law, modifications to this Privacy Policy will not affect the privacy of data collected by Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products prior to the effective date of the policy change.

VI. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY AND SPAM

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products is very sensitive to the issue of children's privacy and makes every effort to protect the privacy of children using the Internet. It is possible that Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products's Web site, products, and services may may not be appropriate for or directed at children. Children (persons under the age of 18) are not eligible to do business with us and we do not collect personal information from any person we actually know is under the age of 13.

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products is committed to proper Internet practices and full compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 (15 U.S.C. § 7701). It is our policy to prohibit the sending of unsolicited or "Spam" e-mail by Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products or any of our marketing partners.

Please note that under the CAN-SPAM Act, an advertiser is required to provide an opt-out mechanism for consumers to unsubscribe from future emails about the advertiser. Although not required to by law, many email marketers also include an opt-out mechanism to enable consumers to be removed from their mailing list. This has caused some confusion for consumers in opting out. The table below clarifies which opt-out mechanism you should use for commercial emails.

To receive no further emails . . .	Opt-Out Mechanism to Use
about the advertiser	Advertiser's
from the email marketing company	Opt-Out Mechanism
from the advertiser or email marketing company	Both

VII. DATA PROCESSING/SAFE HARBOR

The European Union ("EU") maintains strict privacy laws. These rules differ significantly from US laws. To reconcile these differences, the US and the EU have created a Safe Harbor that defines mutually acceptable privacy operations. Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products adheres to the Safe Harbor principals. For more information see www.export.gov/safeharbor.

VIII. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, THIRD PARTY INFORMATION & LANGUAGE

YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE OVER PRIVACY IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY AND OUR SITE TERMS (INCLUDING LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES, AND ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES). YOU AGREE THAT Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products' LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE GREATER OF THE VALUE OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR SERVICES PROVIDED TO YOU BY Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products OR $250 TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIM IS NOT OTHERWISE BARRED BY OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS. You also agree that you have provided notice to, and obtained consent from, any third party individuals whose personal data you supply to Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products with regard to: (a) the purposes for which such third party's personal data has been collected; (b) the intended recipients or categories of recipients of the third party's personal data; (c) which of the third party's data are obligatory and which data, if any, are voluntary; and (d) how the third party can access and, if necessary, rectify the data held about them. It is the express will of the parties that this agreement and all related documents have been drawn up in English.

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Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to your sites and other sites on the Internet.

Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

CONTACT US
For more information or if you have questions or concerns regarding Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products' site terms or privacy policy, please CONTACT US.

Updated February 11, 2008

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

2009-02-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Glycolic acid in skin care products is beneficial in many ways. It stimulates the production of collagen, which helps to support the skin and prevent wrinkles, and elastin which keeps the skin elastic. It helps to even out the tone of the skin, improves the texture, cleans the follicles and can help to heal acne scarring.

Site Map

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