Glycolic acid one of the more popular types of fruit acids that is commonly used. The glycolic acid is often derived sugar cane and is in the same classification as citric acid. These fruit acids are often times called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). The Glycolic is a naturally occurring acid and its natural form it is colorless and odorless. It is also very soluble in water.
Glycolic acid has its uses in the industrial industry. It is used in a wide range of jobs that requires high corrosive acid. This includes the removal of rust and acting as a degreaser for different machinery and equipment parts. It is a very dangerous substance and that is why it is a hazardous material, depending on the concentration. Concentrations below 10% are often used in skin creams and treatments but amounts above that are used for other heavy duty uses.
Glycolic acid is used in the industrial industry, but it also has its uses in the cosmetics market. There are countless skin creams, lotions and gels that contain this acid. The main use of the acid is as a moisturizer and a skin exfoliant. It is very effective as an exfoliant because of its high acidity and as mentioned above, how easily soluble it is in water and related substances. Mentioned earlier above that concentrations of over 10% of glycolic acid are considered highly acidic and would extremely damage the skin. That is why all cosmetics products that use glycolic acid contain a concentration that is less than 10%.
Glycolic acid has multiple benefits. It is used to reduce the looks of wrinkles, eczema scarring, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. It is also a very excellent exfoliant and it can help reduce the look of many different skin conditions that may affect the skin. How it works is by chemically peeling the skin depending on the concentrations used in the specific product. It is very effective at being absorbed into the skin and this helpful as it will react with the top layer of the epidermis. Once the glycolic acid reaches the top layer it will weaken the lipids binding power; this responsible for holding the skin cells together. Once this happens the glycolic will be able to dissolve the underlying skin in the lower part of the epidermis. To neutralize the acid, a water rinse is used to wash it off.
If a patient takes the glycolic acid treatment then often times their skin will look like it is sunburned badly. Once the glycolic acid peel is done it will take a couple of days before the skin recovers. The look can be quite unsightly, but the results will have the individual looking fabulous. The skin will also be very sensitive to the sun and it is highly recommended that you use sunscreen after you exfoliate your skin with glycolic acid.
1 comment:
I'm an African American woman in my 30's and I bought 70% glycolic acid on eBay last week for $8. I used it on my face but diluted the acid first. 1 tsp acid and 1-1/2 tsps water. I wanted to take it easy on my face the first time around. First I washed my face with my regular cleanser (Ambi bar soap), then I soaked a cotton ball with alcohol and cleansed my face again. Then, I used a make-up/paint brush to apply the acid over my entire face. I let it sit for 3 minutes then rinsed with ice cold water and baking soda mixed. After I rinsed, I mixed all natural Vitamin E oil ($3 at Whole Foods Grocery Store) and Aloe Vera gel (also bought from Whole Foods) and applied it to my face and went to bed. The next morning I rinsed my face with water and WITCH HAZEL, then reapplied the vit E and aloe mix to my face.
I did not peel but my skin was definitely brighter the next day, almost like a bleaching effect. I looked in the mirror the next morning and was WOWed by the results!!! I'm definitely satisfied with my appearance but I wouldn't repeat the process as often as the bottle says because like I said it definitely brightened/lightened my face... A LOT... I'm not trying to turn white or light skinned, I LOVE my cocoa complexion, I just want to lighten my hyperpigmentation spots. Next time I’ll spot treat.
I ALSO USED 70% GLYCOLIC ACID ON MY LEGS AND KNEES to no avail.
I DID NOT dilute the acid, it tingled a little when applying but no immediate results. I'll try it again but so far--- the face absolute immediate results'---- for the legs and knees not so much....
Hope this helps someone out there... 70% glycolic acid on the body and legs ...NO RESULTS YET...
If anyone out there has remedies for hyperpigmentation on the inner thighs and knees please speak up!!! You never know whom you may be helping!!!
Peace and Blessings,
Bay Area LadyBug
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