Glycolic Acid in Cosmetics: What is it used for?

Glycolic Acid is already an "old acquaintance" in facial and body care cosmetics. It is one of the most studied acids today, which is why it is so often found in both cosmetic treatment and medical cosmetics. Chemically, it is a very small molecule, which means that it penetrates very easily into the skin, reaching the deepest layers, producing intense, long-lasting and visible effects. It is of natural origin and is derived from sugar cane. It belongs to the family of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's), together with other acids such as malic and lactic acid.

Characteristics of glycolic acid

It is a hygroscopic substance, which is colorless, water soluble, with a great capacity, like other known hygroscopic substances, to retain water inside and improve the hydration of the skin in a very noticeable way, a factor that cannot be missing when it comes to prevent the physiological, normal and natural aging of your skin. Our motto is "Prevent" and glycolic acid is your best ally!

Medical use of glycolic acid

This acid is widely used by dermatologists, surgeons and esthetic doctors, who apply it in high concentrations and very low PH, this acidity is what makes it so effective in pathologies such as photo aging, wrinkles, acne, melasma, scars, etc.

Wrinkle Treatment

Glycolic acid is a chemical peel therefore it fulfills the great function of refining the layers of the skin, and depending on its characteristics, it acts at a very superficial level, where the dead skin cells are (called the horny layer) or at a deeper level, where it acts directly on the dermal-epidermal junction or dermis. To learn more >> What is a Peeling and how it is performed

Treatment of skin blemishes

It is also one of the most used alpha-hydroxy acids for dark spots, of melanic origin, the most common ones are in the following areas pregnant womenin skin highly exposed to the sunin skins with a certain predisposition to stain or in women who take an contraceptivesalthough there are many triggers for spots of this type. Glycolic acid, because of its great power exfoliating is able to diminish this type of lesion that bothers us so much and is difficult to treat. But if you have a treatment of this type, it is essential to use high photoprotectionalways think at least SPF 50. And, as we always say, even if you don't use glycolic acid, don't forget your sunscreen! It's a healthy way to stop sun damage to your skin. Learn more >> How to remove facial blemishes?

Acne Treatment

Undoubtedly in acne, the results are very positive because by "polishing" the epidermis, it refines it and reduces the appearance of hyperkeratosis in the sebaceous hair follicle, what we call "acne blemishes". pimples, blackheads. This improves the mechanism of keratinization and cell death. To learn more >> All about Acne and Acne Prone Skin Care

Acne Scars

The results in this type of lesion are also positive, but it must be taken into account that in these scars there is some dermal atrophy, lack of deep tissue, so it is very difficult to treat them since it would be necessary to reach the deepest area of the skin, the papillary dermis. The risks in these treatments are greater and often do not offer good results, especially in skins with a lot of melanic reactivity and that may have a tendency to scar keloid type.

Skin Hydration

As we told you, glycolic acid is hygroscopic, it has the ability to capture water molecules, which is one of the qualities that a substance with a high water content must have. high moisturizing powerIt is also indicated for moisturizing treatments. To learn more >> How to moisturize the skin?

Glycolic Acid in Aesthetics

In cosmetology it is one of the most widely used treatments, since it provides good results and are less "aggressive". than those performed by doctors. Of course, you have to be sure that your beautician cosmetologist is responsible and knows how to work with this type of acids. For a deeper treatment it is better to go to a specialized doctor, always bearing in mind that they are more irritating and aggressive treatments.

When is glycolic acid applied at home?

First of all, it is important to keep in mind that this type of acid can be used in the following ways only in autumn and winterthat is when you are not exposed to solar radiation. We do not recommend its use in spring and even less in summer. Another aspect to take into account is to apply it always before sleepingabout one hour, so that it acts before going to bed.

How do I use it at home?

First cleanse your face with your usual cosmetic, removing make-up very well, then apply the tonic and finally the cosmetic with Glycolic Acid. To complement the treatment, you could also apply during the day (always before the sunscreen) another cosmetic with Vitamin C (powerful antioxidant and anti free radicals), Hyaluronic Acid, Kojic Acid (in case you have a tendency to blemishes). Remember that glycolic acid slightly refines your skin so that all the active ingredients you apply later will penetrate much better. Take advantage of this winter to change the state of your skin. With a simple daily routine you will immediately notice the results thanks to Glycolic Acid. Tell us which product you use with glycolic acid in the comments!