Glycolic Acid peel Explained

glycolic acid chemical peel

Finding the right treatment for acne problems is what many people have to deal with. It is quite difficult to determine which treatments are most appropriate for your face.  For that, I will discuss about the treatment of peeling, one of them is Glycolic Acid peel.

Is Glycolic Acid Peels safe for you?

In order to see how do glycolic acid peels work  in resulting a better skin,  we have to know first about the specific parts of the skin and the process involved.  According to some experts glycolic acid peels have been used around Asia for hundreds of years ago.

Basically, A chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that use chemical substances in certain concentrations to stimulate the exfoliation process of skin layer. Exfoliation is the removal of old dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost layer. Naturally our skin cells will age and gradually die and be replaced by new cells beneath. However, due to the effects of aging and the effects of free radicals makes the skin dry and become irregular.

Glycolic acid is one type of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Another type of AHA is Citric acid. Glycolic acid derived from sugarcane and is therefore considered safe. Different concentrations of glycolic acid will have different uses.

With the concentration of 70%,  glycolic acid  can remove rust and oil. Whereas if used with a concentration of 10% or more is considered dangerous and it has been regulated by government regulations.

Over The Counter (OTC) of glycolic acid usually contain a concentration around 5 – 8%. Glycolic Acid is used as an exfoliating agent because of high acidity and solubility in water. Glycolic acid is available in the form of a cream or solution to be applied on skin. After being applied over the skin they create a chemical reaction which follows by  the removal of the upper skin layer which has been damaged by acnes, scars or wrinkles. Then the inner layer takes place which is fresh and free of any kind of damages. Through this process in the shortest period of time you will notice a significant change in your skin surface

The other components of the skin peel product combines dead skin removal and water to rinse the debris as well as neutralize acid remains on the skin. The skin is washed, the newer and younger skin is exposed but to this step the face is still red, tender and easily inflamed.

For this reason, after glycolic acid peels, patients are warned not to expose to sunlight as it has no protection yet and could easily be sunburned. It may leave the skin too sensitive requiring several days of recovery.