Glycolic Acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that is being used in many different forms of skin care these days. It is a natural skin care product that is derived from sugar cane and is formulated in all different strengths to accommodate different skin types.

How do you know if you have the right skin type for using this product? Depending on how sensitive your skin is to other products will determine if you should use it or what strength you should be using. Everyone’s skin is different and with that being said, no 2 people are going to have the exact same reaction to products used. I would first of all recommend trying out the product on your own to determine if it is something that you can handle and like to use. Everyone is going to have their own experience and opinion on anything they try, so don’t let one individuals experience deter you from trying it out yourself. A person who has more resilient skin or “tough” skin should have no problems using the product and will most likely be able to handle a higher concentration. Most people who have more oily skin tend to be fine using it as well. If you are someone who has very sensitive skin and tend to get red or irritated from products you will most likely prefer something aside from glycolic or you may just want to use a lighter concentration of the product. Like I said earlier, there are many different products using glycolic acid in them. These products range from cleansers to serums and moisturizers, or chemical peels. The percentage of glycolic acid used in the products ranges anywhere from 2%-70%. Something with as little as 2% up to 10% is going to most likely be used in your at home cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. Professional peels are going to have more like 20%-70%. The higher the peel the more deep it will get. Certain peels containing a higher percentage are going to need to be performed by a Doctor or someone working under a Doctor.

So now you’re probably wondering, what does glycolic actually do for your skin? There are many benefits to the product that people love! Glycolic acid contains small molecules that are able to penetrate into the skin. Once it penetrates under the surface it loosens up the glue-like substance that holds the skin cells together and allows the skin to shed off the old dead cells. Once the skin has rid itself of the old cells it appears brighter and leaves your skin with a more, healthy glow.

Over time using a product with glycolic in it on a regular basis, you are going to notice your pores will appear smaller, you will have less acne and scarring, fine lines and wrinkles will smooth out, hyperpigmentation (sun damage)  will disappear, and the overall texture of your skin will improve! It is medically impossibly to shrink pores, but, pores do appear larger when your skin is not properly exfoliated leaving dead cells to build up and clog the pore. When this happens, the pore (follicle) opens up by trying to “breath” causing it to appear larger.  By using glycolic, it acts as an exfoliant, allowing your pores to go back down to their original size. Also, by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, other products in your skin care regimen are able to penetrate deeper under the surface, giving your skin the highest benefits.

Not many skin care products can penetrate deeper than the epidermis layer of the skin. Glycolic Acid happens to be one of few products that does go deeper and into the dermis layer. The dermis layer is where collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (your skins natural water-binding agent) are formed. Glycolic also acts as a water-binding agent, helping to plump the skin. This is what ultimately helps reduce and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Written By: Shannon Vail

October, 27 2012