Glycolic Acid Peel

Glycolic acid is a type of fruit acid that falls into the category of alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs. This fruit acid can be naturally derived from sugarcane and it is soluble in water. Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid, which can penetrate the skin easily to promote skin exfoliation and regeneration. This is the reason why, this fruit acid is used in many skin care products, especially in chemical peel. A number of other glycolic acid products like, cleanser, body lotion and face creams can also be found in the market. Not many people know that glycolic acid has several industrial applications. In higher concentration, this acid can be used for degreasing and rust removal. But, glycolic acid is more commonly known for its cosmetic uses rather than its industrial applications.

Glycolic Acid Products

Glycolic acid is a type of chemical peel that is primarily used to remove the dead skin cells to make the skin smoother and younger looking. Glycolic acid chemical peels can come in the concentration of 20 to 70%. The home kits of glycolic acid peel usually contain a low concentration of this fruit acid. Such kits usually contain glycolic acid in the concentration of 10 to 20%. Glycolic acid chemical peels can easily penetrate the upper layer of skin and weaken the glue or the lipids that hold the dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. This is how glycolic acid helps to remove the dead skin cells to reveal radiant and younger looking skin.

Glycolic Acid Benefits

These products are found to be quite beneficial for a number of skin conditions including, hyperpigmentation or uneven pigmentation of the skin, facial blemishes, sun damage, sun spots, age spots, hyperkeratosis, seborrheic keratosis, wrinkles, fine lines and scarring. One can use it for acne scars as well. All these benefits can be attributed to its exfoliating properties, for which it can ensure rapid shedding of the exterior of the skin to reveal the new, fresh and glowing skin underneath. Apart from this, this fruit acid can stimulate skin regeneration by increasing the production of collagen. Due to its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and skin exfoliation, glycolic acid can do wonders for stretch marks. It is more effective for stretch marks, if the stretch marks are new, i.e. they are still red or purple in color.

Side Effects of Glycolic Acid

This type of chemical peel can usually produce an uncomfortable sensation on the skin. A tingling or light burning sensation is the most common side effect that can be experienced once the glycolic acid solution is applied on the skin. One can also experience a few other side effects like, mild skin irritation, swelling, skin redness and itching following this procedure. Soon after, skin peeling and chapping can take place. After doing a chemical peel, the skin can become sensitive to sunlight. So, application of sunscreen after a chemical peel is recommended by skin experts.

To sum up, it is an effective chemical peel which can improve the texture of the skin without causing any serious side effects. Glycolic acid chemical peels along with the chemical peels containing other alpha hydroxy acids are usually known as superficial or light chemical peel. Light chemical peels cost less than the medium and deep chemical peels. The cost of light chemical peels usually fall in the range of $150 to $300. However, before considering to do a chemical peel, it is advisable to talk to a dermatologist and evaluate its various side effects, as well as the condition of your skin to find out whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.