GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid is part of cosmetics with an exfoliating action,

and a leading role has been carved out among these

in the treatment of dark spots on the skin, surface wrinkles and acne.  

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What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) belongs to the family of alpha-hydroxy acids,

also commonly called "fruit acids", among which, as regards the

chemical structure is molecularly "smaller".                                  

Glycolic acid is known for its properties  exfoliants and lighteners

widely used in the field for years  cosmetic and dermatological.

 
Applications

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Application as DEPIGMENTANT: glycolic acid is used for the production of lightening creams, aimed at use against skin blemishes, especially on the face.

Application as an EXFOLIATOR: together with the other "fruit acids" (malic acid, citric acid, mandelic and tartaric acid), glycolic acid is used in the production of cosmetics / drugs  with exfoliating activity, such as peeling and chemical scrubs both in the aesthetic field and in the medical field. Why is it so widely used in cosmetics and dermatological pharmacology? Glycolic acid, thanks to its simple chemical structure and low molecular weight, can be easily absorbed through the stratum corneum.
 

How does it work?

How does  glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin? Acting directly on the desmosomes, reducing the  bonds and the cohesion forces that keep the corneocytes together, present in the superficial layer of the epidermis, accelerating the processes of cell turnover.

We can say that the direct exfoliating action can be combined, in parallel, with an indirect action, which glycolic acid carries out. Having determined a cell turnover causes an increase in the activity of fibroblasts, which in turn activate production processes of elastin, new collagen and new glycosaminoglycans.

Uses

Glycolic acid creams are widely used both in the medical-aesthetic field, both in the dermatological field and in the professional aesthetic field. What changes between a cream for medical use and a cream for aesthetic / home use?

The concentration of the active in the preparation, i.e. how much glycolic acid is present in that cream.

A cream for medical use will have a much higher concentration of glycolic acid than that which can be used at home or by the beautician.

Glycolic acid by the beautician falls into those fields of application that concern:

• Acne;

• Keratosis / hyperkeratosis;

• Acne scarring outcomes;

• Rings under the eyes;

• Oily skin (glycolic acid normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands, decreasing the production of sebum);

• Prevent the appearance  skin spots due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays;

• Prevent the appearance of spots linked to chrono-aging;

• Dry skin

Glycolic acid, in the medical field, is instead used for the following problems:

• Seborrheic dermatitis;

• Psoriasis;

• Chloasma, melasma and freckles;

• Skin aging;

• Senile lentigo;

• Withered skin

• Superficial wrinkles;

• Stretch marks.

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How to use

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How do you use a glycolic acid cosmetic? applying it directly on washed skin, cleansed with detergents that respect the natural PH of the skin, massaging it to increase its absorption.

The indications, the timing of use and the methods may vary, but in general a glycolic acid cream is used once a day, preferably in the evening, so that during the day a cosmetic with a protection factor is used. Once the result is achieved, the glycolic acid cosmetic can be "stopped", to focus on another cosmetic capable of preserving the result. Always follow the recommended doses, as an overdose, even in the cosmetic field, can lead to microabrasions, or excessive thinning of the skin. 
We recommend avoiding sun exposure for 24-48 hours after professional treatment with glycolic acid lightening creams.

Results

A constant and regular use of glycolic acid cream gives hydration and softness to the skin, which appears smooth, smooth, with a homogeneous and extremely luminous complexion.
In fact, creams with glycolic acid - thanks to their ability to remove dead cells from the skin surface while at the same time promoting cell renewal - give the skin a brighter, more uniform and renewed appearance, since the skin is smoothed and hydrated at the same time. weather.
However, noticeable improvements are visible only after 10-15 days of starting treatment with the glycolic acid cream.

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