People of all ages are constantly looking for quick, effective ways to obtain healthy, radiant skin, so they’re increasingly incorporating glycolic acid into their skincare routines. Alpha Hydroxy Acid can really help you improve the aging skin on your face and neck as well as that of your hands and the rest of your body.
Of course, this is a rather appealing claim, so it makes you wonder about the mode of action of glycolic acid. Continue reading to find out how it not only reduces the signs of sun damage but also boosts collagen and elastin production. As you can imagine, it smooths your fine lines and wrinkles and softens your skin overall.
Can a Glycolic Acid Peel Help You Fight Aging? Here Are the Facts.
One of the most noticeable signs of aging is the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The products that contain readily available glycolic acid are one of the best ways to minimize the wrinkles you already have and slow down future ones.
Glycolic acid is part of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family, widely promoted by skincare industry insiders and dermatologists alike. The reason everyone loves these substances is their ability to reduce signs of aging, acne, and other skin care problems. Glycolic acid is mainly composed of the smallest molecules of AHAs, so it can easily penetrate the skin and cells. It leads to fast, visible skin improvement.
As you can see, this substance is one of the most widely used in all kinds of anti-aging products and professional peels because it works beautifully. It’s best for first-time users to start with a glycolic acid-packed cream or lotion in their nighttime skincare routine and then move to an at-home glycolic acid peel. It’ll provide the fastest, most dramatic results when it comes to toning down wrinkles.
The way glycolic acid works is that it pretty much dissolves the dead, sun-damaged skin cells on your epidermis. Thus, it reveals a healthier layer, so it basically removes the effects of sun damage. You can continue to mitigate and even reverse said signs by continuing to use it long-term.
Glycolic Acids We Love
- Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads
- Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel with Chamomile and Green Tea Extracts
- Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel - Enhanced with Retinol & Green Tea Extract
by QRxLabs
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
by QRxLabs
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
by Perfect Image
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How Glycolic Acid Stimulates Collagen and Elastin
Glycolic acid does more than reverse sun damage and remove wrinkles, it also promotes the production of proteins collagen and elastin. The first is present in every organ and tissue of your body while the second, elastin, is mainly present in the connective tissue of your body. Its purpose is to help all tissues retain their shape.
These two proteins are quite effective together. They’re responsible for the smooth, firm, plump skin you used to have in your younger days, but their production begins to slow down around the age of thirty. Glycolic acid stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in your skin; in fact, studies reveal that skin treated with glycolic acid increased collagen. Not only that, the topical glycolic acid application can greatly increase skin thickness and thus, firmness.
Things to Look For in a Glycolic Acid Peel
Peels can address complexion concerns like age spots and other uneven skin problems as well as wrinkles, blemishes, and even scars. The glycolic acid peel procedure wasn’t perfect when it first came out, and some people remember it. After all, this substance can do a lot of damage to your skin if you use it incorrectly.
However, there are many over-the-counter options that are gentler but effective, and some of the latest formulas are a blend of exfoliating ingredients and acids — for the peeling part. It all comes together to reveal a flawless complexion.
Some of the best products out there are gentle enough for daily use and contain a long list of proven, effective ingredients. Also, they only require two steps. For instance, some come with two pads per treatment, one of which contains exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids while the second neutralizes the acids and delivers other ingredients. A good product must help you even tone, texture, wrinkles, and unclog pores.
Other good products are a blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin A, formulated to dissolve dead skin cells. These formulas also contain allantoin1 and vitamin E for hydration and are pH balanced, and thus, hypoallergenic. You’re to apply them overnight and rinse them in the morning. Don’t worry about residue on your pillows, your skin will absorb it as soon as you put it on.
The formulation in other products also contains glycolic and lactic acid for exfoliation and salicylic acid as an astringent. It’s intended to be used three times a week and you apply it and leave it on for no more than three minutes, depending on how fast it works on your skin.
In short, glycolic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic acid are the three most common ingredients in at-home chemical peels. The first is mild and ideal in the treatment of acne, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. The second is just what people with oily, acne-prone skin need. Lastly, the third ingredient is the most powerful when it comes to peels as it can penetrate deeper, making it quite effective when it comes to diminishing scars and evening skin tone.
In general, most at-home chemical peels are to be worn overnight and rinsed the following morning or applied to your face for as little as 30 seconds. Always read the instructions of any product you use for the first time and remember, do a patch test first.
These products are usually safe for all skin types, but proceed with caution. A glycolic acid peel might not be for you if you’ve taken oral acne medication within six months or have a history of keloids. This might also be a bad choice if if you’re pregnant or prone to cold sores. Thus, consider potential side effects when selecting an at-home chemical peel. These may include redness, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and skin discoloration. Be particularly careful about what you put on your face if you have sensitive skin.
How often you use a glycolic acid peel will depend on the type and intensity you use. Always read the instructions carefully and follow them to a T to prevent skin damage.
Possible Side Effects of a Glycolic Acid Peel
Glycolic acid is safe for the most part but there are possible side effects, as with all medications. The most common are itching, a burning sensation, swelling, skin irritation, and skin rash. Furthermore, don’t use it if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
There are no known drug interactions with glycolic acid but always consult your doctor before using it and if any of the above side effects persist. In addition, let them know if you have contact dermatitis, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases prior to using it.
Be aware that this substance could heighten your sensitivity to sunlight, so use sunscreen and wear protective clothing before you go outside. Also, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and never apply glycolic acid on irritated or sunburned skin. Be particularly mindful of where you apply it and skip areas like the neck.
Likewise, inform the medical professional about any prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking, including vitamins and other dietary supplements, before starting treatment with glycolic acid, and let them know if you’re pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Most Common Conditions You Can Treat with a Glycolic Acid Peel
Acne
This skin condition occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with either oil or dead skin cells. It leads to unsightly skin outbreaks like whiteheads, closed plugged pores; blackheads, open plugged pores; pimples; pustules or papules with pus at their tips; large, solid, painful lumps or nodules under the skin, and even painful pus-filled lumps under the skin — cystic lesions.
Acne vulgaris affects the face, especially the forehead and even the chest, upper back, and shoulders. It’s quite common during adolescence but affects people of all ages. As you can imagine, it often leads to much emotional and physical distress, as it greatly affects your appearance, not to mention the scars it leaves on the skin.
Thus, seek treatment as soon as you can to preserve your self-esteem. There are many effective treatments available, but keep in mind that you’re dealing with a persistent condition here. As you know, the pimples and bumps take a long time to go away and heal, and then, when they’re finally beginning to disappear, a new one pops out.
Glycolic Acids We Love
- Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads
- Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel with Chamomile and Green Tea Extracts
- Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel - Enhanced with Retinol & Green Tea Extract
by QRxLabs
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
by QRxLabs
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
by Perfect Image
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
This is a skin condition in which certain parts of the skin become darker than their surrounding areas. It’s usually due to an excess of the melanin hormone responsible for the brown pigment in normal skin. These patches can appear in any person regardless of their ethnicity.
One of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation are liver spots, also known as age spots; although, doctors refer to them as solar lentigines. This is because they’re actually the result of sun damage. They usually appear in your hands and face but also in other areas you may have over-exposed to the sun.
Melasma also consists of dark spots on the skin, also known as chloasma spots. These resemble the age spots mentioned above, but the darkened patches are larger and the result of hormonal changes. For example, pregnancy often triggers the overproduction of melanin — you may have heard of it as a "pregnancy mask." This is because it darkens parts of the face, abdomen, and other areas.
As we said above, melasma is caused by hormonal changes, so any woman who takes oral contraceptive pills may also develop hyperpigmentation. This is because this medication makes their bodies go through changes that are similar to those that happen during pregnancy.
Any changes in the color of your skin are usually caused by external factors. For example, pimples often leave a dark scar. Injury and surgical wounds also leave dark spots behind. Furthermore, freckles, usually an inherited trait, can appear anywhere on your body but mainly on your arms and face.
The most common cause of darkened patches of skin such as freckles, age spots, and melasma is sun exposure as melanin absorbs the energy of ultraviolet rays in order to protect itself from overexposure. This is basically your lovely summer tan going rogue on areas that are already hyperpigmented. So, you must add sunscreen to your beauty routine. Be sure to pick one within a broad spectrum as it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Let’s find out more about the role of sun exposure on aging.
What Causes Aging?
It’s easy to demonize sun exposure, but keep in mind that the time you spend enjoying it gives you a healthy glow and boosts your Vitamin D. The problem isn’t sun exposure but too much of it. This giant ball of fire can cause serious damage to your skin. In fact, scientists believe you can trace most premature aging signs to ultraviolet exposure.
This exposure often leaves you with a rough texture that leads to broken capillaries, brown spots, uneven tone, sagging, and wrinkles. People used to think there was nothing to do to repair sun-damaged skin and accepted it as an inevitable sign of aging. However, some studies revealed that glycolic acid can actually reverse some of those effects on your skin. Ok, but what’s the difference between UVA and UVB radiation? Let’s find out.
The Impact of UVA and UVB Rays on Your Skin
These are the two types of ultraviolet light that most increase the risk of skin cancer. The main difference between ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) is the first has a longer wavelength and is responsible for skin aging while the shorter wavelength of the second is responsible for your tanning or skin burning.
Furthermore, UVA rays have less energy but a longer wavelength than their UVB counterparts and can filter all the way into your dermis, the middle layer of your skin. UVA rays are hugely responsible for some types of skin cancers, as they comprise about 95% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth.
In turn, UVB rays have a little more energy than UVA rays but a shorter wavelength. Thus, these can only reach the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin. As we said above, they have a burning effect and thus, are also responsible for a particularly nasty form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma.
As you can see, UVA and UVB rays have different effects on your skin but these are equally bad. This kind of radiation also damages your eyes and weakens your immune system.
UVA Exposure
This kind of light is mainly responsible for premature skin aging because, as we said above, it can penetrate your skin on a deeper level. One of the most common signs of early aging caused by these rays are wrinkles. This is also known as photoaging.
We already mentioned that UVA rays are responsible for tanning and burning and thus, for many types of cancer. This is because getting darker is just how your body prevents sun damage and gets out of control if you overdo it. So, tanning is never a good idea; it isn’t healthy and could increase your risk of serious skin conditions.
Again, protect your skin from UVA Rays exposure by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and know that these can affect you through a window if you’re inside or outdoors in a cloudy day. Ultraviolet window films can block UVA rays from filtering into your home or car.
UVB Rays
These rays are to blame for the skin damage in the upper layer of your skin, like sunburns and tanning. Exposure to UVB rays can also cause blistering, a painful skin condition where fluid fills up space between different layers of skin.
You already read above that UVB rays exposure increases your risk of getting skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma in particular, but it’s also the cause of melanoma. So, be sure to take the necessary steps to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.
Benefits of Sun Exposure on Your Skin
The sun is wonderful, so don’t hate it — just soak in it in moderation. For instance, UVB rays help your skin produce vitamin D3, and this is good because you need it for to keep your muscles and bones in good shape.
Similarly, both UVB and UVA rays are the main elements of phototherapy, a type of light therapy used in Rickets, a condition that mainly affects children. It consists of weak soft bones caused by a vitamin D deficiency. Phototherapy also helps with psoriasis, eczema, and any other skin conditions that make your skin scaly, itchy, or red. It can also improve vitiligo, a condition in which certain areas of your skin lose pigment.
As you can see, many signs of aging are inevitable, but glycolic acid is a great addition to any skincare routine that seeks to be healthy, firm, and smooth at any age.
