Glycolic acid joins the category of acids that have high concentrations of products that help maintain younger skin.
Firstly, glycolic acid is a multifunctional product that prevents the main signs of aging. Such as wrinkles, expression lines, blemishes and loss of shine on the skin. Additionally, it controls excess oil and acne on the skin.
It is an alpha-hydroxy acid, which is obtained from sugar cane and other sweet vegetables. That is, it gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells. In addition to stimulating collagen, reducing fine wrinkles, controlling oil and brightening the skin. This prevents and corrects signs of aging, providing luminosity and freshness to the skin.
It is from the same family as lactic acids, that is, it is known for facilitating the penetration of substances into the skin. It also has free radicals, helping in the formation of collagen. By analogy, it is a more aggressive exfoliant, suitable for more resistant and lighter skin. It is also known as hydroxyacetic acid.
Function on the skin and indications of glycolic acid
Glycolic acid has the function of promoting peeling, thus renewing the skin. It reduces skin thickness, improving blemishes and scars, as well as closing pores and improving acne. It can be applied to both the face and body. It is less irritating than retinoic acid.
In short, it also increases the absorption of other active ingredients associated with the composition. In rosacea, due to the collagen-stimulating action and secondary dermal thickening, it enables vasocompression, which improves redness.
It can be used on any part of the body, not just the face, just paying attention to the most sensitive areas and using lower concentrations.
Benefits
It minimizes wrinkles and expression lines; promotes luminosity; lightens skin blemishes; controls oil and removes acne and pimple lesions.
It accelerates cell renewal, thus helping to treat signs of premature aging and promotes skin rejuvenation. In addition to improving texture. It brings more radiance and softness and silky texture to the skin.
How to use
It is found in concentrations of 2% to 10%, as long as it is prepared in formulations manipulated in different concentrations. When used in peelings, it must have a higher pH and must be used by professionals. It is recommended that it have a minimum pH value of 3.5 and a maximum concentration of 10%. The use of creams must be carried out under medical supervision.
It can be used during the day and in the summer, as it is not photosensitizing. At home, as a result, leave it to act for two or three hours.
Peels
In summary, peels should act on the skin within 15 to 20 minutes in a doctor’s office. Each session lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. The number of sessions required will depend on the focus of the treatment. After that, maintenance is done with the cream at home.
Tips
Although it is a tolerable acid, it must be applied with caution, especially in the case of sensitive skin, which can end up causing redness and burning. Consult your dermatologist before including it in your care routine.
With the effect of improving the quality of the epidermis and collagen. It is a great ally in the treatment against wrinkles.
Including glycolic acid in your skin care routine
Once you consult a dermatologist and know the best concentration of the acid, it can be used alone or with other active ingredients in the same formula, enhancing its action.
In the morning, wash your face with a bar soap or specific cleansing gel, apply an antioxidant serum, as they are quickly absorbed and contribute to the skin’s antioxidant protection. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen and contributes to skin lightening.
With a dry face, apply glycolic acid, prioritizing blemished areas, acne and wrinkles. Then apply sunscreen with a factor greater than 50. It protects against sun damage by reducing skin sensitivity.
At night, wash your face normally, remove excess residue with an anti-greasy solution and apply the acid immediately afterwards.
Care
This acid cannot be used without a doctor’s prescription. Although, before carrying out the peeling, the skin must be clean and free of fat. The same for creams, which should be used after washing your face, but with it dry, it absorbs the product better.
Therefore, do not shave two days before using it, do not exfoliate it or do any more aggressive procedures. After use, it is ideal not to expose yourself to the sun without adequate protection, otherwise it could even worsen your condition.
Contraindications
It should not be used on inflamed, eczematous or sunburned skin. Those who have active skin infections, such as herpes or infections caused by bacteria, in addition to having sensitive skin, are also contraindicated. If you are exposed to the sun regularly, as a sports person, or if you travel a lot or work outdoors, it is also not recommended.
People with dark skin should be careful, as they can cause a rebound effect of hyperpigmentation, staining the skin. Pregnant women cannot use it either.
Before and after
Finally, the results are variable and depend on the concentration of acid applied, the length of stay and the characteristics of each person’s skin. Generally, results are noticed after the second month of use. When done in the form of a peel, the results begin to appear within weeks. Principles and procedures can be associated with treatment, enhancing results.
And then? Did you like the article? Also check out: Salicylic acid – What it is, how to use it and contraindications
Sources: Dermaclub, Minha vida, ADCOS Store
Featured image: AC Farma
