Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It belongs to the family of fruit acids like citric acid. Glycolic acid is used widely for different purposes. The acid is best known in industries for strong dust removal and degreasing properties. Pure glycolic acid is extremely hazardous for skin. Besides its industrial use, it has become a key ingredient of skin care products and anti acne creams and lotions. Just like it is used for degreasing the oils in machines, it removes skin oils on your skin. Acne breakouts occur due to overproduction of sebum (skin oil) that clog hair follicles. It is used for skin exfoliation and unclog blocked skin pores. Safety and effectiveness of glycolic acid for acne treatment has long been a debating topic. It is said that 10% of glycolic acid in cosmetic products is safe, but on the other hand, 10% concentration makes it ineffective. If you use more concentrated product containing higher amounts like 20% to 50%, it increases the risk of skin damage and other side effects. I wonder, why people use it for treating acne breakouts? It is not a right decision to use extremely hazardous substance that burns your skin – just for getting rid of acne.
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid
Being aware of the side effects, some people do tend to use glycolic creams because they want to see their skin smoother and give it a youthful appearance. It exfoliates dead skin layer that makes your skin rough and blocks skin pores. It rapidly absorbs in the skin and removes sloughed off skin cells and sebum. As a result, hair follicles get unclogged. It is advised to use suitable non-comedogenic moisturizers on the newly exfoliated skin to prevent from its damaging effects. You can also use topical skin care supplements after its use to catch up with the lost essential nutrients.
Use of glycolic acid leaves the skin sensitive to sun. In most cases, it becomes inevitable to use sunscreen or avoid direct exposure to sun. Without wearing sunscreen, exposure to sun can create hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation are dark spots on the skin developed due to overproduction of excessive melanin, a color pigment. Glycolic acid is used in the chemical peel or chemexfoliation. It involves a smooth scrubbing of skin with glycolic acid to remove dead skin layer. In chemexfoliation, usually 70% glycolic acid concentrated gels are used.
Glycolic acid may produce a cascade of free radical that may result in skin inflammation and may lead to premature aging. Avoid using such acids unless until your dermatologist prescribe. Do discuss your dermatologist on the side effects and your skin sensitivity. Stay away all cosmetics contains glycolic acid or similar AHA chemicals. Use herbal acne remedies that are safe, effective and offer permanent cure.
Herbal Acne Cure – the Safer Way...
Treating acne with natural acne remedies is the best way. It is safe and effective. Although herbal acne remedies take time to heal the skin they certainly do positive changes unlike prescription medications and harsh chemicals which have adverse effects on the skin. Using alpha hydroxy acid for treating acne is similar to burning your skin with acid. It leaves your skin extremely red and irritated as it exfoliates dead skin layer. You can obtain similar results just by using gentle exfoliators and acne cleansers.
The Community
Acne Treatment Canada
