Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

Glycolic acid (HOCH2COOH) is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family of carboxylic acids. Glycolic acid is isolated from sugarcane and its unique properties make it ideal for a broad range of consumer and industrial applications. One of glycolic acid's applications is in personal care products for skin - particularly as a chemical peel to improve the skin's appearance from wrinkles, sun-related damage, uneven pigmentation, and acne.

The chemical process that glycolic acid undergoes to produce skin care products is very interesting. For the production of such products, glycolic acid is mixed with alcohols, to undergo a chemical reaction to make esters. Esters are compounds characterized by their 'fruity' aroma. The glycolic esters used in skin care products have the properties of reducing irritation.

Glycolic Acid is generally regarded to be the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA) in skin care. Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the outer layer of skin (epidermal) cells, weakening the binding properties of the lipids (the 'glue') that hold the dead cells together. This is the mechanism that allows the damaged outer skin layer to "peel" off to reveal the underlying new skin cells, thus giving your skin an even, untarnished texture. In addition, glycolic acid can penetrate into the new skin cell's membrane, stimulating them to generate collagen and elastic fibers that improves and strengthens the skin's condition.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid are the mildest of the chemical peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover the harsher phenol or TCA peels. Candidates for glycolic acid peels include individuals with:

• Superficial wrinkles of the face, neck, upper chest, arms, etc.
• Uneven pigmentation problems
• Enlarged facial pores
• Superficial acne scars of the face
• Age (liver) spots
• Areas of dryness

After treatment, the skin may be a transient pink discoloration that quickly returns to the normal color. On some occasions, there will be some minor flaking in a few localized areas, which are seen for a couple of days. Normally, the skin does not severely peel as compared to more invasive chemical peels (i.e. phenol).

Consultation with a doctor or dermatologist is required to determine the optimal concentration of glycolic acid to be used, as well as application regiment. Concentration can range from 20 to 70% glycolic acid, and treatment may last weekly for as long as 6 weeks.