What is Glycolic Acid?
By Cara Skin Care staff writers.
Glycolic acid is a natural ingredient derived from sugarcane and the most Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA) it is an exfoliator that safely removes the outer layer of skin cells form the surface of the skin, therefore allowing fresh new skin to surface more readily. Glycolic acid is great for anti-aging, to lighten sun spots and discoloration of the skin, adds moisture, and helps acne prone skin.
Citric acid from oranges and other citrus fruits also fall under the same classification as glycolic acid. It is made up of small organic molecules that are capable of penetrating deeply into the skin to provide many skin care benefits.
How does it work?
When glycolic acid is used on the skin as an exfoliating cream or gel, it goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the ‘glue’ which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is chemically removed, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the remaining organic acid. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is the product’s ability to draw moisturizers into the newly-exfoliated skin surface. Cara Skin Care provides a full line of products containing Glycolic Acid as well as dynamic serums and result driven moisturizers and neutralizers for a complete line of skin care products. The Cara Skin Care products that contain Glycolic Acid are:
- Glyco-10 Exfoliating Cleanser
- Glyco-15 Corrective Serum
- In the professional line Cara provides a Glycolactic Peel 70RX
Glycolic Acid in Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a well-trained Esthetician or Dermatologist thoroughly cleanses and prepares the skin, and then applies a chemical solution of Glycolic Acid. Chemical peels are done to improve the skin’s appearance on the face, neck or hands. In effect, it causes dead skin layers to peel off so new skin appears on the surface. Individuals looking to reduce fine lines around the eyes and mouth, treat wrinkles, reduce age spots or dark patches, or remove acne may benefit from this procedure.
Cara Skin Care recommends that you consult with your Esthetician or Dermatolgist before having a chemical peel as there are many considerations. Assessments would be made to determine the correct procedure and solutions for your particular skin concerns. A pretreatment plan will be customized specifically for you. The actual treatment will give you your desired results.