March 20, 2024

Glycolic acid in aesthetics, use, benefit and risk

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), an active ingredient of natural origin that has great regenerating power. It is a powerful anti-aging agent that acts deep in the skin, achieving a peeling effect, helping to eliminate the layer of dead skin cells. Besides, It helps accelerate the skin's cell renewal cycle and stimulate collagen formation.
Skin renewal

Due to its low molecular weight, it has a high penetration power into the skin , which allows its mechanism of action to act in its layers, thus increasing the luminosity, hydration and uniform tone of the face. Glycolic acid has become a favorite , when the skin absorbs it, the cellular junctions of the cells are broken, which generates a peeling process that accelerates the cell renewal of the skin and generates more intense, long-lasting and visible.

What is glycolic acid used for?

Exfoliating action: It drags away dead cells, thus revealing the youngest and most vital cells, giving rise to completely regenerated, soft and smooth skin.

Nevertheless, The action of glycolic acid is so strong that you should never forget to apply high SPF sun protection after using it , since the skin is very exposed to the damaging effects of the sun.

Anti-wrinkle: It helps the generation of collagen in the skin, which allows it to regain firmness and prevent the appearance of annoying wrinkles. If they have already appeared, this active ingredient “fills” them and attenuates them, providing a younger appearance.
Moisturizing power: This AHA can access the youngest skin cells due to its molecular size and thus have the result of hydrated skin, thanks to its ability to retain water.
Anti-spots and anti-acne: Its bactericidal power prevents the microorganisms responsible for acne problems and other imperfections from entering the scene. The peeling and regenerating effect that we talked about before also helps keep the skin free of blemishes, scars or stretch marks.

It must be taken into account that The days after the Peeling it is recommended to use a lot of moisturizing cream and facial masks, since the skin will be red and peel. Additionally, it is very important not to expose yourself to the sun or UVA rays so that spots do not form and the positive effects of the treatment are not altered.
post peel recovery

Risks of using glycolic acid

Although allergic reactions are very rare, The use of glycolic acid can sometimes cause minor irritations if you do not know how to use the product. For this reason, we recommend that its use be for professional use only.

Normally, when used for the first time, Glycolic acid can cause a slight stinging or burning sensation , which lasts only a short time. However, sometimes the following side effects may appear:

Redness
Burning
Light sensitivity
Burning sensation on the skin
Injuries that can cause hypertrophic scars
Darkening
Changes in skin color
Scabs and scales
Infection in people who have a history of herpes outbreaks

To avoid these unwanted effects, It is recommended that any treatment with glycolic acid be indicated by a dermatologist , because it is important that the skin type be evaluated and the mode of use indicated depending on the benefit sought.
peeling