Glycolic acid – everything you should know about it

Hello!

Glycolic acid is used both in beauty salons and for at-home treatments. You can buy cosmetics with the content of this substance in any drugstores or pharmacies. Where does the popularity of glycolic acid come from? Is it really so good? Read my text and see for yourself.

What exactly is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid belongs to the group of fruit acids.

It has the smallest particles of all AHA acids, which means it penetrates deep into the skin very quickly. Thus, it is very effective and provides good results. It is recommended for the care of mature, acne skin with discolourations. Its pH varies between 0.6 and 1.6.

How does glycolic acid work?

The effects of glycolic acid can be observed practically at the beginning of the treatment. If you regularly use cosmetics with the content of this substance, soon you will see the results. Glycolic acid:

• helps in the production of collagen and elastin,
• it firms the skin and reduces wrinkles,
• improves the condition of acne skin,
• brightens discolouration and unifies skin tone,
• helps in the fight against stretch marks and cellulite.

The concentration of glycolic acid 

Glycolic acid in concentrations up to 15% has a moisturizing effect, exfoliates the top layer of the epidermis, stimulates the production of collagen and regenerates the skin. For skin purification and peeling, the most recommended are 20% to 25% concentrations. Cosmetics with a glycolic acid content between 50% and 70% have the deepest effect. They regenerate the skin, fight wrinkles, exfoliate the skin and thicken the dermis.

What does the treatment with glycolic acid look like?

Two weeks before the procedure, you must not sunbathe, you cannot use the sun bed, epilate, exfoliate and use retinoid cosmetics. During the treatment, the beautician removes makeup and decreases and cleanses the face. She applies vaseline to sensitive places on the face. Then, glycolic acid is applied to the face. After approximately 5 minutes the substance is neutralized. At the end of the treatment, a mask or cream is applied. After applying glycolic acid, the skin may be irritated, therefore the products recommended by the beautician should be used regularly. The next day after the treatment, you should not apply any makeup, and for two weeks you cannot sunbathe.