When searching for the best skin care products, search for ones containing glycolic acid. This ingredient is lauded by the skin care industry for its amazing ability to exfoliate, penetrate skin cells, stimulate collagen production and diminish the signs of aging.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a staple in high end skin care products, and a comon ingredient in professional chemical peels performed at skin spas in NYC and elsewhere. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar and is one of the 5 main acids known as AHA’s or Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Why is Glycolic Acid Used in Chemical Peels?
While using the word acid when it comes to chemical solutions you apply to your face, may sound worrisome, Glycolic acid is actually a gentle exfoliator. It works to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells by dissolving the “glue” such as sebum (the oil your skin produces) that binds skin cells together. Once the dead skin cells have been broken up they are easily brushed away, revealing healthier, smoother, more radiant skin lying below.
Many of the Best Skin Care Products Have Glycolic Acid. Here’s Why:
One advantage glycolic acid has over other chemical peel ingredients, is its small size. Of all the AHA’s, glycolic acid is the smallest molecule, allowing it to fit into microscopic spaces other skin care ingredients are too large to fit into. This makes glycolic acid especially effective at treating wrinkles and fine lines.
As Allue magazine summarizes “Because glycolic is the smallest of all the acids, it yields the most dramatic results. “There’s a reason glycolic is the acid used the most in anti-aging products and doctor’s-office peels…It does the job.” Almost as well as a prescription retinoid,”says Neal Schultz, a clinical professor of dermatology in New York City.
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Glycolic Acid Great for Anti Aging Skin Care
Glycolic acid doesn’t stop helping once it has broken up dead skin cells and aided in their exfoliation. Glycolic acid is so small the molecule can penetrate the cell wall. Once inside the skin cell, it goes to work triggering the production of collagen and synthesizes dermal Glycosaminoglycan, more comonly known as GAGs. Gags are a part of the skin tissue matrix, along with collagen and elastin. Though Gags are less known compared to collagen and elastin, they are very important for maintain skin health and appearance. They support the protein fibers that make up collagen and elastin. Gags also retain moisture, which supports skin turgidity (bounce.)
Skin Care Products with Glycolic Acid
Many high end skin care products contain glycolic acid. For men and women who want an effective skin care treatment that focuses on exfoliating dead, dull skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving acne, many skin care professional suggest a glycolic acid product, such as Chemical peel in a bottle.
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Chemical Peel in a Bottle
Chemical peel in a bottle is from NYC’s premiere skin spa, SKINNEY Medspa’s skincare product line. It is infused with 5% Glycolic acid, along with 2% Salicylic acid (another great anti-aging acid) for ultimate exfoliation. Chemical Peel in a bottle helps acne, gently exfoliates, and can aid in cellular turnover, all leading to a more radiant, healthier, younger looking appearance.
