Glycolic acid is a natural fruit acid in the AHA family (alpha hydroxy acid). It is a mild, naturally-occurring exfoliator that helps eliminate acne, fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and areas of dryness. Obtained from sugar cane juice, it is a skin rejuvenating agent that is among the most widely-used AHAs in topical herbal remedies, cosmetic skin care products and anti-aging treatments. Glycolic acid offers a number of health and cosmetic benefits.
Glycolic Acid can Help With Melasma
Glycolic acid has skin-lightening properties that are beneficial in the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmetnation disorders. Melasma is a skin condition that manifests itself in the form of a patchy brown, blue-gray or tan skin discoloration on the face, particularly on the forehead, upper cheeks, chin, or upper lip. This condition mostly affects women between the ages of 20 and 50, especially those who are pregnant. What causes melasma is still not clear, although it is associated with the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Another possible cause is over-exposure to the sun.
Glycolic Acid for Skin Care
Applied topically, glycolic acid is a natural exfoliant that helps slough away dead surface skin cells to reveal healthy, younger skin. This is especially beneficial in the treatment of acne and prevention of blackheads. Given its small molecule size, glycolic acid can easily penetrate the skin, where it helps to loosen the bonds between skin cells in the epidermis, and easing the shedding of dead skin cells. It also unclogs the pores and helps improve the appearance of acne scars.
Glycolic Acid for Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin disorder that can be treated with glycolic acid, thanks to its natural, moisturizing properties. This condition results when keratin, a naturally occurring protein in the skin, forms hard plugs in the hair follicles. It primarily affects people with very dry skin, particularly on the outer areas of their upper arms and thighs.
Wrinkles and Glycolic Acid
When the skin droops, wrinkles develop. This results from a number of different factors, including the natural process of aging, sun damage, injury, acne, and surgery. The combination of the exfoliation and moisturizing properties of glycolic acid helps to counter the development of wrinkles. It also stimulates the secretion of collagen and elastin, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, which makes the skin more supple and less susceptible to wrinkles. Glycolic acid offers a natural, less invasive alternative to plastic surgery and pharmaceutical formulations.
References:
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melasma Overview
- MedicineNet.com: Melasma
- Natural acne treatment: What`s most effective?
- MedlinePlus: Keratosis pilaris
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Keratosis pilaris on the cheek
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes Treatment
