Glycolic acid is a type of “alpha hydroxy acid”(AHA) are a family of acids that occur naturally in various fruits and foods. Glycolic acid, found in sugar cane, has received the most attention medically because of all the AHAs, it has the smallest molecule. This small molecular weight enables glycolic acid to penetrate more effectively and to ultimately bring about the most dramatic and beneficial changes of all the AHAs.
Among other things, glycolic acid loosens the “glue-like” attachments or cellular cement that is a characteristic of many skin conditions such as acne, photo-damage (environmental aging), and hyperpigmentation, acting as a resurfacing agent that can improve the appearance of the skin and has even proven to be a valuable tool in reducing the depth of acne scarring.
As physicians and researchers have developed a greater interest in glycolic acid, medical studies have revealed that glycolic acid may stimulate collagen formation, increase epidermal volume and even act as a powerful antioxidant and free radical inhibitor.
Glyolic Acid Treatments are effective for skin complaints such as acne, ageing skin, skin discolouration and skin with a coarse texture. Resurfacing and deeply cleansing the skin, this treatment leaves the skin texture dramatically smoother and softer, reducing the depth of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. Generally, we recommend two 40% treatments before administering the higher, 70% glycolic treatment.
Resurfacing Skin Peels Are the peels good for scarring?
For the client who wants to improve scarring, such as that caused by acne, the peels are very successful. However, it may take more than one peel for the optimum result and, therefore, a longer period of time is required for this treatment. It may be recommended that 2 to 3 peels are needed, spread over 6 to 18 months.
Will I be able to go out in the sun after a peel?
The peels do resurface the skin. It is always recommended that clients wear a sun protection cream afterwards, of at least sun protection factor 25. The skin is more susceptible to damage for 4 weeks after a peel, therefore, it is not advisable to expose the treated area to the sun during this period.
As we know that the sun causes so much ageing to the skin and damage, it is recommended to all clients that they wear sun protection permanently.
If the client is going on holiday to a hot climate it is recommended that the peel be done on their return and not beforehand.
Will the peel get rid of pigmentation marks?
A lot of uneven pigmentation marks are caused by sun damage, these can be greatly improved by peel treatment. However, this is not always the case and, with all peels, there is a small risk of pigmentation marks as a result of the peel.
Note that since very dark skins (such as Asian and black skins) are more prone to this damage and therefore are not recommended for the treatment.
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