Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) what is it?
Glycolic Acid Peel is used to improve the appearance of Skin imperfections such as fine Lines and Wrinkles, Pigmentation Irregularities and blemished Skin in conjunction with a daily regimen of your own Skin Care Products. It can also be used periodically as a refreshing Acid wash to exfoliate, retexturize and revitalize the Skin.
You'd pay $80 - $150 and up (depending on Geographic Location) for just ONE Chemical Peel just like this in a Salon or a Spa...Just think of the Price you would have to pay in a Doctors/Plastic Surgeons Office. Now you can save Money, have a Facial Peel at your convenience, in your own Home, for a mere fraction of the cost of a single Peel!
Because this Product is buffered, your need for a Preparation Solution is eliminated. Just remember to start your Peel with a well-cleansed, well-rinsed, and well-dried face, and use your favorite Moisturizer following the Peel.
Glycolic Acid is derived from Fruit and is the most famous Alpha Hydroxy Acid because it offers particularly favorable Cosmetic results when used in the context of a complete and carefully planned Skin care regimen. Glycolic Acid has been reported to improve dry, thickened, Sun-damaged and Problem-prone Skin. Read the complete Article below.
The Benefits of Glycolic Acid Products(April 2000) Alpha Hydroxy Acids are Organic Acids that have become popular in Cosmetic Preparations because of their beneficial effects on the appearance of Skin. Glycolic Acid is derived from Fruit and is the most famous alpha hydroxy acid because it offers particularly favorable Cosmetic results when used in the context of a complete and carefully planned Skin Care Regimen. Glycolic acid has been reported to improve dry, thickened, Sun-damaged and problem-prone Skin.
Although the beneficial effects of Glycolic Acid Treatment are well known and undisputed, the details of how Glycolic Acid improves the Skin�s appearance is still the subject of research and speculation. Glycolic Acid is thought to work through a combination of reducing inflammation, promoting earlier removal of dry Skin Scales and optimizing moisturization. These three factors promote a more normal looking healthy Epidermis.
Studies have shown that Glycolic Acid Products cause measurable improvement in the appearance of fine Lines and Wrinkles. In one Study, fine Lines were improved one-third after three weeks as measured by Computer Analysis. Improvement in Photodamage with Glycolic Acid is widely believed to occur and is often discussed in Professional Publications. Data documenting improvement in Photodamage with Glycolic Acid use, however, is limited.
Glycolic Acid is also helpful in the treatment of Problem-prone or Acne-prone Skin when used in the context of a Product that also contains Salicylic Acid. In fact, a recent study suggests that a Glycolic/Salicylic Acid Combination Product may be more beneficial in Acne Treatment than 10% Benzoyl Peroxide.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are among the most effective Skin moisturizing agents available. Glycolic Acid has been documented to produce a 300% increase in the moisture content of Skin after twice daily application for three weeks.(This is using Skin Care Products containing Glycolic Acid).
Glycolic Acid may also help lighten the Skin when used in conjunction with Skin Bleaching Agents such as Hydroquinone. It is thought that the Glycolic Acid works in concert with Hydroquinone to lighten the Skin more than either agent could if used separately.
Glycolic Acid Products, being Acid based, are neutralized at higher pH�s and irritating at lower pH�s. Manufacturers of these Products consider this phenomenon when formulating the Products in order to maximize efficacy and minimize irritancy.
Nevertheless, because of Glycolic Acid Products� tendency to irritate the Skin when too strong and not work well when too weak, Glycolic Acid Treatment regimens often work best when applied under the guidance of a Dermatologist.
For many People using Glycolic Acid Products, the Skin adapts to Treatment over time. This allows for the potency of Treatment to be slowly increased in order to provide optimal results as Treatment Progresses.
Glycolic Acid Products have become popular because they actually do noticeably improve the appearance of Skin in many People that use them. As such, they join a Family of Skin Rejuvenation Products including those containing Vitamin C, Vitamin A and its Derivatives, and others such as those containing Furfuryladenine.
The Success achieved when using these Skin Rejuvenation Products may be enhanced by seeking Professional Advice or Suggestions. These Products are best incorporated into a Complete Skin Care Regimen including proper Diet, Tobacco avoidance and Photo Protection.Alpha Hydroxyacids (AHAs) and their beneficial effects on Skin, were discovered more than twenty-five Years ago. This significant Discovery represents a breakthrough in Skin Care and the Treatment of various Skin disorders including Hyperkeratosis, Ichthyosis, Acne and Photoaging. Today, Doctors continue to discover new uses for, and improvements with, Hydroxyacids. Many Skin Care Company�s make use of this Technological Discovery
History...Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and their beneficial effects on Skin, were discovered more than 25 Years ago...In the early 1970s, Doctors discovered that certain naturally-occurring, non toxic substances called Alpha Hydroxyacids, found in edible Fruits and Vegetables, had profound beneficial effects on Human Skin. Since then, their Research has revealed that AHAs, alone and in conjunction with other Physiologic Substances, can stimulate the natural Process of 'Rejuvination' - enabling older and damaged Skin to rejuvenate and resemble younger-looking Skin.
These findings led Doctors to publish the first Scientific Paper in 1974, describing the benefits of AHAs in managing many common Skin Problems and for the first time introduced the words �Alpha Hydroxyacids� to the Dermatology Community. Their continued Research and Clinical experience have confirmed the benefits of using AHAs for a wide range of applications, including premature aging of the Skin, Acne and Age Spots. These discoveries have spawned a Revolution in Skin Care.
Glycolic Acid is a Member of the Chemical Family referred to as ALPHA-HYDROXY ACIDS. What is of great significance to us in recommending these Facial Products is that Glycolic Acid is a naturally occurring compound. It comes from Sugar Cane. Cleopatra popularized the use of Milk Baths in Egypt, in the time of the Pharoahs, to enhance her Skin's Beauty. What in fact, she was taking advantage of, was Lactic Acid. Lactic Acid is the Alpha Hydroxy Acid found in Milk.
The Alpha Hydroxy Acid have as their overlaying mode of action, the ability to dissolve the outer most Layer of Skin, the Stratum Corneum, and in fact, smooth out Age thickened Skin.In fact, Glycolic Acid is used not only in the Treatment of Acne, but also used to treat fine Facial Wrinkles, smooth thickened aged Skin and treat "Sun Spots".
Complications/Side EffectsBecause Glycolic Acid is a natural occurring compound found in sugar cane, it has essentially no Side Effects. This is one of its most significant advantages. This can not be said about ACUTANE, RETIN A or prolonged antibiotic use. Sun sensitivity, specifically, is not a complication what ever.1 in 15,000 People are reported to be allergic to Glycolic Acid.The only Individuals who can not use Glycolic Acid are those currently using ACUTANE. ACUTANE Users must stop this Medication and wait four (4) weeks before instituting Glycolic Acid Treatments.
Acne Treatment To understand the Treatment of Acne, and specifically the role of Glycolic Acid, one must have an elementary knowledge of the structure of Skin.
The Diagram below shows a Cross Section of Skin. The Skin is made up of three Layers,
It is the outermost Layer of Skin, the Epidermis, that we want to concentrate on. This outermost Layer is made up of individual flat Cells (called Squamous Cells) that actually are layered, one on top of the other. Newly produced Squamous Cells are made deep along the border of the Dermis and gradually push the older Cells outward. As this outer Layer becomes thicker, the oldest Cells eventually die.
This new, outermost, Layer of dead Cells becomes a Specific Anatomic Layer called the Stratum Corneum. GLYCOLIC ACID HAS ONE FUNCTION AND THAT IS TO DISSOLVE AND ELIMINATE THIS
OUT LAYER OF DEAD SQUAMOUS CELLS!!! In fact, Glycolic Acid was initially patented for use in the early 1980s as purely a Cosmetic Tool to help Older Individuals for General Skin smoothing and in the Treatment of fine Facial Wrinkles.
How does Glycolic Acid Treatments cure Acne? The Diagram below also shows a Hair Follicle and its associated Sebaceous Gland. It is this Gland that produces Sebum, an oily material that surrounds each Hair Follicle. Acne development, simply put, is a situation where these Sebaceous Glands get plugged and this Sebum is not able to flow out in its regular pattern around the Hair Follicle. The Gland gets trapped and this oily material then ruptures out into the surrounding Tissue causing the typical signs of Acne i.e. White Heads, Pustules, and Papules. What is trapping these Sebaceous? IT IS SIMPLY SOME OF THE DEAD SQUAMOUS CELLS.
It is known now that some of the dead Squamous Cells from the outer Stratum Corneum fall down into the areas around the Hair Follicles and ultimately plug these Sebaceous Glands ultimately causing Acne in selected Individuals.
WITH THE USE OF GLYCOLIC ACID, THESE DEAD CELLS ARE DISSOLVED, HAIR FOLLICLES ARE CLEANED OF THIS DEBRIS, AND ULTIMATELY THE SEBACEOUS GLAND FUNCTIONS NORMALLY AGAIN. THE FINAL RESULT BEING A CLEANER COMPLEXION.
It is recommended to test glycolic acid on a small patch of skin, (back of Hand) before applying to your Face.
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