|
|
Glycolic Acid and Your Skin
Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest molecule and simplest á-hydroxy acid(AHA). It appears in the form of a colorless, odorless and hygroscopic crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Glycolic acid is isolated from sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, and unripe grapes.
Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel in concentrations of 20%-80% or at-home kits in lower concentrations of 10%. It is used to improve the skin's appearance and texture, reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions.
Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This allows the outer skin to "dissolve" revealing the underlying skin. Glycolic Acid acts by dissolving the internal cellular cement responsible for abnormal keratinization, facilitating the sloughting of dead skin cells.
It improves skin hydration by enhancing moisture uptake as well as increasing the skin's ability to bind water. This occurs in the cellular cement through an activation of glycolic acid and the skin's own hyaluronic acid content. Hyaluronic Acid is known to retain an impressive amount of moisture and this capacity is enhanced by glycolic acid. As a result, the skin's own ability to raise its moisture content is increased.
Regardless of skin type, glycolic acid use is associated with a softer, smoother, healthier and younger looking skin.
Among other uses this compound finds employment in the textile industry as a dyeing and tanning agent, in food processing as a flavoring agent and as a preservative. Glycolic acid is often included into emulsion polymers, solvents and additives for ink and paint in order to improve flow properties and impart gloss.
|
|
