What Is Glycolic Acid?

What is glycolic acid and what can it do for you? Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that comes naturally from sugar cane. Other alpha-hydroxy acids come from fruit and dairy products and they can also be produced synthetically. Skin care products containing glycolic acid creams help reduce dryness, eliminate acne and help turn back the hands of time with an anti-aging property.

Glycolic acid works by causing the skin to shed, removing cells damaged by the sun and showing signs of aging. It is most often used in a peel, a procedure in which an aesthetician or cosmetologist applies a glycolic acid cream to the face and allows it to dry. When the glycolic acid is "peeled" off the skin, it takes the outermost layers of skin with it, leaving behind fresh undamaged skin cells on the surface. A glycolic acid peel takes about 15 or 20 minutes. Most people will get a repeat procedure every week or two until they achieve the results they desire. Professional glycolic acid peels may have a concentration as high as 20-70 percent glycolic acid.

You can also purchase glycolic acid creams to use at home. These may be of a lower strength than the type of acid used in the aesthetician's office, so they may not produce the same results. When using an at home procedure, it is very important to follow directions carefully. Don't ever leave glycolic acid creams on your skin longer than recommended by the manufacturer or you risk serious damage to your skin. Daily use glycolic acid creams for home use typically have an 8-12 percent glycolic acid concentration.

Glycolic acid can be irritating to the skin. It is common to experience tingling and redness after a peel. The irritation can last for a few days, but once it subsides, your skin will look smoother and younger.