Exfoliants: The Glycolic Advantage

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Aha): Quick Sheet

*Sugar Cane: Glycolic Acid

(Recognized by medical professionals as the most advantageous and superior AHA for overall skin health and wellness. Glycolic acid's small molecular size delivers a comprehensive and extensive, yet controlled degree of exfoliation.)

*Apples: Malic Acid

*Grapes: Tartaric Acid

*Sour Milk: Lactic Acid

*Citrus Fruits: Citric Acid

Beta Hydroxy Acid (Bha): Quick Sheet

*Salicylates: Salicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Glycolic Acid: The Superior Exfoliant

Glycolic acid, unlike BHA (salicylic acid), has the ability to slough away dead skin cells without penetrating beyond the skin's surface barrier into the pore lining. In this sense, it is ideal for those with mature or sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate excessive follicular stimulation. By gently removing the outermost layers of the epidermis, glycolic acid encourages cellular ren ewal and exfoliation without risking microscopic abrasions typically associated with manual forms of exfoliation (i.e.: granular scrubs). For this reason, it maintains a superior advantage over supplementary forms of exfoliation, which are characteristically more invasive and irritating. Essentially, glycolic acid adheres to the skin's natural method of shedding, yet enhances the process by increasing the standard rate of cell formation and encouraging healthy, uniform and steady exfoliation.

Glycolic Acid: A Very Necessary Precursor

Due to its hygroscopic (water-binding) properties, glycolic acid and glycolic acid peels act as a "magnetizer" and help to draw supplementary skin care treatments deep into the skin. As the smallest AHA molecule, glycolic acid efficiently eliminates surface debris and obstructions that may interfere with the absorption of complementary skin care products and treatments. Case in point, an individual with severely clogged pores (comedones) may require a combination of both glycolic and salicylic acid acne treatments. With the aid of glycolic acid, salicylic acid will penetrate deeper and more evenly into the pore lining to effectively target comedones. As a result of the skin's newfound permeability and propensity for absorption, cleansers and moisturizers work more efficiently thereby rendering optimal results.

Who Benefits

Oily/Acne-Prone: Acne treatments, particularly those with anti-bacterial properties (i.e.: benzoyl peroxide), typically rest on top of the skin's surface leading to dry, irritated and sensitized skin. Glycolic acid removes the outer dead layers of skin for a more thorough and even penetration of acne therapy treatments. (Please also see "The Acne Solution: Glycolic Acid").

Pigmented/Discolored: Pigmented or discolored skin typically requires the aid of bleaching agents, however as noted above, therapeutic treatments often rest upon the surface of the skin instead of targeting problematic areas of concern. Glycolic acid not only treats discoloration, but its "magnetizing" properties further aid in eradicating unwanted pigmentation by delivering complementary skin-lightening agents deeper into the skin. Note: Glycolic acid is also a preventative tool against hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation due to its exfoliating, restorative and anti-inflammatory properties. (Please also see "The Glycolic News Update: Anti-inflammatory Power".)

Dry/Sensitive: Glycolic acid, in addition to effectively exfoliating the hyperkeratotic dead cell layer associated with dry skin conditions, improves the skin's ability to retain moisture by acting as a humectant. As a result, moisturizers will rapidly and thoroughly penetrate the skin's surface for advanced hydration thereby improving the overall health of the lipid barrier.

Glycolic acid is truly a remarkable breakthrough in skin care technology as a result of its ability to repair damaged skin and further prepare it for complementary skin-rejuvenating treatments.