Glycolic acid is perhaps the acid best known of a group of chemicals called acidic fruit or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). It is a derivative of sugar cane, so it can be considered a natural product. The citric acid from oranges and other citrus fruits are also included in the same classification as glycolic acid. Industrial uses for glycolic acid include the Rust removal and degreasing. Glycolic acid in its pure State (usually sold in concentrations of 70% or more) is extremely dangerous to exposed skin. In fact, the Government considers that any product with a concentration of more than 10% glycolic acid can be a hazardous material. It is important to know that glycolic acid has not only industrial applications, also has cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is usually used as a natural skin Exfoliator and moisturizer, although there is much debate about its safety and effectiveness.

Some glycolic acid defenders suggest that concentrations of less than 10% glycolic acid products are virtually useless. The problem is that many producers of cosmetics do not large scale increase levels of glycolic acid, for fear of demands for action of responsibility. Some smaller companies of cosmetics with high-end customers offer products with at least one concentration of 10% glycolic acid… Glycolic acid acts as an Exfoliating agent due to its high acidity, but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of a cream or gel exfoliant, glycolic acid passes under the upper layers of damaged skin and destroys the glue that keeps the dead skin cells to the surface.

This dead skin is chemically burned, then it must be rinsed with water and neutralize the remaining acid. The result is an area of very soft skin and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is the ability of glycolic acid to develop with him for newborn Exfoliating skin moisturizers. For this reason, producers of cosmetics often sold a full skin care system, a line of alpha-hydroxy acids which contains moisturizers and neutralising to counteract the corrosive effects of glycolic acid. Exfoliating and moisturizing organic cosmetics containing glycolic acid can leave especially sensitive skin to the Sun, the skin experts recommend so many care how to use a sunblock after Exfoliating with glycolic acid. If a concentration of 10% glycolic acid can cause concern for skin damage, other diferentte use may be even more controversial. Some users looking for a more complete exfoliation may opt for a chemical peel. In general, chemical exfoliation involves a thorough washing of the skin followed by an application of a powerful AHA as glycolic acid. The levels of concentration of glycolic acid in the peels chemicals can be as high as 50% or more. Even industrial providers of glycolic acid 70% concentration limitan, so this is in fact a very powerful chemical process. Very often after a chemical peel, the patient’s skin will be as if it had been burned by the Sun. Several days of recovery are often required for complete recovery of an exfoliation with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid advocates say the process can seem dangerous or unpleasant, but by the results they worth temporary discomfort. Whether or not the glycolic acid miraculous ingredient or the fountain of youth, there can be doubt that is effective when used correctly and in the concentration level suitable for the needs of exfoliation and hydration of an individual. Original author and source of the article