How Does Glycolic Acid Help Acne?
Acne is a very problematic (and embarrassing) skin condition that is oftentimes treated with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a classified as a chemical in the family Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs. Unlike other AHAs, however, glycolic acid has the ability to penetrate the walls of the cells of the skin. Glycolic acid has been shown to be beneficial in treating acne or in controlling acne-related skin problems because of its exfoliating effect.
Many creams, gels, scrubs, masks, ointments and peels that are being marketed for the treatment of acne contain glycolic acid. Those suffering from acne who are considering treatment with glycolic acid should be aware that there are certain risks involved; we discuss those risks in our article, Glycolic Acid for Acne: 7 Precautions.
How Glycolic Acid Helps Acne
Glycolic acid is made from sugar cane and works to speed up the process of skin renewal. As mentioned above, glycolic acid can penetrate the cell walls because of its tiny molecular size. Once glycolic acid penetrates the cell, it works to stimulate the skin and enhances the regeneration of new, healthy elastin and collagen fibers deep in the dermis – which promotes healing from acne.
Glycolic acid also unclogs the pores of the skin, thereby decreasing the incidence of acne re-developing – which cuts down on recurrent outbreaks. It also helps sufferers to shed dead surface cells. Glycolic acid works to treat blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules.
Glycolic Acid for Acne Treatment
Treating acne with glycolic acid is an all-natural way to get rid of acne once and for all. Glycolic acid reduces the bond of dead skin cells so that new skin can come to the surface. This is a type of exfoliation that can make the skin feel softer and suppler. Glycolic acid treatments can be either over the counter (OTC) or prescription formulations. Over the counter treatments usually contain a lower percentage of glycolic acid in their active ingredients list.
Prescription glycolic acid treatments are usually undertaken in the spa, salon, or dermatologist’s office. These types of glycolic acid treatments using medical grade glycolic acid must be administered by an esthetician or a medical practitioner who is specially trained in their usage.
Glycolic Acid Peels
The Glycolic acid peel is a more intense treatment than other options containing glycolic acid, like cleansers and ointments. The peel is a very popular treatment for acne because it rejuvenates the skin, usually carried out in weekly sessions that allow for the slower replacement of damaged skin with new tissue. The effectiveness of the glycolic acid peel is directly related to the concentration of glycolic acid being used and the duration of time that it is left on the skin.
Higher concentrations of glycolic acid will cause a deeper penetration. Stronger (medical strength) glycolic acid peels cause more peeling than OTC types – and for the acne sufferer – this means that pores become unclogged and skin heals more rapidly. Peeling following a glycolic peel may last for many days after the initial “peel” is administered.
Possible Side Effects of Glycolic Peel
While the glycolic peel should never be overlooked as a possibility for those afflicted with acne, it does carry some possible side effects. Photosensitivity can become a problem following this type of treatment; it is recommended that a sun block product be used during the healing period. Many people who have the glycolic peel sometimes report that dryness, itching, infection, redness and swelling in the areas being treated can become very irritating. Another possible side effect is uneven pigmentation in the areas of newly exposed skin.
Most side effects experienced with the glycolic peel are alleviated within days of treatment with soothing gels or topical ointments that moisturize.
