Dermatologists have long known of glycolic acid benefits in the treatment of severe skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation, actonic (or solar) keratosis and senile keratosis (precancerous patches of thick, scaly skin usually found on the upper lip), as well as other skin lesions, including acne scars. In fact, it’s ability to penetrate deep within the upper layers of the skin been known to reduce wrinkles in some people as well.
Primarily used as a chemical peel, glycolic acid works as an exfoliant to break up “sticky” lipids that hold layers of dead cells together and improve the texture and appearance of the skin by exposing the live cells beneath them. The strength of the peels, however, will vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated. For instance, medical-strength peels used by doctors will generally have concentrations of anywhere from 20-70% of the compound, while kits sold for home usually range between 20-50%, depending in part on the pH factor in each formula. The same formula is used for preparing the best glycolic acid moisturizers available in the stores.
Aside from its much touted dermatological applications, glycolic acid products has many industrial benefits as well thanks to its ability to reduce oxidation and polymerization. In fact, it can be found in products ranging from food processing (as a flavoring agent) to additives used to improve the fluidity and shine of inks, paints and varnishes, as well as textile dyes and in the process of tanning leather.
Yet, despite the fact that glycolic acid can be isolated from natural resources such as sugar beets, sugarcane, pineapples and even unripened grapes, it is a powerful irritant that can be very dangerous if taken internally. In fact you will need to have the entire range of glycolic acid products in your anti aging skin care portfolio. Obviously, this is something that you should not attempt to deal with unless you are under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physician.