Listen to why glycolic acid is the solution
to your Acne Problem:
How
long does it take for your skin to produce a pimple or whitehead?
Approximately
2 - 3 weeks -- Clogged pores in your skin start the process
because the sebum (oil) that your pores produce cannot escape.
As the oil hardens under the skin’s surface it creates
a plug making it impossible for newly-produced sebum to be
released. This is the process that leads to unsightly pimples
or whiteheads. In extreme cases, bacteria is introduced and
pimples get infected. This is the primary cause of acne. Glycolic
acid stops the process before it begins – by keeping
the pores open and melting hardened sebum. Over time, because
the process continually melts sebum, you will see a steady
improvement in the appearance and clarity of your skin. No
hard sebum – no plugged pores. No clogged pores –
no pimples. No pimples – no acne. It’s simple
and effective. In fact, most doctors recommend glycolic acid
specifically for this purpose. When you first begin using
glycolic acid products, it takes time to reverse clogged pores
and melt the sebum that has already formed under you skin.
This may take up to 3 - 6 weeks. Regular use of glycolic acid
helps keep your pores free of blockages so that pimples do
not form again.
What
happens if I stop using the glycolic products?
Unfortunately, the results you achieved will disappear if
you stop using glycolic acid. The dead cell layer will build
up once again, and pores will become plugged up again. The
bottom line: The original symptoms and problems will re-occur.
Is
glycolic acid safe?
Yes. It is a 100% non-toxic substance which does not enter
the blood stream when applied to your skin. It has FDA approval
in smaller concentrations for the general public. It is not
considered a drug and there are no bad side effects when used
according to the directions. It does have sun precautions
that should be followed closely, however.
How
can glycolic acid help my skin problems, when so many other
products have failed?
Your other products don't help you because they simply cannot
penetrate into your skin. You first have to understand some
basic knowledge regarding your skin's structure to really
understand why the other products haven't been working.
Your skin is made up of three layers, the epidermis, the dermis and
the subcutaneous tissue.
The epidermis is the tough, outside layer of skin made up
of layers of individual dead cells called squamous. These
cells are continuously shed as the new cells work their way
up from below. The outermost layer of these squamous cells
becomes its own layer: the stratum corneum. Glycolic acid's
main function is to exfoliate this dead layer of squamous
cells.
The dermis is the second layer in. It is responsible for the
skin's elasticity (elastin) and strength (collagen).
*The sebaceous is the fatty layer which also contains most
of your hair follicles.
The average skin care product ingredients can only treat the
outermost layer (squamous) of skin cells, since their molecular
structures are too large to actually penetrate into the epidermis,
let alone the dermis. Since these products can't really dig
in and help your skin's structure, they just sit on top and
temporarily improve the skins look by plumping and smoothing
the dead squamous cells. .
There are only two skin care substances which have molecules
small enough to penetrate this top layer and do some real
structural good. The most popular, because of its excellent
function, is glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Once the
glycolic acid penetrates through the layers of skin, it can
help to keep the hair follicles cleared of built up squamous
cells, thus reducing the blockages that cause acne in many
individuals. Also, it can trigger the formation of new elastin
cells and collagen. After using glycolic acid, the skin will
have a much smoother look and feel from the inside out.
How
do Alpha Hydroxy Acids really work?
AHA's break the bonds between weakened skin cells, making
it easy to exfoliate them and encourage the production of
new cells. *In a clinical study conducted at Hahnemann University
School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, it was determined that
using a glycolic treatment (containing at least 25% glycolic
acid) lead to a 25% increase in skin thickness, improved quality
of elastic fibers and an increased density of collagen.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Glycolic acids are used to improve the quality of the skin surface,
to slow the aging process and increase moisturization through
exfoliation. They work actively to reduce the problems of
acne prone skin, acne scars, dry and oily skin, photodamaged
skin, age spots, pigment irregularities, and fine wrinkles.
When can I expect to see the results?
Within a few weeks of regularly using glycolic acid products,
skin should appear smoother and healthier. Some people notice
a difference after two or three peels. You
should notice a marked difference in the texture of your skin
within 6-10 peels.
Can I use glycolic acid products with my other beauty products?
Yes!! Glycolic acid products can be used with other products
your physician or skin care advisor has recommended. In fact,
your favorite products will actually work better now that
they can penetrate deeper into your skin.
Should
I avoid sun exposure while using glycolic acid products?
Absolutely, you should always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen
(SPF of at least 15) applied hourly to prevent photo damage if you plan to be in the Sun. Your new baby
fresh skin in sensitive and needs to be protected.
What
should I expect within the first few days of using glycolic
acid products?
As the dead cell layer sloughs off, your skin may appear slightly
drier than normal. Once the transition is made, your complexion
will appear more youthful and vibrant.
When
can I expect my acne to improve?
As glycolic acid clears and cleanses pores, acne may initially
appear to be slightly more active. But as the pores are cleared,
your skin should show marked improvement. (Usually within
6 - 10 weeks).
What
happens if I stop using the glycolic products?
The results you achieved from the glycolic acid products will
not immediately disappear. However if a maintenance program
is not implemented, the dead cell layer will once again build
up, and the original problem will re-occur.
