Bayside Cosmetic Medicine and Laser

The benefit of Glycolic acid cream

Glycolic Acid belongs to a class of substances called alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's), commonly called "fruit acids". It occurs naturally in sugar cane. The use of AHA's to improve the appearance of the skin dates back to Egyptian and Roman times. Cleopatra bathed in sour milk to maintain and improve her beautiful skin. Sour milk contains the AHA lactic acid which is also found in mangoes.

Glycolic acid is thought to be the most effective AHA as it has the smallest molecular structure of any AHA and can therefore best penetrate the surface of the skin. It is glycolic acid which is now accepted as being the leading AHA for use in cosmetic products.

Many skin problems are associated with "hyperkeratinisation" which is the accumulation of excess dead cells on the surface of the skin. This in turn can contribute to the dull, course, rough, blotchy and dry appearance of ageing skin.

Glycolic acid helps to loosen the bonds between excess dead cells accumulating on the surface of the skin. The loosening of surface skin cells leads to a continuing microscopic exfoliation, reduction of hyperkeratinisation and ongoing improvement in the appearance of the skin.

Glycolic acid can improve many skin conditions,
some of them being;

Sun spots Acne/blackheads/milia
Fine wrinkles
Dull weathered skin
Psoriasis
Eczema/dermatitis
Dry or oily Skin
Ingrown hairs
Dry cuticles
Open pores

How is Glycolic acid used?

With regular use of glycolic acid products at home the skin will feel softer and smoother within a few weeks. Visual improvement is obvious after several months of usage.

A more rapid improvement in the appearance of the skin is obtained by the combination of professional treatments applied by a doctor in our surgery and the daily application of glycolic acid products by the client at home. Please ask the staff at our centre for more information on the Glycolic peels.

Glycolic acid products are effective on most parts of the body, usually sun damaged, the most common being the face, neck, arms, hands and legs.

Glycolic acid products are compatible with other skin care products which you may be using and can be added to any existing skin care regime. The important thing is that glycolic acid must be the first product applied to the skin after cleansing. Sunscreen and other cosmetics can then be applied.

Are there any Complications?

As mentioned above, AHA's are naturally occurring substances which have been used on the skin for centuries. It is actually a metabolic bi-product found naturally in the human body. Glycolic acid is extremely well tolerated by the skin.

Initially, slight stinging and redness can be experienced by some clients after application of glycolic acid products. This will decrease gradually over several weeks. It is very important that glycolic acid products are introduced carefully into the skin care regime. It is not the case that "a little is good so a lot must be better", as initially using these products too intensively can cause skin irritation. If irritation develops the products should be ceased until it clears. The products can then be reintroduced more gradually. Applying a moisturise over the glycolic acid cream can help to reduce stinging .

Glycolic acid does not sensitise the skin to the sun and can be used during pregnancy

Glycolic Acid Products available include;

5% Glycolic acid cream
10% Glycolic acid cream
15% Glycolic acid cream
Specially Formulated Cleanser 200 ml
10% Body Cream 200 ml
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C Cream
Q10 Enzyme Eye Cream
Fading Cream 'Melostat' for blotchy pigmentation, and sun spots

In most cases, you would start on the 5% Glycolic acid cream and then move to a higher concentration if needed. Make up can be applied on top.

DIRECTIONS

For the 1st week, apply Glycolic cream once a day, 2nd week onwards apply twice a day.

Wash face with a "wash-off" cleanser".

Apply pea size drop of Glycolic cream to face (or otherareas), making sure all areas are covered from the hairline to chin & neck. Glycolic acid can be applied under lower eyelids. Avoid tne upper eyelid area.

Be careful not to apply too much cream around the corners of the eyes, and the mouth, or around the nostil area, as it can cause burning. Do not wash off.