Glycolic

Glycolic acid is perhaps the best-known of a group of chemicals called fruit acids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane, so it can be considered a natural product. Citric acid from oranges and other citrus fruits also fall under the same classification as glycolic acid. Glycolic acid works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, glycolic acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue' which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is chemically burned off, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the remaining acid. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is glycolic acid's ability to draw moisturizers into the newly-exfoliated skin surface. This is why cosmetic counters often sell a complete system of skin care; the rest of the alpha-hydroxy line contains moisturizers and neutralizers to counteract the corrosive actions of glycolic acid.

Cosmetic exfoliants and moisturizers containing glycolic acid may leave the user's skin especially sensitive to the sun, so many skin care experts recommend using a sunscreen after exfoliating with glycolic acid. If a 10% concentration of glycolic acid can cause concern over skin damage, another use may be even more controversial. Some customers seeking a more complete exfoliation may opt for a chemical peel. In general, a chemical peel involves a careful scrubbing of the skin followed by an application of a powerful AHA such as glycolic acid. Concentration levels of glycolic acid in chemical peels can be as high as 50% or more. Even industrial suppliers of glycolic acid limit their concentration to 70%, so this is indeed a very powerful chemical process. With in the beauty industry, therapists can use a concentration up to 30%. A higher concentration of glycolic is used by the medical profession.

Hills Mobile Beauty's glycolic acid concentration is 30%. It is recommended once a week for a course of 5-10. It is also recommended to use the appropriate home care consisting of glycolic cleanser, exfoliant and vitamin A moisturiser. Please call Alex from Hills Mobile Beauty for information.

Although our skin is able to replace old cells with new ones, over time this natural exfoliating process begins to slow down. With chemical peels, another form of wrinkle treatment, a solution of one or more exfoliating agents is applied to the face to remove the rough upper layer of skin and to stimulate rejuvenation of new skin cells. The result is tighter, smoother skin that is relatively free of fine lines and blemishes. Chemical peeling is recommended to reduce wrinkles, particularly fine wrinkles, and age spots, sun damage and uneven pigmentation. There are several types of chemical peel techniques: Light and medium facial peels are used to remove superficial wrinkles and discolouration, and deep chemical peels are used for more severe conditions such as severe acne. Generally, the deeper the chemical peel, the longer the recovery time required. After light chemical peels, patients may return to their normal activities immediately and wear cosmetics to conceal the redness. Medium and deep chemical peels however, may result in swelling and blisters, which could take up to 2 weeks to heal. These medium to deep chemical peels may require dressings on some or all of the treated skin and are therefore best administered by a doctor. Bacterial, viral or fungal infections or prolonged redness may also occur after peeling, which can be treated with appropriate medications. Following any chemical peel, your new skin will be sensitive, so you must use maximum sun protection. Chemical peels can be repeated as necessary to achieve and maintain desired results. Hills Mobile Beauty performs a light peel which may cause slight redness.