Glycolic Acid for the skin
Glycolic acid is a substance that chemically exfoliates a person’s skin by dissolving dead skin cells and oils. Glycolic acid may also help boost collagen production and support skin moisture. Glycolic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in certain fruits and sugar cane. Glycolic acid belongs to a group of acids experts called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are popular ingredients in skin care products.
Glycolic acid has the following properties as a chemical exfoliant, glycolic acid removes the outermost layer of skin cells and oil by dissolving them. Unlike mechanical exfoliants, such as face scrubs and brushes, glycolic acid does not require harsh scrubbing. Glycolic acid is also a humectant, which means it attracts and binds water to skin cells. It does this by increasing the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which are molecules that draw water into the skin. Glycolic acid can reduce some of the processes that cause visible signs of skin aging such as sun damage and increase collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. These substances give skin elasticity and structure.
Glycolic acid stimulates your skin to create more collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firmness, plumpness, and elasticity. (Collagen is also the protein that gives strength to your bones and connective tissues.) As you age, collagen production naturally slows down. It’s also destroyed by excessive sun exposure. Using glycolic acid regularly can help prevent this breakdown of collagen.
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