Author: Amanda J. Lawsonbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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A glycolic acid peel is one of more popular light chemical peels. It is used primarily for exfoliating the skin to remove old skin cells along with some of the skins imperfections. But how effective is it compared to other available options?
Some skin experts would argue that there are certainly more effective chemical peels than a glycolic acid peel. Some would say that the use of salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is better compared to glycolic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Salicylic acid is oil soluble and therefore can penetrate deeper and go into pores that contain sebum or the skins natural oil. Because of this, BHA peels are said to be more effective in oil control, acne and removing old skin a little better than AHA.
Concentrations of glycolic acid in a glycolic peel usually ranges between 5% and 8%. Safety regulations warns of concentrations of 10% or higher. At 70%, glycolic acids are used industrially to remove rust and as a degreaser.
Aside from BHA, there are other kinds of stronger chemical peels such as TCA and phenol peels. These chemical peels usually require a licensed medical practitioner to oversee the procedure in a clinic setting as in some cases, side effects are severe.
Aside from chemical peels, there are also mechanical peels such as microdermabrasion where crystals are deposited into the skin and then immediately suctioned off carrying with it dead skin cells. This procedure may last typically one half hour.
However, when compared to stronger chemical peels and microdermabrasion, light glycolic acid peel offers the least down time and recovery time. However, caring of the skin after the peel is still required as the skin will be slightly tender after the treatment.
Glycolic peels are usually used to remove superficial skin problems like fine lines, dry skin, mild blemishes, rough skin from sun exposure, as well as mild acne. It works by speeding up the exfoliation process of the skin, forcing newer skin to come up and out.
Sometimes due to aging and the effects of free radicals, our natural exfoliation process becomes problematic and so natural skin erosion becomes uneven and delayed. Usually, newer skin will reach the outer most skin layer in 30 days but when this is delayed, older, drier skin is retained. This leads to skin problems.
Some would say that a glycolic acid peel can slow down the ageing process because of the production of newer healthier skin. This is not entirely true. Facial peels are ways only to speed up and temporarily jump start the shedding of old skin that may have become slow.
To delay the ageing process, it would take more than a glycolic peel to do the job. This involves all aspects of a healthy living and lifestyle such as healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, hydration, sun protection, complete antioxidant supplementation as well as avoiding harmful chemicals like smoking, excessive alcohol or illicit drugs.
Another important aspect of skin care whether you have a glycolic acid peel or not is the use of natural skin care products with ingredients proven to repair free radical damage at the cellular level, helping the body stimulate regrowth of healthy collagen and elastin fibers, and the ability to increase and maintain moisture in the skin.
In the end, it is up to you and your doctor to decide if a glycolic facial peel is necessary for you. On the other hand, you can decide even now to start taking care of your skin with natural skin care products mild and safe enough but nevertheless effective for the long term.
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