Glycolic acid is a non-toxic single-chain molecule in a category called alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and naturally occurs in nature from sugar cane. Others alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) occur in fruits and dairy products such as lactic acid from sour milk, tartaric acid from wine and malic acid from apples.
Known to reduce dryness, acne, aging and other skin conditions they have provided cutting edge products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and cosmetic industries. Your doctor may have given you a prescription for Lac-Hydrin made from a 12% lactic acid for your dry skin.
Glycolic acid is the smallest molecular size of the AHA’s and able to penetrate deeper into your skin for faster and more dramatic results. Under a microscope lactic acid appears similar to a large boulder rolling across the surface of your skin where as glycolic targets problems deeper in your skin.
Glycolic acid was patented by Ruey Yu, Ph.D., chemist, and Eugene Van Scott, M.D. for 35 uses, the most popular are acne, hyperpigmentation (brown spots or uneven skin tone), aging and small scar reduction. Nicholas Perricone, M.D. has the patent for ingrown hairs, extremely helpful for curly hair curling back into the skin a common condition for men’s beards and women’s bikini lines.
Medical studies show using an 8-12% glycolic acid leave-on product twice daily for 6-8 months will change your skin and maintain the change with continuing improvements over time.
We recommend everyone start with Gel 2 (15% glycolic) or Gel 3 (15% glycolic and 2% salicylic) leave-on glycolic product and gradually increase the level with each new purchase. Current users purchase Gel 4-5-6.
