Glycolic acid is a useful skin care product and is commonly used as a body lotion. To know more about the pros and cons regarding its usage, read on.
Glycolic acid is a odorless, colorless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid, which is highly soluble in water. It is mainly found in sugarcane, and it is the smallest, most active, and most important AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). It acts as collagen, and hence, it has great benefits as far as skin care is concerned. It is the reason why most skin care products are made using glycolic acid. One such popular product is the body lotion. Let’s get to know more about the uses and benefits of glycolic acid.
Why is Glycolic Acid Used?
It is quickly absorbed by the skin, which is the prime reason why it is used in skin care products. However, most lotions have low concentrations of glycolic acid, and not all dermatologists have the right to prescribe it in higher concentrations. Along with its concentration, the pH of this compound also plays a vital role in deciding its benefits in treating acne scarring, wrinkles, actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and hyperkeratosis hyperpigmentation. It is also effective in case of other skin conditions such as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, razor bumps, psoriasis, dry skin, age spots, freckles, sunburns, sun spots, precancerous growth on the skin, etc. To evade all these aforementioned skin problems, glycolic acid is used in various skin care products such as cleanser, body lotion, face cream, etc.
Glycolic Acid in Body Lotions
The first thing to remember is that it is not toxic and multipurpose. As it is a part of most skin care products, it is quite affordable and easily available at drug stores. Glycolic acid has gained the reputation of being one of the best natural skin moisturizers. Most lotions with glycolic acid contain several other powerful skin care substances like humectants that render proper and natural skin care. Once you apply this lotion on the skin, it acts as a binding agent that holds the dead skin cells together which leads to a thorough skin exfoliation. Some brands of glycolic acid contain UV ray blockers that avoid sunburn. All in all, a body lotion with glycolic acid can be used as an overall skin protection.
Best Products
Some of the best products are: NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion, Skin911 Glycolic Acid Body Cream, Dr. Judith Hellman Body Lotion, Elite 15% Body Lotion, Gly Derm Lotion Plus, Glytone, Hand & Body Lotion by Reviva Labs, Jan Marini Bioglycolic Hand & Body Lotion, Aqua Glycolic Hand & Body Lotion, Glycolic Acid Wellskin System’s Essentials Daily Lotion SPF 15, Glytone Rejuvenate Facial Lotion 2, Glytone Essentials Daily Lotion, Glytone Fading Lotion, NeoStrata Lotion Plus, etc.
Precautions to be Taken
Glycolic acid and skin care have always been associated together, but as we mentioned above, glycolic acid is to be used only in moderation. Hence, it is best to avoid all body lotions with higher concentrations of glycolic acid. Since it deals with dead skin cell removal, it can cause skin sensitivity issues, when your body comes into contact with sunrays. Make sure you follow the instruction on the label of the product, and use it in the prescribed manner. Remember that glycolic acid can cause mild stinging sensation on its application, and this generally fades away within minutes. If this is not the case, and the burning sensation continues, then wash the affected area with cold water, and discontinue its usage as soon as possible. A few of the possible side effects include burning sensation, skin redness, swelling, irritation, tenderness, and dermatitis.
