What is Glycolic Acid?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of naturally occurring acids which are
derived from certain plants and fruits. The most commonly used form of AHA
is Glycolic Acid, which comes from the sugar cane.
Glycolic acid has the smallest
molecular weight of all the AHAs, which enables it to exfoliate the top
layers of the skin.
How is it used?
Recent studies have shown that Glycolic Acid can be used in specific skin
care programs to combat: *
How does it work?
A glycolic acid peel is an
effective procedure which can result in a more refined skin texture and can
even out skin tone irregularities. There will be a softening of fine lines
and sun damage will appear less visible.
Glycolic acid peels also work well for clients with acne. Glycolic acid
peels do not actually peel the skin. The process is much more subtle. It
dissolves or dislodges the cellular cement or glue-like substance that binds
dead cells together on the surface of the skin and in the lining of the
follicle wall. The accumulation of these cells results in a dry, dehydrated,
dull, or “aged” appearance of the skin. When applied to the skin, glycolic
acid lifts or sloughs these dead cells to reveal skin that is smoother,
fresher, and healthier looking.
GA works by stimulating new
growth of skin and collagen by decreasing the bond that holds dead skin
cells on the surface. This allows dead cells to be removed gradually,
leaving behind a layer of smoother and softer skin. GA also helps to unclog
pores and thus decreasing the tendency for acne to develop. During a GA
peel, a solution of glycolic acid is applied to your skin for a brief period
of time, and then washed away. This solution causes several layers of the
Stratum Corneum (the outer layer of skin) to dry up and peel off gradually
over a period of several days. GAs weaken linkage of cells in the outer
layers of dry skin, allowing the normal shedding process to occur. They also
increase the flexibility of the outer layer of the skin and may increase the
barrier function. When the older layers have peeled off, they expose a
new layer of undamaged skin. GA Exfoliators gradually remove dead skin
layers, therefore bringing out the new healthy skin.
A chemical peel is a controlled burn. "Very
light" and "light" chemical peels do not penetrate the skin deeply (to the
dermis) and can also be thought of as a "refreshening peel" or similar to
exfoliation. As the chemicals penetrate your skin they cause controlled
damage that your body then heals. During the heeling process you may shed or
peel a layer of skin that looks similar to a sunburn peeling. The new, fresh
layer of skin is softer, with less freckles, and fine lines. Acne is
improved by the removal of debris that clogs pores deeper within the pore.
Areas of skin irritation (areas that have
been picked, cuts from shaving) will allow the peel to penetrate deeper and
may cause a "medium" or "deep" peel.
What does it feel like?
Peeling gives the sensation of a stinging or
burning. This sensation builds the longer the chemicals are on the skin.
When the chemicals are neutralized there may be a slight increase in the
intensity of the stinging sensation followed by a rapid cessation of all
stinging and burning.
What will I receive?
A FRESH bottle of product as described above. Enough
for about: 24 weeks in the 1oz; 12 weeks in the Regular Size 15ml; or 6
weeks in the Trial Size 8ml... A list of ingredients... Easy-to-Read
and Easy-to-Follow printed instructions. We purchase fresh product at
least once a month. Product you receive is never more than 5 weeks
old. As shipped to us, it has a 5 year shelf life. Our supplier
assures us it would have at least a one year shelf life after repackaging.
Is it economical?
YES. You'd pay $60 - $95 for just ONE chemical peel just like
this in a salon or spa... but you'll receive enough product for about
24 facials in the full Ounce bottle.. a $1440 - $2280 value! 12 in the
Regular size bottle.. a $720 - $1140 value! and about 6 weeks in the Trial
Size bottle.. a $360 - $570 value! Now you can save BIG... in
your own home!
Which one should I use -
What are the differences?
If you haven't used a GA home
peel before, it is best to start with the 30%, especially if you have fair
&/or sensitive skin. Unless you are quite experienced & proficient at
using GA, do not buy the 70% for use on the face. It's great for hands,
elbows, & the bottom of your feet, however.
How do I use this product?
This process
can be done every one to three weeks. For best results, we recommend a
series of six peels, coupled with a home care regimen containing glycolic
acid. It is
recommended that you use the GA once weekly for 6 weeks, then rest for 2
weeks; after the 2 week rest, you may start another 6 week cycle. Your
bottle of GA comes with complete, easy-to-read, and easy-to-follow
instructions.
You should not get peels before you go
anywhere that you may get prolonged sun (the desert, the beach, skiing). It
is very important that you protect peeled skin from the sun. If you chose to
get a peel to even out skin pigment and then are exposed to the sun, all the
benefits of the peel will be reversed.
Do I need a prep solution?
Probably not... Just be sure to start your peel with
well-cleansed, well-rinsed, and well-dried skin. The main objective is to
remove any soap (high pH) product before applying the GA (low pH), so you
don't risk diluting or neutralizing the GA before your peel. You might want
to use a mild astringent or alcohol after you cleanse to be sure.
What about a neutralizer?
You probably already own it. The main objective here is to
stop the action of the acid (low pH). How do you stop the action of an acid?
With an alkaline solution (high pH). Baking Soda is alkaline. So, when
the time is up on your peel, just pour about a teaspoon of baking soda into
your palm, add a few drops of water, apply, then rinse.
What side effects can I expect?
Immediate redness is very common and a sign
that a chemical peel is working. There is the possibility of a lightening,
darkening or reddening of your skin that could last a few months or be
permanent. This is very rare and in your consultation you will receive a
test spot to see if a peel is safe for you.
In the heeling process of a peel, you may
have some scabbing that looks like a brush burn, crusting or blisters. This
is most common in areas that prior to the peel had any irritation.
Individuals who have a tendency to pick at their skin excessively are not
good candidates for a peel. Any picking at crusts, scabs or possible
blisters caused by a peel can cause permanent scarring.
Sun sensitivity may be a result of a peel. It
is recommend that you stay out of the sun and use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher
before and after a peel. It is recommended that in general, you protect your
skin from the sun with sunscreen. It is also recommended that you reapply
sunscreen every 2 hours with prolonged sun exposure.
What to expect post-procedure?
Swelling and crusting of the skin may occur.
You may use an antibiotic ointment to apply to your skin for seven to 10
days following the peel to keep it supple and to help in healing. Depending upon your peel and
skin type, the skin might crack. Use your antibacterial ointment or
allow it to dry, crack and fall away naturally.
Will there be any severe
redness, burning, or down time?
Users
may feel some stinging while the GA is on the skin. The skin may turn pink,
but will return to its normal color within a day or two. When used properly,
there shouldn't be any severe redness, burning, or down time to speak of.
When tiny blisters or outright
peeling do occur, it's most often the result of misuse to some degree or
another - using too strong of a solution, rubbing the skin during
application, leaving the solution on too long, or incomplete neutralizing.
Although these
occurrences are rare, possible adverse side effects of a glycolic acid peel
include mild stinging, mild swelling, redness, and mild scabbing to mild
peeling. All of these are temporary, lasting a few days at the most.
If this happens, remember to be very
kind to your skin and do not rub or pick at it. The application of
petroleum jelly or triple antibiotic ointment will speed the healing
process. If you are acne-prone, keep in mind you might see some
blemishes after the first use or two, which is actually a good sign. As you
peel away the dead skin layers from the top of those blemishes that are
more-or-less lying beneath the surface, they'll become apparent and erupt.
So it might look as though the condition is worsening, when it's actually
just accelerating the process of getting rid of the blemishes. After a few
uses, you will see a great improvement.
How much downtime should I expect?
Generally after a peel your skin will be pink
or red for the remainder of that day. You may have prolonged redness for the
next 2-7 days in certain areas or on the entire treated area. The skin may
begin to darken and have a stiff feeling like a sunburn that is healing and
about to peel. The skin will then begin to peel like a sunburn. Some
individuals experience more peeling while others do not. The degree of
peeling is dependent on the concentration of chemicals, the length of time
that they are applied, and on your skin.
Generally, if is recommended that you get
your first peel on a day when you do not have to go to work the next day.
You will likely be fine the next day and without any redness but it is good
to see how long your skin takes to recover.
What should I do if I develop small
blisters or other red spots?
Fortunately, first- and second-degree burns don't leave scars.
Small closed blisters contain protective chemicals, serve as a dressing and
reduce pain.
Pain Medicine: For pain, apply
cool compresses and take
acetaminophen
or
ibuprofen
for a few days.
Cleansing: Rinse the area gently
with cool water. Avoid soap.
Blisters: Don't open any small
closed blisters - the outer skin protects the burn from infection.
Antibiotic Ointment: For open
burns, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
Expected Course: It will probably
hurt for 2 days and peel like a sunburn in about a week.
What are you
putting on your skin?
xclusive information about the "3 P's" - Percentage, pH, and Purity - the
qualifying properties of Glycolic Acid.*
Percentage: The
percentage difference is the amount of glycolic in the solution - in
other words, the higher the percentage of glycolic, the less inert
ingredients in the product. So, the product gets really strong when it
reaches 70%... very strong indeed.
pH: Buffering
adjusts the pH of the product. Our 30% and 50% are both lightly
buffered and have a pH of 2.6 (strong acid).. the 70% is not buffered and
has a pH of 0.6 (VERY strong acid).
Purity: Glycolic
Acid is a generic name for the base product. It comes in two grades - and
the grade defines the purity. First, there's the cosmetic
grade. This is the only kind you want on your skin. And it isn't
cheap. Next, there's the tech grade. What is tech grade?
It's floor cleaner. And, it's cheap.
We buy only the cosmetic
grade product in bulk, then we repackage it.. which is the same thing
the expensive names do. They buy the GA, package it, and sell it - with fancy
packaging and a very high price. It's much like Aspirin (acetylsalicylic
acid, aka ASA). Aspirin is Aspirin. You can call it Bayer or
Norwich, but it's all aspirin - & it's all basically the same. Glycolic Acid
is Glycolic Acid - all basically the same, except for the
qualifying properties - percentages, pH, & purity - and this product is
definitely purified. Ours is a high quality product we use ourselves &
provide to friends & family. We purchase the best product available
for the money, and we pass that savings along to you.
We're able to keep the price low because we keep our
overhead low.
Price wars increase the risk of
inferior products hitting the market... we won't play the price war game at
your expense. This glycolic acid product is by far the best solution
we've found for all sorts of troubled skin. It is not cheap, though it is the
least expensive cosmetic grade product available in anything less than a 55
gallon drum. We provide this information for educational purposes only
- to enable informed decision making. We sincerely hope all who sell
glycolic acid and all who buy it will benefit from these truths.
[*
"The 3 P's" is the property of wizozkansas. Do not use. Violators will be
reported to federal authorities.]
Who is the manufacturer and how do I know this is a high quality product?
This product is our own brand. Because we distribute
the product for resale world-wide, the brand isn't mentioned on the label.
We understand your concerns about a supplier... the
quality, reliability, and knowing it is a reputable firm. While we would
like to tell you the name of our supplier, it just wouldn't make good
business sense for us to give away our trade secrets.
Our supplier has been in the cosmetic chemical
business since 1950 - and they supply a multitude of high quality products
to a wide array of customers, especially cosmetology/esthetics schools.
Their supply is always fresh, and they've given us a 5 year shelf life on
it. We purchase and use a new bulk supply at least once a month.
We are aware of other sellers who are pushing floor
cleaner and falsely advertising it as a cosmetic grade product. You are wise
to question.
Why purchase from this particular seller?
We pride ourselves on our high quality, cosmetic grade product and
outstanding customer service; we are a longstanding eBay seller and eBay PowerSeller. Wholesale /
bulk pricing is available on the order page, and there are no hidden answers or cookies.
We have a very high Repeat
Customer Rate on eBay - but our customers usually buy from our website after
the initial eBay purchase.
