Glycolic Acid: discover the benefits of the product for your skin

For the more vain women, frequent visits to the dermatologist become almost mandatory over the years. But, for a good reason: there are currently several treatments and products recommended by professionals, which soften or delay the signs of aging or, simply, make the skin much more beautiful.

Among the acids frequently used and indicated by dermatologists, Glycolic has attracted a lot of attention, for bringing relatively fast results and many benefits to women’s skin.

What is Glycolic Acid?

According to dermatologist Renata Fernandes Marques, Glycolic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, derived from sugar cane and sweet vegetables. It is a colorless and odorless acid, widely used in skin rejuvenating products. “It has the ability to exfoliate the skin, lighten it and stimulate collagen synthesis in the dermis, preventing or delaying aging. It can make the skin thinner, silkier, clearer and even reduce acne scars,” she highlights.

The dermatologist explains that the acid can be used as a peeling or in products that contain it. “Its correct use, in addition to the benefits already mentioned above, can make the skin more uniform, firm, hydrated and shiny”, she adds.

Do the benefits of the products take time to appear?

With so many benefits it can offer women’s skin, there is no doubt about how valid its use is, as long as it is recommended by a dermatologist. But, will the results take a long time to appear?

“The results are variable and depend on the concentration of Glycolic Acid in the cosmetic. But, usually, they can be noticed from the second or third month of use. When performed as a peeling, where the concentrations are higher, the results appear faster, in weeks”, explains dermatologist Renata.

What products contain glycolioc acid?

Currently, there are several products on the market that contain Glycolic Acid in their composition. “From medically handled, to commercial products, sold in stores and pharmacies, such as, for example, Glenmark’s Demelan Whitening Cream; Derm AHA and Biomedic Pigment Vontrol, from La Roche Posay; Vichy’s Normaderm line, among others”, says the dermatologist.

“The ideal is always to buy any product under the recommendation of a dermatologist, who will choose the best option for each skin type. However, products from commercial lines, as they have lower concentrations of glycolic acid, are sold without the need for a medical prescription”, explains dermatologist Renata Marques.

The use of photoprotectors

“All patients who are using some acid should use sunscreens, as the skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, increasing the chance of burns and blemishes on the skin, if it is not adequately protected”, highlights dermatologist Renata.

Contraindications

According to the doctor, Glycolic Acid should not be used by people with active infection in the place where it will be applied, in those allergic to the product, in skins with open wounds or with recent burns, and in pregnant women.

Now you know the benefits that Glycolic Acid offers and, if necessary, you can consult your dermatologist about the use of products that contain the acid or about the possibility of performing peelings. But always remember to follow the guidelines given by the professional, because only then will the results be satisfactory and your skin will really be more beautiful and rejuvenated!