What Is A Glycolic Acid Cleanser?

A glycolic acid cleanser is a skin care product or facial cleanser that uses some percentage of glycolic acid in it’s formula. Generally speaking, a skin care formula with a 3-10 percent portion of glycolic adic is considered safe for daily use.  Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid cleansers are a form of alpha hydroxy acids (ATA) that are extremely effective exfoliates for the skin.  Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid break down the bond between dead skin cells and the surface of the skin allowing them to thoroughly exfoliate the surface revealing the healthy and vibrant layer of skin below.

You may have heard of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids.  The only difference between the two is that alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid cleansers are water soluble meaning they break down the bond between dead skin cells and the surface of the skin.  Beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid are oil soluble meaning they can penetrate the sebum glands (the ones that produce oil for the the skin) and clean pores deep down, removing dead cells.  Beta hydroxy acids are considered to be more effective, however they can be very harsh on the skin.  If you have sensitive skin, or reservations about using harsh chemicals on your body glycolic acid clenasers are much gentler and less harmful for the skin.

Glycolic Acid Cleanser Benefits

Because glycolic acid is so effective at clearing dead or damaged skin cells, it is host to a number of benefits.  Choosing a cleanser that contains between 5 and 10 percent glycolic acid will ensure you receive all of the benefits the alpha hydroxy acid.

• Improved Skin Texture – Before it was adopted into weaker over the counter products, glycolic acid had been used in concentrations of 20-30 percent as a facial peel procedure.  Just like the peel procedure, consistent use of glycolic acid cleansers can result in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles as well as other signs of aging.
• Even Skin Tone – Removing the outer layer of dead and damaged skin cells improves and evens skin tone so you can enjoy a healthy even color.  Dark or shaded areas become less apparent with the consistent use of a good glycolic cleanser for around 3 months.
• Fewer Breakouts – Blackheads and whiteheads are caused by the clogging pores by dead skin cells.  Consistent cleansing of dead skin cells will dramatically reduce the number of breakouts you experience.

Types Of Glycolic Acid Cleanser

There are generally two types of glycolic acid cleansers.  It can either be a high concentration face wash or scrub which should be used daily, usually before bed.   Or, a more effective alternative is a glycolic acid moisturizer which should be put on the skin in the mornings.  Allowing plenty of time for the glycolic acid to penetrate is the best way of guaranteeing the results you are looking for.

• Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash – Leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.  pH balanced for a superior clean, rises away with no irritating residue.  It is also alchohol and soap free eliminating the burning or stinging feeling you may be used to with other alpha hydroxy cleansers.
• Aqua Glycolic Face Cream - One of the bestselling face creams containing glycolic acid.  The best way to ensure deep penetration of a glycolic acid cleanser is to apply it to the face in the form of a moisturizer that is left on all day long.