Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruits (Like Pineapples!) that help break down your dead old skin- clearing it away- revealing fresh new skin beneath. Because it helps break down and remove your dead old skin, the new revealed skin makes your whole face appear smoother, firmer, and more youthful!
Dermatoligists and estheticians have been using glycolic acid for years in chemical peels (fancy name for chemical exfoliation) to help fade discoloration, acne scars, and the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. Which, when you think about it, makes a lot of sense! lifting off the breakup of dead skin cells is going to make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. Removing the old/dead skin cells clinging on to your face is going to remove the cells that hold some of that discoloration allowing the newer skin to shine!
Glycolic acid is a product that is great for men, women and almost all skin types!
So how can you use glycolic acid on your own skin?
Glycolic acid can be a powerful ingredient. So powerful- that using too high of a percentage can result in redness and irritation!
Physicians and specialists typically use concentrations of around 40-70% in their chemical peels (though they are trained to use this high a percentage and actual skin peeling and downtime is still a side effect in many cases!).
Some at home chemical peel kits use concentrations of 20-35% of glycolic acid. In those cases, you need to read the instructions carefully on how often you can use the product- AND- how long you can leave the product on your face before you have to worry about the redness and irritation side effects. Leaving the acid on too long could result in burns in wash off products!
The longer the ingredient stays on the face- the better the ingredient works to break up and remove dead skin cells- so, what exactly is the best way to use glycolic acid and be safe/avoid the irritation? A leave-on product! Specifically formulated to be left on at a mild concentration. Studies have shown that daily chemical exfoliation is actually better for your skin than high concentration one time treatments!
Jo Collection's
Pineapple Peel
The Pineapple Peel is a daily, leave on, AHA/BHA blend and the EASY way to use a glycolic acid. There is no timing, no washing off, no redness or irritation. Simply wash your face, dry, apply the Pineapple Peel to your face using your hands in light circular motions and your done!
Some people with extra sensitive skin, can react to the glycolic acid in any product- no matter the concentration. If you have sensitive skin it is important to test any product!
Here’s how to do test your skin:
Decide where you want to do the patch test: behind your ear or along your jawline.
Wash the area with a soap free formula and pat dry.
Apply onto a small area about 1 inch in diameter.
Wait a full 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.
If you experience no allergic reactions (red, itchy bumps) or adverse reactions of any sort, you can then proceed with the full peel.
Follow the directions on your facial peel product!
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