HOW GLYCOLIC ACID TREATMENTS WORK:
Glycolic acid is like a chemical exfoliant. It loosens "the glue" that holds the skin cells together. By loosening those bonds, the top layer of skin is removed much faster than it normally would be and the effect is to improve the appearance of the skin. The same action loosens and clears out the follicles, or pores, which results in an improvement in acne, blackheads and congested pores. As we age, our skin cells turn over at a much slower rate. This is what causes many of the signs of aging. By using Glycolic Acid to remove the top layers of skin, the skin is forced to renew itself much faster and the result is younger looking skin. Also when the skin is challenged to turn over faster, the damaged areas - which cannot renew themselves as fast as healthy new cells - are replaced with healthy new cells and the damage is literally erased. The faster cell renewal rate also stimulates the production of Collagen and Elastin, which is the "padding" located just below the top layer of skin in the dermis layer that gives the skin elasticity and smoothness. In the same dermis layer, Glycolic Acid also stimulates the production of moisture-binding agents (including hyaluronic acid) which results in a dramatic improvement in the moisture content of the skin.