QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads With Vitamins B5, C & E, Green Tea, Calendula, Allantoin - Exfoliates Surface Skin And Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles

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Here, we’ll explain what glycolic acid is, the beauty benefits associated with it, how to use this potent ingredient, and any negative consequences. What is glycolic acid? In a study by Sarkar et al, 20 Indian patients received serial GA peels (30% GA for the first three sittings; 40% GA for the next three sittings), combined with the modified Kligman’s formula (2% hydroquinone, 0.025% tretinoin, and 1% mometasone). A further 20 Indian patients received only the modified Kligman’s formula, with no peeling. In both groups, a significant decrease in the MASI score was observed from baseline to 21 weeks ( P< 0.001). However, the GA peel group showed more rapid and greater improvement ( P< 0.001). 30 As glycolic acid is a highly concentrated acid, it’s frequently used in at-home exfoliating treatments; most popularly in chemical peels. Benefits of glycolic acid

Mandelic acid, a simple phenolic alpha-hydroxy acid, is essentially an aromatic glycolic acid with a benzene ring attached to the alpha-carbon where the hydroxyl group is attached. 29 Given this unique structure, mandelic acid is soluble in both water and polar organic solutions, which results in a more uniform penetration through lipid-rich areas of skin. 29 , 35 – 37 Clinically, mandelic acid has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of superficial erythema and dyspigmentation, as well as efficacy in the reduction of cutaneous sebum production. 1 , 3 , 30 , 39 Comparatively, the results of mandelic acid peels are more subtle than that of superficial glycolic acid peels; however, the side effects and subsequent downtime of mandelic acid are comparatively less, which allows more frequent “touch ups” and shortened intervals between treatment sessions. 1 , 3 , 30 , 39 Patients often experience minimal desquamation, and reepithelialization is often complete within 3 to 5 days. For depressed scars (the most common type associated with inflammatory acne), when used in strengths of 70% as a peel, the acid removes the outer layers of damaged skin resulting in a more smooth, uniform surface. It’s collagen-building properties have been shown to have a modest affect in reducing the depth of these types of scars. The use of polarized filters with color photography was an excellent method of enhancing pigmentation in photographs of patients, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. Ultraviolet reflectance photography is also a valuable tool to accentuate pigmentation; however, patients must wash and degrease the face before photography to prevent reflection from the skin surface, which obscures the assessment of pigmentation. The mexameter served as a reproducible, easy-to-use tool for the objective measurement of pigmentation.Self-precipitation of the peeling agent accounts for little penetration and a good safety profile, thus reducing the risk of postpeel hyperpigmentation, especially in the darker skin types.[ 16] These features have made salicylic acid peel superior to glycolic acid peel in comparative studies conducted earlier in dark-skinned individuals. Studies have also shown beneficial effect of salicylic acid peel in postinflammatory pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals.[ 16, 17] Similar effect on postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted in this study. Salicylic acid decreases postacne hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory effects. Ahn and Kim[ 18] found salicylic acid to have a whitening effect on the skin as well. Mandelic acid also has a beneficial effect in improving skin pigmentation. Even if you’re not hugely into skincare (i.e. if a simple cleanse, tone, moisturise is enough to please you), it’s likely you’ve come across the words ‘glycolic acid’ plastered across products. From the super luxe to drugstore regulars, most of the major beauty brands have an impressive glycolic offering. Javaheri SM, Handa S, Kaur I, Kumar B. Safety and efficacy of glycolic acid facial peel in Indian women and melasma. Int J Dermatol 2001;40:354-7. View abstract.

Glycolic acid offers several skin revitalizing benefits. As a keratolytic, it can effectively penetrate the surface layer of skin to gently dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, enabling them to slough off. This exfoliative action reveals skin that is more youthful, smooth and fresh. Derms advice you only using active ingredients with different pH levels at different times of the day, as using them together can cause irritation. For example, using a low pH product like glycolic acid in the morning and a high pH product like vitamin C in the evening is a good idea. Sahu P, Dayal S, Bhardwaj N. Topical 5% tranexamic acid with 30% glycolic acid peel: An useful combination for accelerating the improvement in melasma. Dermatol Ther 2021;34(6):e15107. View abstract.

Sound like something you might benefit from? Here’s our pick of the best glycolic products available…

Kligman AM. Topical treatments for photoaged skin. Separating the reality from the hype. Postgrad Med 1997;102:115-26. View abstract. Bs C, Vadlamudi SL, Shenoy C. Safety of Performing Superficial Chemical Peels in Patients on Oral Isotretinoin for Acne and Acne-Induced Pigmentation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2021;14(11):41-43. View abstract. Commonly used deep-depth solutions. The two most commonly used deep peels are high concentration TCA (≥50%), and the phenol peel. As previously discussed, high concentration TCA peels have fallen out of favor due to frequent complications, a high incidence of scarring, and significant unpredictability in ablative depth. 2 , 4 – 7 , 10 , 21 , 24 – 26 When using pure phenol peels, the undiluted, high concentration of phenol causes rapid keratocoagulation, producing a liquefactive “plug” of denatured protein that inhibits further chemical peeling. As a result, pure phenol provides only medium-depth ablation and is rarely used in chemical peeling. 5 – 7 , 10 , 21 , 25 , 26 , 45

Glycolic acid helps to separate the connections between keratinocytes [skin cells] in the outer layers of skin without rough, mechanical exfoliation techniques and promotes exfoliation,” Dr. Krant says. “In this way, it can artificially speed up cell turnover and bring fresher, younger cells to the surface.” GA peels have frequently been combined with other peels and treatments, to give better results. In a study by the author, microneedling was combined with 35% GA peel to treat acne scars in patients with skin type III–IV. Microneedling was performed six-weekly, and 35% GA peel was performed 3 weeks after each microneedling session. There was significant improvement in superficial and moderately deep atrophic box scars and rolling scars. In addition, there was improvement in skin texture and reduction in post-acne pigmentation. 46 There are two common types of skincare acids: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), which work by removing dead cells on the surface of your skin – also referred to as ‘resurfacing’– and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), which penetrate deep into pores. Glycolic acid is an AHA. An indisputable it-ingredient of our generation, glycolic acid shows up in nearly every skincare product of mass popularity today. It’s been hailed as a ‘miracle ingredient’ in many circles for the wide range of benefits it touts, but how do you know if it’s right for you?Skin type must be taken into consideration before you reach for the glycolic. Dr Jonquille Chantrey, Surgeon and International Beauty Lecturer advises: Kurtzweil P. Alpha-hydroxy acids for skin care: Smooth sailing or rough seas? FDA 1999. Available at: /www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_ahas.html (Accessed 18 August 2000).