Where Does Glycolic Acid Come from?
As a cosmetic treatment, glycolic acid is used in a number of over-the-counter products. Its natural chemical properties make for an effective agent for both cosmetic and industrial uses. This material can be easily manufactured in the lab using chloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide, which makes for a highly versatile chemical component with a variety of uses. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
In it's natural state, glycolic acid is found in sugar cane, sugar beets and unripened grapes. This material is made up of small organic molecules that are capable of acting as an acid, or as an alcohol. It's acid-alcohol characteristics have a powerful effect when applied to certain surface materials. The chemical makeup of glycolic acid makes for a strong irritant that has corrosive effects. When manufactured in a laboratory, this material can be produced in varying concentrations for different applications.
Skin Treatments
-
Glycolic acid can be used a cosmetic skin treatment. Because of its acid-alcohol make-up, its classified as an alpha-hydroxyl acid formula. Many over-the-counter products containing alpha-hydroxyl are formulated to treat skin conditions like acne and wrinkles while others work to exfoliate and moisturize skin cells. Glycolic acid is made up of small molecules that further enhance its ability to saturate the skin surface. It's designed to breakup dead skin cell layers that can then be rinsed, or washed off.
-
Industrial Uses
-
In higher concentrations, glycolic acid is used extensively within the industrial sector. Textile industries often use it as a dying or tanning agent. It can also be used as an additive or solvent for ink and paint products. The highly corrosive capabilities of this acidic-alcohol compound make it an effective application for removing rust and degreasing equipment. Within the food processing industry, glycolic acid can be used as a preservative, or as a flavoring agent.
Chemical Peels
-
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a physician thoroughly scrubs the skin, and then applies a chemical solution. These solutions may contain glycolic acid concentrations of 50 percent or more, depending on a person's skin condition. Chemical peels are done to improve the skin's appearance on the face, neck or hands. In effect, it causes dead skin layers to peel off so new skin appears on the surface. Individuals looking to reduce fine lines around the eyes and mouth, treat wrinkles, reduce age spots or dark patches, or remove acne may benefit from this procedure.
Considerations
-
As a skin treatment, glycolic acid can be an effective way to clean away dead skin cells.But there is much controversy as to whether over-the-counter products provide a high enough concentration of glycolic acid to actually treat the skin. Because of this material's stringent properties, manufacturer's are hesitant to use concentrations higher than 10 percent in their over-the-counter products.
Individuals who opt for chemical peel treatments may experience a variety of after-effects. Sunburned skin, blistering, and peeling are typically present for up to seven days. It's best to avoid direct sunlight until the new skin cells have completely healed.
-
