How to Make Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), often used in spas to "peel" the skin. Extensively used in anti-aging skincare products, glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and known for reducing fine lines on the skin and helping skin to look young by breaking bonds between dead skin cells.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sugar cane
• Fresh citrus fruit (lemon, lime, orange)
• Small bowl
• Spoon
• Towel

1. 

   Pour 2-3 tablespoons of sugar cane into a small bowl.

2. 

   Cut a piece of citrus fruit in half or in quarters and squeeze the juice into the bowl with the sugar.

3. 

   Mix together. The mixture should not be too thick, but not watery, either.

4. 

   Rub the mixture onto your face using gentle, circular motions. Avoid the eye area.

5. 

   Rinse face with cool water and blot dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Dab the fruit wedges over your face, concentrating on the T-zone (forehead and area between the eyes) and any areas with fine lines (avoid getting the juice in your eyes). Leave on skin for 1-2 minutes and rinse. Blot skin dry.

• Glycolic and fruit acids make skin more susceptible to sunburn, so make sure to slather on a good amount of sunscreen afterwards; preferably one with an SPF rating of 30 or more. Not recommended for sensitive or inflamed skin.

References

• Anne Berthold-Bond. "Better Basics For the Home: Simple Solutions For Less Toxic Living." Three Rivers Press; 1st edition: 1999.