As an acne sufferer, I am sure you may have been told to apply glycolic acid. Acne is an inflammatory skin problem causing pimples, irritated skin and blocked pores.
To treat acne properly, you need to try and reduce oil production, speed up the skin cell turnover and deal with any bacterial infection.
Using oil free skin care preparations will help reduce the oil on your skin whilst antibacterial agents such as Benzoyl peroxide will be used to fight infection. Glycolic acid may be used to help speed up skin cell turnover. It works by removing the top layer of your skin i.e. it helps to remove the dead skin on the upper layer of the epidermis.
It is hardly surprising that glycolic acid is used as a skin exfoliant. Concentrated glycolic acid is used as a rust removal agent by various industries. Obviously the strength of the acid you apply to your skin would be a lot less, usually under 10%, but you can perhaps see why some doctors are concerned about patients using glycolic acid particularly in the home.
Some forms of acne should not be treated by exfoliating. If you suffer with pustules, exfoliating can open these and spread the infection around your face. In addition to causing the spread of your acne, you will also increase your pain and discomfort.
If you suffer from acne Rosacea, which is actually not acne despite its name, a properly qualified dermatologist will strongly advise against having this face peel treatment.
You will get the best results if you treat your acne holistically rather than just the individual pimples. Too many of us just focus on getting rid of the rash but you will spend your life doing this if you don't first find out the cause.
If your acne has only recently appeared examine the cosmetics you are currently using. Have you tried a new skin care range or different type of shampoo?
Have you just started your periods or perhaps maybe you are entering the menopause? Could you be pregnant? Has your doctor put you on a different contraceptive? Acne has been linked to hormones for years so anything which affects your hormone levels can cause acne.
Are you stressed? Drinking too much? Eating too much fast food? You cannot get acne from eating too many chips but if your diet is lacking specific vitamins and minerals, your skin will be one of the first causalities.
Try treating your acne with a gentle cleanser and warm water a couple of times a day. Keep your skin as clean as possible but don't overdo it as this can cause irritation. Use products that are suitable for your skin type.
If your acne or the scars it can cause is causing you distress or anxiety, ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist. He or she will be able to give you advice on various treatments that will help to reduce scarring. They may recommend a glycolic acid acne cure if they believe that it will help control your skin problem.
