Effectiveness Of Acne Care Treatment Products

By Author: Ryan Armstrong
Total Articles: 3
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How long does it take for your skin to produce a pimple or whitehead?
Approximately 2 - 3 weeks -- Clogged pores in your skin start the process because the sebum (oil) that your pores produce cannot escape. As the oil hardens under the skin's surface it creates a plug making it impossible for newly-produced sebum to be released. This is the process that leads to unsightly pimples or whiteheads. In extreme cases, bacteria is introduced and pimples get infected. This is the primary cause of acne. Glycolic acid stops the process before it begins - by keeping the pores open and melting hardened sebum. Over time, because the process continually melts sebum, you will see a steady improvement in the appearance and clarity of your skin. No hard sebum - no plugged pores. No clogged pores - no pimples. No pimples - no acne. It's simple and effective. In fact, most doctors recommend glycolic acid specifically for this purpose. When you first begin using glycolic acid products, it takes time to reverse clogged pores and melt the sebum that has already formed under you ...
... skin. This may take up to 3 - 6 weeks. Regular use of glycolic acid helps keep your pores free of blockages so that pimples do not form again.

What happens if I stop using the glycolic products?
Unfortunately, the results you achieved will disappear if you stop using glycolic acid. The dead cell layer will build up once again, and pores will become plugged up again. The bottom line: The original symptoms and problems will re-occur.

Is glycolic acid safe?
Yes. It is a 100% non-toxic substance which does not enter the blood stream when applied to your skin. It has FDA approval in smaller concentrations for the general public. It is not considered a drug and there are no bad side effects when used according to the directions. It does have sun precautions that should be followed closely, however.

How can glycolic acid help my skin problems, when so many other products have failed?
Your other products don't help you because they simply cannot penetrate into your skin. You first have to understand some basic knowledge regarding your skin's structure to really understand why the other products haven't been working.

Your skin is made up of three layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue.

The epidermis is the tough, outside layer of skin made up of layers of individual dead cells called squamous. These cells are continuously shed as the new cells work their way up from below. The outermost layer of these squamous cells becomes its own layer: the stratum corneum. Glycolic acid's main function is to exfoliate this dead layer of squamous cells.

The dermis is the second layer in. It is responsible for the skin's elasticity (elastin) and strength (collagen). *The sebaceous is the fatty layer which also contains most of your hair follicles.

The average skin care product ingredients can only treat the outermost layer (squamous) of skin cells, since their molecular structures are too large to actually penetrate into the epidermis, let alone the dermis. Since these products can't really dig in and help your skin's structure, they just sit on top and temporarily improve the skins look by plumping and smoothing the dead squamous cells. .

There are only two skin care substances which have molecules small enough to penetrate this top layer and do some real structural good. The most popular, because of its excellent function, is glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Once the glycolic acid penetrates through the layers of skin, it can help to keep the hair follicles cleared of built up squamous cells, thus reducing the blockages that cause acne in many individuals. Also, it can trigger the formation of new elastin cells and collagen. After using glycolic acid, the skin will have a much smoother look and feel from the inside out.

How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids really work?
AHA's break the bonds between weakened skin cells, making it easy to exfoliate them and encourage the production of new cells. *In a clinical study conducted at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, it was determined that using a glycolic treatment (containing at least 25% glycolic acid) lead to a 25% increase in skin thickness, improved quality of elastic fibers and an increased density of collagen.

What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Glycolic acids are used to improve the quality of the skin surface, to slow the aging process and increase moisturization through exfoliation. They work actively to reduce the problems of acne prone skin, acne scars, dry and oily skin, photodamaged skin, age spots, pigment irregularities, and fine wrinkles.

When can I expect to see the results?
Within a few weeks of regularly using glycolic acid products, skin should appear smoother and healthier. Some people notice a difference after two or three peels. You should notice a marked difference in the texture of your skin within 6-10 peels.

Can I use glycolic acid products with my other beauty products?
Yes!! Glycolic acid products can be used with other products your physician or skin care advisor has recommended. In fact, your favorite products will actually work better now that they can penetrate deeper into your skin.

Should I avoid sun exposure while using glycolic acid products?
Absolutely, you should always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF of at least 15) applied hourly to prevent photo damage if you plan to be in the Sun. Your new baby fresh skin in sensitive and needs to be protected.

What should I expect within the first few days of using glycolic acid products?
As the dead cell layer sloughs off, your skin may appear slightly drier than normal. Once the transition is made, your complexion will appear more youthful and vibrant.

When can I expect my acne to improve?
As glycolic acid clears and cleanses pores, acne may initially appear to be slightly more active. But as the pores are cleared, your skin should show marked improvement. (Usually within 6 - 10 weeks).

What happens if I stop using the glycolic products?
The results you achieved from the glycolic acid products will not immediately disappear. However if a maintenance program is not implemented, the dead cell layer will once again build up, and the original problem will re-occur.

About Author:

Ryan Armstrong associated with 30Glycolic helps consumers to customize their skin care products. It has been in the business of formulating complete glycolic acid skin care solutions since 1989. 30Glycolic has everything you need to eliminate acne, reduce the appearance of acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and even sun spots, to uncover a bright, beautiful new you. Their experience, knowledge, outstanding quality, ethical business practices, and focus on keeping our customers happy have earned us a wonderful reputation, not to mention more than 10,000 repeat customers!