Glycolic Products for the Face

Glycolic acid is a powerful anti-aging ingredient in itself, thus most any glycolic product can be categorized as anti-aging. However, there are also more aggressive products utilizing other anti-aging ingredients (retinol and retinyl palmitate are very common) in combination with glycolic acid to further combat the signs of aging. Be aware that anti-aging products containing a form of retinol should be used at night only.

Glycolic acid is often combined with Retinol, a form of vitamin A known for its anti-aging properties. Whereas Glycolic acid in effect breaks down the skin, Retinols rebuild the skin. However, some skin is too sensitive to endure both of these ingredients.

Products that contain Retinol include Factor A Plus Lotion by Jan Marini Skin Research and Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel by MD Skincare. For more sensitive or reactive skin, Cream Plus by Gly Derm or Toning Cream by ProCyte will allow you to achieve the effects of Glycolic acid with less irritation.

Bleaching/Lightening Products

Available in both gel and liquid bases, glycolic acid based lighteners may also contain other lightening ingredients to speed up the fading process. Ingredients such as kojic acid, hydroquinone, bearberry, mulberry, arbutin and azelaic acid are common lighteners. Bleaching products should be used as spot treatments only. Glycolic skin bleachers include Fading Lotion by Glytone, which also features 2% Hydroquinone; Bioglycolic Lightening Gel by Jan Marini, which utilizes Kojic Acid; and Radiance Lightening Gel by Pevonia Botanica, which uses Aleziac Acid.

Exfoliants

Glycolic acid in liquid or cream is used for deep cleansing. In products such as Exfoderm Forte by Obagi and Activating Body Scrub by Murad, Glycolic exfoliants slough off dead skin cells resulting in a brighter, refined complexion; many are available with granules for additional manual exfoliation. Exfoliants can be used 2 to 3 times a week unless otherwise noted.

Eye Creams and Gels

Due to the delicate area around the eyes, glycolic eye creams and gels are formulated with a lower percentage of glycolic acid. Eye products may also contain additional anti-aging ingredients like retinols (Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream by MD Forte), collagen (Firming Eye Gel by Glytone ) and elastin (Collastin Eye Contour Fluid by Pevonia Botanica ). Expect to see refined skin tone and diminished appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Facial Cleansers

Cream and gel formulations for daily cleansing, exfoliation and deep cleansing of pores. Cleansers are most often available with 3-15% glycolic content, such as Facial Cleanser by Neostrata, Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser by Jan Marini or Mild Gel Wash by Glytone. Additionally, cleansers may be formulated by your specific skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, etc). For those just beginning a glycolic regimen, you should always start with a lower percentage of glycolic acid.

Facial Creams

Daily glycolic acid treatment for normal to dry skin types. Facial creams such as Facial Cream III by MD Forte and Glycolic Face Cream by Credentials smooth and refine skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, deep cleanse pores and exfoliate. These are generally not for moisturizing and are available containing different strengths of glycolic acid, usually 5% and stronger. May be used with an additional moisturizer and/or sunscreen.

Facial Lotions

Daily glycolic acid treatment for combination to oily skin types, such as Skin Rejuvenation Lotion I by MD Forte or Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Oil Control Gel with Salicylic Acid 2% by DDF. Used to smooth and refine skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, deep cleanse pores and exfoliate. Generally, these are not used as moisturizers and are available containing different strengths of glycolic acid, usually 5% and stronger. May be used with an additional moisturizer and/or sunscreen.

Facial Serums

Facial serums are a daily glycolic acid treatment for oily and problematic skin types or those looking for a lighter texture treatment product. A glycolic serum such as Glycolic Serum by Credentials or Betaplex Line Smoother by Cellex-C smoothe and refine skin texture, reduces hyperpigmentation, deep cleanses pores and exfoliates. May be used with an additional moisturizer and/or sunscreen.

Masks

Masks usually have higher concentrations of glycolic acid and other ingredients, which intensifies the results seen through daily use. Available in formulations for every skin type, popular glycolic masks include Betaplex Clear Complexion Mask by Cellex-C and Glytone Essentials Deep Cleansing Masque by Glytone.

Toners

Toners are used to restore pH to skin after cleansing, which helps to clarify the complexion. Using a toner such as Solution Plus 12 by Gly Derm or Glycolic Toner 10% by DDF will also prepare skin for better absorption of treatment products.

Glycolic Products for the Body

Body to smooth and refine skin over the entire body, glycolic acid body lotions, including Toning Creme by ProCyte and Daily Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 15 by pH Advantage, also help reduce irritation associated with shaving.

Body Scrub

Body scrubs are products that manually and chemically exfoliate your skin. In the case of glycolic products, such as Pumice Acne Scrub by DDF, it is a chemical exfoliation. These are particularly good to use before applying a self-tanner.

Body Wash

A body wash acts like a cleanser for the entire body, deep cleansing pores and, in the case of a glyoclic body wash like Exfoliating Body Wash by Glytone exfoliate the entire body.

Foot Care

The feet are an area especially prone to the buildup of rough, thickened skin. Glycolic foot care products, such as AHA Foot Gel - 15 by NeoStrata , penetrate thick skin to refine dry, rough and cracked heels and feet, leaving them softer and healthier.

Hair Care

Glycolic products can even be used to deep cleanse the scalp and help remove impurities while conditioning the hair. Glycolic Acid 2% Hair Repair Conditioner by Peter Thomas Roth is a rich conditioning formula that leaves hair healthy and shiny.

Hand and Nail Care

For hands and nails, glycolic acid can be used to smooth and brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots and moisturize hands, cuticles and nails. Multivitamin Hand & Nail Treatment by Dermalogica sloughs of dulling skin cells while infusing a vitamin blend to ensure softer, smoother hands.