Frequently Asked Questions About Glycolic Therapy
How Does Glycolic Acid Work?
Glycolic Acid comes in varying strengths. At lower strengths it is used as an exfoliant and at higher strength sit is used as a mild peel. As an exfoliant, it softens and loosens the dry, dead skin cells that form a barried layer on the skin surface. This allows the skin to shed the dead cells. The process uncovers new skin cells to reveal a smoother, moister and fresher skin surface.
At the same time, Glycolic Acid loosens the natural oils and dirt that build up in the pores. This deep cleansing action minimizes the appearance of the pores and reduces the development of pimples or other breakouts.
Glycolic Acid also stimulates circulation to the skin. By doing this the body’s production of elastin and collagen is increased so that the skin is more supple.
Removing dead skin cells, cleaning out pores, and stimulating the production of elastin and collagen results in healthier and more youthful skin. The new living cells retain moisture better, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What Skin Conditions Show Significant Improvement From a Glycolic Program?
In addition, doctors use higher strength glycolics for certain skin conditions. These conditions include acne, pre-cancerous lesions, such as lentigenes and keratoses, and melasma or other excessive pigmentation problems.
Dead skin cells and oil clogged pores combine to act as a barried to the living skin cells underneath the skin’s surface layer. By removing this barrier, medications are able to penetrate below the skin surface. This enables your doctor to achieve the best therapeutic results.
Is One Glycolic Wash Enough?
No, generally one wash it not enough. For optimal benefit, your doctor performs a series of 4 to 6 applications of Glycolic Acid to the appropriate strengths. These treatments are performed every 7 to 14 days during the series. The treatment promotes the removal of damage skin layers and stimulates the growth of new skin cells. Remember, this program is conservative. Unlike a chemical peel, it is designed to produce changes slowly so that there is minimal interruption of your daily schedule.
Periodic follow-up peels 3 to 5 times throughout the year are used to maintain your skin’s improved condition.
How Many Series of Glycolic Washes Are Recommended Annually?
Your skin is a living organ that is always changing. As it changes, we want you to experience having and keeping the healthiest skin possible. Your doctor needs to evaluate your skin and monitor your progress throughout the year on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. This is practicing preventive medicine. It also will allow us to maximize the beneficial results of your first therapy series and to keep your skin free of any developing problems. We recommend at least on series a year.
When glycolic washes are performed as a part of a therapeutic program, such as treating acne, more frequent washes may be required
How is the Glycolic Wash Performed?
The glycolic wash is performed in the comfort of your doctor’s office. A concentration of Glycolic Acid of 30% or higher is applied to your skin. You may experience a mild tingling or stinging sensation when the glycolic is applied. The Glycolic Acid is then neutralized with a gel that makes the acid inactive or is rinsed off thoroughly with water.
What Can I Expect During My First Glycolic Wash Series?
After your first glycolic wash your skin will appear smoother and will have better color. Your skin should appear healthier with general overall improvement in its condition. As you go through the series you may experience minimal redness, like sunburn, light flaking or maybe even some crusting or scabbing. At the end of the series your skin will be smoother and you will have more even skin tones. Fine lines are diminished and your complexion will have better color due to improved circulation. Your skin will look and feel healthier.
Do I Really Need to Start a Skin Care Regimen Before I Have a Cosmetic Procedure (laser, peel or surgery)? Do I Also Need a Good Post Treatment Regimen?
If you want to maximize the therapeutic benefits of your cosmetic procedure it is important to condition the skin with both pre and post medically supervised skin care programs. No longer is a cosmetic procedure thought of as a one step process, but rather as a multi-step process that includes a comprehensive pre and post topical skin program. It can only enhance the long-term therapeutic and cosmetic effect of any cosmetic procedure.
How Do I Prepare for My First Glycolic Wash Series?
Depending on your skin type and condition, your doctor will prescribe topical medications such as skin bleaching agents, retinoids, anti-bacterially and glycolic products. Use of the topicals will not only enhance the results of your glycolic wash, it will give you beautiful skin that everyone will notice.
Why Do I need to Use So Many Maintenance Products at Home?
Your At-Home Maintenance Products are designed to cleanse, moisturize, treat and protect your skin. To achieve these goals and to maintain healthy skin requires that you keep a balance between the products you use.
For example, one of the ways Glycolic Acid works is as an irritation is to increase circulation, which is healthy. However, too much irritation is unhealthy. The program prescribed by your doctor will include an anti-irritant, if needed, to achieve the proper balance in your program.
Because this is a medical program, we’ve chosen to minimize the use of combination products. We don’t believe that you need Glycolic Acid in every product. Your doctor may want you to use a moisturizer without any glycolic. This means you will need two products, one a glycolic and one a moisturizer, instead of one combination product. Because our products are developed to be used in a program designed for each patient’s unique skin conditions, the use of several products is required.
Can I Use My Regular Skin Care Products With Your Products?
We prefer that you do not substitute other products. Our products are specially formulated to work together. In terms of such factors as pH balance and noncomedogenic ingredients our products are synergistic and enhance the effectiveness of each individual product. Therefore, while on the Treatment Program, put your regular skin care products aide. After you have achieved the desired results, your doctor or skin care professional can help you to incorporate your regular products into your Maintenance Program.
What About My Daily or Evening Make-up Products?
At the same time, you can use select cosmetic products. For example, an oil-free foundation can be used with our program. You also can choose whatever blushes, powders, eye make-up, etc. you want. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or skin care professional what they recommend. Remember, as your complexion gets healthier and more beautiful, you will need less and less of the standard cosmetics.
Are There Other Ares of the Body That Can Benefit From Glycolic Acid Treatments?
Yes, higher strength glycolic treatments can be used on other areas of the body that have many of the same skin conditions as the face. For example, the neck and chest are exposed to the sun’s damaging rays creating dark spots and rough areas that are dry and flaky. Using your at-home skin care program in combination with professional glycolic washes at your doctor’s office could rejuvenate these areas. Women especially will no longer be embarrassed to wear low cut or scoop neck clothing. Other problem areas are the back and shoulders where acne can develop. Using this same program on the back can unplug the pores and prevent further breakouts. Receiving full body washes can be enjoyable and therapeutic at the same time!
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