The Esthetic Benefits Of The Sugarcane Plant

By Jean Pierre
Pride Health Columnist

Glycolic acid is an acid derived from the sugarcane plant and is commonly used in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation and premature aging. Glycolic Acid is one of the groups of alpha hydroxyl acids and has a smaller molecular structure, which allows for quick penetration into the skin and for this reason it is commonly used to treat various skin ailments.

What is Alpha Hydroxyl Acid?

Alpha hydroxyl acid or (AHA) is a term commonly used to describe a group of acids frequently used to treat skin imperfections. These acids are topically applied to the skin with the intent of dissolving the “glue substance” that binds dead skin cells together. When applied to the skin these acids induces rapid exfoliation and regeneration of new cells which results in a more clear and youthful appearance to the skin. Alpha hydroxyl acids are found in various food products such as citric acid in citrus fruits, lactic acid in milk, tartic acid in grapes salicylic acid in willow bark and glycolic acid in sugarcane.

How is Glycolic Acid used in treating problematic skin condition?

Although alpha hydroxyl acid occurs naturally in foods, glycolic acid is the most clinically effective alpha hydroxyl acid in treating skin conditions with optimum results and with little or no irritation. However, the right percentage for a particular skin type and condition must be used, as it is rapidly absorbed in the epidermal layer of the skin, thereby causing rapid exfoliation of dead cells. The skin type and colour will determine the percentage of glycolic acid used in a treatment, which generally ranges from 10 percent to 70 percent. Extreme caution must be employed, as not to cause a burn to the skin during treatment.

Glycolic acid is commonly used by doctors and estheticians and as a prime ingredient in skincare formulations. The normal turnover cycle of a cell life is generally 28 days and as one ages the cycle becomes longer and could take up to 40 days for turnover of cell causing slowing down of skin cell turnover. Glycolic is used to upset the acid mantle of the skin. Skin is slightly acidic and this acid mantle on the skin is a mixture of sweat and lipids produced by the body. These secretions exert a powerful bactericidal effect on the skin. The acid mantle coats the skin and acts as a protection against bacterial invasion.

How does Glycolic Acid Work?

Glycolic has the ability to:

• Increase the turnover of collagen production in the skin thus making the skin appear more youthful and slows down the aging process.
• Neutralize the acne bacteria in the skin slowing down or preventing further breakouts.
• Slows down the over production of oil that clog the pores and cause skin eruption
• Removes gradually, hyperpigmentation and age spots from the skin
• Causes a fine desquamation of the skin resulting in a glowing healthy complexion
• Minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

Who needs a Glycolic peel?

Everyone who desires to have and maintain a beautiful complexion should have their skin analyzed in order to obtain the right product and treatment for their skin type and problem if any. Glycolic peel is a good cost-effective treatment, and if done properly gives great long-term results without any ill effects. Peels are generally recommended in a series of 6 to 8 treatments, 2 to 3 weeks apart or as suggested by a dermatologist or aesthetician.

Summary

Glycolic acid was first used by dermatologist to treat aging skin. They soon found out that it had a dramatic effect on their patients who had problematic skin and in particular those with adult acne. Glycolic was later introduced as one of the prime ingredients to treat both teenage and adult acne.

It was later introduced to treat all skin types and would come to play a major role in blue light and infrared light therapies. Although an acid, it has the ability to draw moisture to the skin cells as it unclog pores, and removes dead cell build up, allowing therapeutic products to penetrate the epidermal layer.

Jean Pierre is a Registered Nurse and an experienced Aesthetician. She has dedicated her professional life to the pursuit of excellence in specialized skin care products and spa service. She is the president and creator of the Obsidian Skin Care System and founder of the popular Jean Pierre Aesthetics and Spa. A community leader and inspirational entrepreneur, Jean Pierre, has been cited for numerous awards including the African Canadian Achievement Award for Business, The Toronto Sun’s Woman on the Move Award and the Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Business.