Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring ingredient in the family of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's). These acids are found in many common fruits and foods. For example, citric acid from citrus fruit, malic acid from apples, tartaric acid from grapes, and lactic acid from sour milk. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight of all the AHA's and therefore, by virtue of its smaller molecular size, has greater penetration than any of the larger AHA's.

Cosmetic use of the AHA's dates back thousands of years. For example, Cleopatra and other women of her day were known to bathe in sour mile (lactic acid) and apply aged red wine to their faces (tartaric acid). This enabled them to make their skin appear fresher and smoother. Today through science and technology the most effective AHA of all, glycolic acid, is available and producing tremendous benefits far beyond the dreams of Cleopatra.

Glycolic acid, because of its small molecular size, has the greatest penetration of all the alpha hydroxy acids. Specifically, studies show that glycolic acid helps to loosen, or break up, the thick outer homy layer of the skin (statum corneum) where excessive build-up of dead skin cells can be associated with many common skin conditions. This loosening, or breaking up, of the outer skin leads to a sloughing or dead skin cells and prevents build-up from re-occurring. This results in a dramatic smoothing of the skin with lessening of the fine lines, a fine texture, healthy, youthful flow and increased hydration and softness.

Glycolic acid also penetrates into the sebaceous follicle where the build-up of dead cells is also primarily responsible fore the acne process. When the substances blocking the follicle are eliminated, by the deep cleansing action of glycolic acid, most problem skin can effectively be controlled.

The important thing to remember is that most of the problems that respond to glycolic acid have one thing in common: a build-up of dead cells. Whether it occurs in the follicle as with acne prone skin or occurs as corneycyte cohesion in aged dry thickened skin, or hyperpigmentation or a number of other conditions, these problems are all associated with the build-up of dead cells associated with many of today's skin conditions. The outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum, this layer of skin is dead. When you touch the outside of your face you are touching layers of dead cells. The moisture content, configuration and length of adhesion of these cells has much to do with how youthful, healthy, and vibrant the skin appears. For example, if you look at the face of a 20 year old versus that of a 40 year old, the most obvious difference is that the skin of the 40 year old probably appears thicker, courser and duller. It doesn't generally have the same translucent moist quality and may have a dehydrated look and feel. The pores may appear more prominent and fine lines and wrinkles may be apparent. Many would simply consider these differences to part of the normal, expected progression of the aging process. However, it has been proven that up to 95% of the visible signs of aging are sun damage. Regardless of whether the individual was an avid sun worshiper or contact was limited to casual exposure, the result is the same. Many doctor's believe people could look basically the same as they did in their 20's well into their 60's, if they were simply protected from the sun's damaging rays.

Did you know that most of the outward signs of aging that you will see in your lifetime are a result of cumulative everyday sun exposure that begins as an infant and continues throughout life. It can take 10 to 40 years for the damage (dry skin, course texture, lines and wrinkles) to gradually and progressively manifest itself. Of course continued sun exposure only compounds the damage.

How does the sun exposure result in visible signs of aging? Sun exposure and its effect on skin aging can be divided into 2 main categories: the effects on the epidermis (outer layer) and the effects on the dermis (living layer containing collagen and elastin and blood supply).

First, the epidermis, as was mentioned earlier, the outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum and is made up of dead cells. Generally, before the age of 25, these cells lay in an organized fashion much like shingles on a roof. The skin appears moist, translucent, smooth and finely textured. In the late 20's and early 30's the subtle signs of photo-aging slowly appear. Perhaps the skin feels drier, lacks luster, fine lines appear and frequently the texture of the skin just isn't as smooth and soft. Although the changes are subtle, there is a definite and distinct difference in the overall appearance of the skin. Essentially the stratum corneum has begun to thicken or build-up mainly due to damage caused by sun exposure. The rate at which these cells normally slough off is greatly diminished and the result is skin that appears progressively thicker and less youthful as times goes on. That is why chemical peels are so dramatic. When the stratum corneum is removed and new cell production is stimulated, the skin regains its youthful texture, moistness and smoothness.

The second category affected by sun damage is the dermis, made up primarily of collagen and elastin. The sun's UVA and UVB rays penetrated directly into the dermis much like an x-ray. The sun's rays literally destroy collagen and elastin and also damage the cells ability to reproduce themselves in and identical healthy fashion. Eventually this destruction in the dermis results in a distortion where collagen and elastin have been destroyed. We perceive this distortion as an actual deep wrinkle, as opposed to superficial line and textural changed in the epidermis. This is why Dr. Tomcik insists in the Daily Use of Sunblock in order to protect the skin from aging effects of sun exposure and especially to prevent skin cancer. For these reasons we believe you will find the combination of glycolic acid and sunblock on a daily basis the prudent and effective way to preserve the health and beauty of your skin.

A word about Moisturizers - Moisturizers are only surface conditions that merely coat the skin and soften and smooth the dead cells, temporarily making the skin appear more moist and soft. Moisturizers can temporarily slow the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin or the signs of aging.
The process of abnormal cell buildup is a form of what is called keratinization. Glycolic acid appears to effect this process. Glycolic acid has the ability to dislodge or dissolve the "mortar" or "cellular cement" that causes cells to stick together and appear thicker and coarser. When this mortar" is dissolved the process of cellular sloughing is greatly accelerated. The skin appears to be rejuvenated. Glycolic acid dramatically affects the appearance of dry thickened skin, fine lines, overall texture, smoothness and hydration. Continued use of the Glycolic Acid will assist the skin in maintaining a youthful appearance and will prevent further skin thickening.