What is Glycolic Acid?

Alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally occurring fruit acids, derived from the sugars of selected plants and fruits such as Sugar Cane, Grapes, Citrus Fruits, Apples and Bitter Almonds. These acids perform at the base of the stratum corneum, dissolving the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together. Because this increases cell turnover, skin becomes smoother, more elastic and more even in tone and texture.

At the same time Glycolic Acid also stimulates your skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin and keeps it elastic and line free; when this starts to disintegrate, skin begins to sag and wrinkle. Replacing the collagen your skin has lost with age can help diminish crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines, and vertical lines around the lips.

Glycolic Acid has been known to help the following conditions

* Acne
* Sun damaged skin
* Blotchy pigmentation (chloasma)
* Fine wrinkles
* Over production of sebum (oily skin)
* Shaving rash
* Scars
* Stretch marks
* Blackheads
* Dry skin
* Open Pores
* Keratosis Pilaris

Remember, this product isn't just limited to your face, it can be used on your stomach or thighs to combat stretch marks, on your hands to be rid of any dry skin, on your feet, elbows and knees again a place dry skin can accumulate, any scars you have such as caesarean or appendix, anywhere you have problem skin except of course sensitive areas such as genitals or around the eye.

How is this good for spots? The most common form of acne is caused as hair follicles get clogged by dead skin cells and sebum - the oil your skin naturally produces. Bacteria multiply within the clogged pores and so spots and blackheads form. By removing the dead skin cells you are also removing the grime and excess oil that's blocking up the pores and exposing fresh, new skin that can breathe. Most people report that with regular use of AHA products, their once very oily skin changes to a combination type skin.

How does it reduce scars and wrinkles? When new layers of skin grow they are following the pattern, or blueprint of the skin above them, so if you have scars in your skin that is the blueprint the new skin is following. By removing the top layers of skin daily you are reducing that blueprint and so the scar will become less visible, slowly over time.

No topical treatments can reverse deep scarring but the Glycolic Acid peels will help to make your skin smoother, and the scars less noticeable. The treatment also stimulates the production of collagen which keeps your skin smooth and firm. It also allows your moisturiser to penetrate the deeper layers of skin, and so the skin’s own regeneration process can happen more efficiently

Will my face be sore and peeling? As long as you follow the instructions supplied then no, you should experience no discomfort or peeling, remember this is just speeding up a natural process that occurs in your skin. The peel is left on for a few minutes (remember to time it accurately). As you will be applying a natural fruit acid to your skin you will feel a slight stinging sensation, but it's loosening the bond of the old, dead skin only and not peeling off your healthy, living skin. You may experience some redness but this will soon fade. You skin may also feel slightly itchy after a treatment, this is perfectly normal as it's the skin regenerating itself.

At my salon they said I needed to prep my skin first? With our preparation you start by leaving it on for a few minutes only and then gradually increase the length of time the product is left on your skin, this means you get the fantastic benefits of a Glycolic Acid treatment straight away and don't have to spend extra on low dose preparation products.

What will I receive? A bottle of 50% Glycolic Acid solution and a pipette to measure out the correct amount of glycolic acid. As with all of Bravura London’s customers you also have access to a qualified beauty therapist who will answer any of your questions about this home treatment.

Is it worth the money? This treatment would cost you £30-£80 in a beauty salon for one treatment (not including the creams you'd have to buy to go with it), a 30ml bottle should give you at least 24 facials which works out at 37 pence per facial!

Do I need a neutraliser? Yes this is essential, you may select to add neutraliser when purchasing this item.

Is it easy to use? Our Glycolic Acid is in liquid form and very easy to use, you may use your fingers or a make-up brush to apply, although we do recommend the Glycolic Acid brushes we sell due to their superior quality and even application. You start by leaving the Glycolic Acid on for a few minutes and then building up the time every week, after six weeks you take a two week break and then begin the cycle again. The treatment is so quick and easy and takes about 10 minutes to do. Once you have achieved the desired effects you may want to reduce using the Glycolic Acid to every two weeks and then just once per month to keep your skin healthy and smooth. Your Glycolic Acid will come with full, easy to use instructions in a clearly marked glass bottle.

Which one should I use 30% or 50%? Each has a different percentage of Glycolic Acid; obviously the 50% Glycolic Acid has a higher percentage of Glycolic in each bottle than the 30% does making it a stronger treatment. The 30% has a PH of 2.6 and the 50% a PH of 2.0 which is a powerful acid. If you haven't used Glycolic Acid before, start with the 30%, especially if you have sensitive skin and then advance on to the 50%. If you want to use the treatment on your body we find people can start with the 50% however, we recommend that all customers start with the 30%.

Is this safe for me to use at home? Yes! As long as you follow the instructions then you shouldn't have any problems, as with all products some people may have a reaction to Glycolic Acid in which case they should stop using it immediately. We do recommend a patch test with the 50% Glycolic Peel even if you have already been using the 30% Glycolic Peel.

Is your Glycolic Acid tested on animals? Absolutely not! We love our furry friends and would never endorse a product that would put an animal in pain for the sake of vanity.

If you're worried about having sensitive skin then you may find that you can still use this product, however we strongly advise you take a patch test first. We do recommend a patch test with the 50% Glycolic Peel even if you have already been using the 30% Glycolic Peel.

If you are pregnant/breastfeeding or worried that this may not be suitable for you then take a look at our Dermaflannels which give very similar results. If you are on medication, consult your doctor before use.

DO NOT USE If you're pregnant/breastfeeding, under the age of 17, if you are undergoing any kind of intense beauty treatment (microdermabrasion, glycolic acid treatment, Retin-a, laser therapy etc) or if you're on medication which increases the skins sensitivity such as roaccutane. People who commonly have cold sores may find that chemical peels can cause an outbreak of cold sores and may want to take their medication before use or avoid use altogether, do not apply glycolic acid to your skin while you have an active cold sore.

INGREDIENTS: Distilled Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose.

BEFORE YOU BUY PLEASE READ THIS: Disclaimer -- Please remember our descriptions give details on the conditions that Glycolic Acid can treat, Glycolic Acid is a tried and tested product which when used correctly is safe enough for home use although please note we would never recommend this be used instead of any prescribed medication. If you are on any medication and are concerned if you can use this product in conjunction with your medication always consult your doctor. A very low percentage of people may experience an adverse affect to Glycolic Acid, should a reaction occur consult your doctor immediately and take along the Glycolic Acid so that your doctor will know what ingredients could have caused a reaction (our bottles of glycolic acid include a full ingredient list as required by law). Our Glycolic Acid is FDA regulated and comes with full, easy to understand instructions.

AHA's may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit strong sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

We do not assume any liability for any adverse effects caused by the use (proper or improper) of this product, by buying this item you are agreeing to all stated in the disclaimer.