Glycolic acid cleanser is a product that is utilized to clear the pores of the skin. Normally employed as a facial cleanser, the product is helpful for people who have oily skin. In addition, people who work in commercial kitchens and frequently fry foods using various types of cooking oil make use of these products to cleanse the skin at the end of the workday.
The main ingredient in facial cleansers of this type is glycolic acid. Found in sugar cane and grapes that have not yet ripened, this type of acid is water-soluble. In addition to use in various facial and acne cleansers, glycolic acid is also utilized in some cosmetic products.
While the main function of a glycolic acid cleanser is to remove buildup from the skin, products of this type are also excellent for general cleansing of the face and neck. The ingredients of the cleanser make them ideal for use after makeup is removed and the face has been lightly washed with soap. Using a cream cleanser made with glycolic acid will remove dirt and oil deposits that soap sometimes leaves behind. The result is skin that feels fresher and has a healthy glow.
It is important to note that a glycolic acid cleanser product is generally not recommended for the removal of makeup. This is because the product tends to be somewhat thin. A better solution is to use products especially formulated to remove makeup, then follow up with a careful application of the glycolic acid cleanser. Since the cleanser is water-soluble, it can be washed off easily by using tap water.
The first time that an individual uses a glycolic acid cleanser, he or she is likely to note that the skin seems to tingle. This is because the product is getting deep into the pores and dislodging dead skin cells and other elements that have been in place for some time. As the pores are emptied of the buildup, the tingling sensation continues to subside, especially after the product is washed off using water. What is left behind is a sensation of extremely clean skin.
Purchasing a glycolic acid cleanser is not difficult. Supermarkets, drugstores, and many discount retail stores carry a number of cleansing products containing this alpha-hydroxy acid. While a number of expensive skin products also include glycolic acid in the formulas of their products, it is not unusual for budget-priced acne and general skin care creams and lotions to include this effective cleaning agent.