Hydroxy acids, which are weak organic acids, encourage exfoliation of dead skin cells and dramatically increase skin's radiance without the risks that can occur with physical scrub creams, e.g scarring (common in darker skinned tones), dehydration etc.

Hydroxy acids (HA) are called chemical exfoliators. They join retinoids, vitamins A, B, C (ascorbic acid) and sun screen as the most effective anti-aging agents in cosmeceuticals.

Prior to 1990 most moisturisers were basically oil-in-water emulsions that did little to improve the quality of skin other than to prevent and treat dryness. Then suddenly alpha hydroxy acids came storming into the anti-aging skin care market. They were truly ground breaking ingredients at that time and remain one of the most effective topical anti-aging treatments available today. And here's why.

Hydroxy Acids, formulated in the correct percentages with the correct PH, deliver the following benefits:

• Increased firmness and hydration of the dermis and epidermis due to increased natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production
• Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as hydration is improved and collagen is increased
• Pores less visible, skin appears smoother, improved skin texture
• Increased radiance as skin reflects light better
• Normalisation of dry and scaly skin and surface roughness (chapped)
• Reduction in uneven pigmentation such as age spots and freckles
• Improved skin barrier function
• Blackhead formation is lessened
• Provides anti-inflammatory action

With the word 'acid' in its name and the slight tingling feeling felt by many on application, many assume that hydroxy acids work by 'dissolving' the dead skin cells on our outermost layer of skin.

Actually the way in which hydroxy acids work is by causing an increase in exfoliation that occurs from the lower levels of the epidermis outwards, and not from the outer layers inwards.

The definitive answer to this is NO. The reverse is true and that's what makes them such fabulous anti-aging ingredients.

Although hydroxy acids thin the strateum corneum (the most outer layer of the skin), the overall epidermis is thickened (redensified) giving a more youthful appearance (the same action as using fillers!)

UV and environmentally damaged skin has a thick SC (outermost layer) and a thin overall epidermis. A well formulated hydroxy acid treatment cream reverses this beautifully, increasing radiance at the stratum corneum and at the same time reducing fine lines as collagen is formed in the lower dermal layers 'pushing' fine lines out.

Both Glycolic 17 and 20 treatments are powerful agents . They must be used with care and gradually introduced to allow the skin to adapt.

Begin with Glycolic 17. Apply to face and neck every second night, alternating with Phyto Retinol Cream. Do not apply every night. It is not necessary.

If at the beginning excessive stinging occurs (more than 2 minutes), reduce application to every 3rd or 4th night building up to every third and then every second night.

Avoid harsh facial scrubs. They are not necessary.

Always wear SPF of at least 15 during the day.

Only graduate to Glycolic 20 once skin has become well accustomed to every alternate night application of Glycolic 17. This may take 3- 4 months.