Glycolic acid, an effective active ingredient against pigmentation spots.

Pigmentation defects encompass skin pigmentation disorders , that is to say, hypopigmentation, depigmentation, and hyperpigmentation.

• Hypopigmentation refers to a disorder characterised by a reduction in melanin.

• Depigmentation refers to the complete absence of melanin on the surface, which leaves a white spot.

• Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, pertains to the excessive production of melanin.

These spots can be located on the hands, face, décolletage, or arms, but can also be widespread. Pigmentation defects come in various types:

• The "age spots" or "solar spots", which result from prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun combined with a slowing down of cell renewal;

• pregnancy mask", "chloasmamelasma

• Thepost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs after a trauma or skin injury, which is common in people with acne-prone skin;

• The freckles, of genetic origin, are generally associated with fair skin.

Glycolic acid peels serve to stimulate cellular renewal. Glycolic acid targets the corneocyte, responsible for the cohesion of cells in the stratum corneum. It promotes its degradation by reducing its cohesion, which causes a peeling. By breaking the bonds between the dead cells of the stratum corneum, this active ingredient allows them to be eliminated, thus revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion.

According to numerous studies, glycolic acid is effective in reducing the three main types of hyperpigmentation: sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory spots.

By penetrating deeply into the skin, this small-sized acid inhibits the overproduction of melanin. It thus regulates the action of melanocytes to prevent the pigments responsible for spots from marking the skin.

Note: The intensity of the peel is determined by the concentration of the acid, the formulation of the product, and the amount of treatment applied to the skin. In the majority of studies conducted on the action of glycolic acid against brown spots, this active ingredient was concentrated at more than 20%. Even though the cosmetic regulation does not indicate a maximum usage threshold for glycolic acid, it is rare to find a concentration higher than 20% in a skincare formula, due to the potential irritant nature of this fruit acid.