• Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It's a type of chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be wiped away easily, revealing smooth, younger skin below.
• Studies show that Glycolic Acid skincare assists with boosting collagen production, which is brilliant for plumping up the skin. Collagen is a vital structural protein, helping the skin tissue remain firm and resist wrinkling. At low strengths, glycolic acid is the key ingredient to look out for when it comes to shopping anti-aging moisturizers or face masks, ideal for plumping, smoothing and refreshing your complexion:
• It reacts with the top layer of skin, breaking it down by dissolving sebum and other substances that bind cells together.
• Made up of small molecules, it is able to penetrate the skin deeply and easily. This makes it most effective for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness and uneven texture.
• Dead skin cells are sloughed off revealing smoother, brighter, younger looking skin.

• You’ll find Glycolic Acid in many chemical peels due to high percentages being very effective for skin treatments (if done safely and properly!). Its even safe enough to use on sensitive skins.
• Glycolic Acid can be used in our daily skincare products, without causing any irritation. This is particularly popular with Glycolic Acid for the face, facial washes and cleansers, bringing along rejuvenating benefits from your first step of your cleansing routine
• Derived from plants – such as sugar cane, pineapple and sugar beets- its botanical properties help to treat skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Melasma and Seborrheic keratosis
• Glycolic Acid is the holy grail for exfoliation, effectively removing the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, revealing brighter, fresher skin.
• Products that contain Glycolic Acid are used often to treat scarring, skin discoloration and signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. If you suffer from dull, pigmented or aging skin, look to invest in a once a week exfoliating treatment or an at-home peel product infused with Glycolic Acid.
• It can transfer water molecules from the air into the skin tissue, replenishing any lost moisture. This makes it an effective ingredient in moisturizers when used at low strengths.

Glycolic acid is available in several forms, including over-the-counter and prescription treatments. These include:

• face washes
• lotions
• peels
• serums
• skin care pads

• Glycolic acid isn’t for everyone. Some people have reactions to glycolic acid that can include symptoms such as swelling, itching, and burning sensations. Those with dry or sensitive skin types may find glycolic acid is too irritating for their skin.
• In addition to these concerns, some people find they are more sensitive to sun when they use glycolic acid. Using a daily sunscreen can help reduce the sun exposure risks.

In certain cases, however, it’s better to stay away from using glycolic acid.

• If you are or were on any sort of medication for acne, it’s better to stay away from using products that contain glycolic acid
• In case you have recently undergone some kind of treatment for pigmentation, or microdermabrasion, any kind of treatment aimed to remove the top layer of skin, leaving it sensitive, then it’s better to stay away from glycolic acid.
• If you are a frequent user of sunbeds or are out in the sun often, then you probably should be using glycolic acid.
• Even during pregnancy, you are not supposed to use glycolic acid.
• You cannot use it after waxing.
• In case you have acne and have already gone for some kind of treatment such as laser treatment, you need to stay away from glycolic acid.
• The products you use have a certain percentage of glycolic acid and it can be altered from time to time. Hence, its always advised to start from a lower concentration and work your way up.
• Right before you start, it’s also advised to first make sure that it agrees with your skin. For this, take a small portion and apply it near the back of your thumb. If you have a tingling sensation, that’s alright. This just means it’s entering the dermis layers of your skin. However, if your skin turns red and starts itching, then this could mean that you’re allergic to this.

Vitamin C consists of a water-soluble vitamin known as vitamin C. Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbate.  It occurs as a white or slightly yellow crystal or powder with a slightly acidic taste. On exposure to light, it gradually darkens. In the dry state, it is reasonably stable in air, but in solution, it rapidly oxidizes.

• Vitamin C helps in the growth and repair of tissues of bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, hair, muscles and many more.
• Along with that, it helps in wound healing and also enhances the absorption of iron in our body.
• Excess of free radicals can speed up the ageing process, vitamin C due to its rich antioxidant properties help to reduce the harmful effects of these free radicals. Vitamin C is very crucial for bone and teeth health.
• It improves vision and also regulates blood cholesterol levels.
• Owing to its numerous benefits, it is very important to take an adequate amount of vitamin C in your diet.

Possibly Effective for

• An eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration or AMD).
• Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). Taking vitamin C before and for a few days after heart surgery helps prevent irregular heartbeat after heart surgery.
• Emptying the colon before a colonoscopy.
• Limb pain that usually occurs after an injury (complex regional pain syndrome). 
• Skin redness caused by injury or irritation (erythema). Using a skin cream containing vitamin C might decrease skin redness following laser resurfacing for scar and wrinkle removal.
• Airway infections caused by exercise. Using vitamin C before heavy physical exercise, such as a marathon, might prevent upper airway infections that can occur after heavy exercise.
• Swelling (inflammation) of the stomach (gastritis). Some medicine used to treat H. pylori infection can worsen stomach inflammation. Taking vitamin C along with one of these medicines called omeprazole might decrease this side effect.
• A condition in which red blood cells are broken down faster than they are made (hemolytic anemia). Taking vitamin C supplements might help manage anemia in people undergoing dialysis.
• High cholesterol. Taking vitamin C might reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
• Lead poisoning. Consuming vitamin C in the diet seems to lower blood levels of lead.
• Osteoarthritis. Taking vitamin C from dietary sources or from calcium ascorbate supplements seems to prevent cartilage loss and worsening of symptoms in people with osteoarthritis.
• Pain after surgery. Taking 2 grams of vitamin C by mouth one hour before surgery might reduce pain and the need for opioid pain relievers after surgery. 
• Wrinkled skin. Skin creams containing vitamin C seem to improve the appearance of wrinkled skin. A vitamin C patch also seems to help reduce wrinkles.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Vitamin C and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Joint pain, weakness or tired feeling, weight loss, stomach pain;
• Chills, fever, increased urge to urinate, painful or difficult urination; or
• Severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine.

Common side effects may include:

• Heartburn, upset stomach; or

• Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps.

• Transient mild soreness may occur at the site of intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
• Too-rapid intravenous administration of the solution may cause temporary faintness or dizziness.
• Although vitamin C is generally considered safe, high doses can cause adverse effects, including heartburn, nausea, headaches, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
• Vitamin C is not stored in the body. If you take more than you need, the extra vitamin C will pass into your urine.
• Very large doses may also interfere with tests for sugar in diabetics and with tests for blood in the stool.