Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, acts on cells in what layer of the skin?

Question

I need help on my bio homework. Here are the choices listed:

1) top epidermal layer
2) bottom epidermal layer
3) dermis
4) bottom dermal layer
5) subcutaneous layer

Answer 1

It depends on the concentration of the acid. At lower levels, it effects the turnover rate of cells in the bottom epidermal layer and the sloughing off of cells in the top epidermal layer, smoothing the skin and improving skin appearance.. In concentrations of 15% or higher, it can actually act on the dermis layer as well, eliminating scars, for example.