Glycolic acid is the most popular and well known skincare ingredient for exfoliation but why? Part of the AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) family, glycolic acid helps the skin's nature exfoliation process reducing congestion and unwanted breakouts, increasing skin cell renewal increasing the production of collagen and elastin, while brightening and leaving a healthier looking complexion. This skin blog discusses glycolic acid, it's benefits and how to incorporate this active ingredient into your skincare routine.
Lets get started.
WHAT IS GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic acid was the first active skincare ingredient to be introduced to home skincare products in the 90's making it an affordable (and popular) skincare ingredient to treat skin concerns. Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) derived from sugar cane.
See Related: WTF are AHA's and BHA's
Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products and professional treatments today due to its ability to exfoliate the skin. Part of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family, glycolic acid assists the nature exfoliation process of the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. This increased exfoliation helps to reduce unwanted congestion and breakouts. With increased exfoliation, glycolic acid also helps to stimulate skin cell renewal resulting in the removal of pigmentation, improved skin tone and texture, and a brighter healthier complexion. Glycolic acid has also been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin meaning it can help to accelerate skin healing, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the effects of premature ageing. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family meaning it's the most bioavailable and active, allowing it to penetrate the skin more effectively.
BENEFITS OF GLYCOLIC ACID
Exfoliates the skin reducing unwanted congestion and breakouts
Increases skin cell renewal resulting in the removal of pigmentation
Evens out skin tone and texture
Brightens the complexion
Stimulates collagen and elastin accelerating skin healing, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the effects of premature ageing
WHICH SKIN TYPE IS GLYCOLIC ACID BEST SUITED TO
Glycolic acid is best suited for normal, combination and oily skin types. As it is the most active acid and has the smallest molecular size, glycolic acid isn't suitable for dry, sensitive skin types as they often react to it.
HOW TO INCORPORATE GLYCOLIC ACID INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Cleansers
Glycolic acid cleansers can be used on a regular basis to remove dirt, debris and excess oil on the skin as part of a structured skincare routine. Glycolic acid is commonly found in gel and foaming cleansers making it most suitable for normal, combination or oily skin types due to their ability to reduce oil and provide a thorough cleanse of the skin. With any skincare product with active ingredients, be careful to avoid using glycolic acid around the eye area as it can sensitise the delicate skin around the eyelids.
Serums + Lotions
Glycolic acid serums and lotions are an option for daily treatments and usually range in different concentration. As the concentration is usually low, it is safe to use everyday. Used after cleansing, these glycolic acid treatment options are an effective way to exfoliate the skin or spot treat certain concerns such as pigmentation. With any product, if your skin begins to show signs of irritation or sensitivity, reduce frequency of use to a couple of times per week. If irritation or sensitivity continues, reduce use altogether.
At Home Exfoliants
These products come in forms of peels and masks and are designed to deliver a higher concentration of glycolic acid to the skin for a stronger result. Due to the high concentration of glycolic acid compared to daily use products, it is recommended to only use these products 1-3 times per week depending on the product, your skin type and/or skin concern.
See Related: Exfoliating Do's and Don'ts
Professional Chemical Peels
Professional glycolic acid chemical peels can be done in clinic on a regular basis for an even stronger result helping to exfoliate the skin. These chemical peels should only be applied to the skin by a qualified skin therapist. Glycolic acid chemical peels generally range in concentration from 10% up to 70%. Your qualified skin therapist will decide which strength of peel is appropriate for your skin and may increase the strength over time depending on your skin's needs. Usually, a series of chemical peels is recommended to achieve your desired skin goals.
"Achieve your skin goals, feel confident and love the skin you're in"
Comments