10% Glycolic Free Acid Value Derived from sugar cane, this powerful fruit acid helps stimulate skin's natural exfoliation process and minimizes the buildup of dead skin cells, resulting improvement in the appearance of skin texture, tone, and a brighter complexion.
Like all AHAs, glycolic acid works by helping turn over spent cells on skin's surface. This type of exfoliation addresses numerous skin concerns, including sun damage, uneven tone, rough, flaky patches of skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This, in turn, accelerates skin cell renewal, increases collagen production, and maintains the skin's natural ability to retain hydration while preventing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles when used regularly.
Glycolic acid works across the board as an anti-ageing product. It removes excess and dead skin cells, it boosts cell turnover (which in turn decreases the dips that form wrinkles) and it is an active cheerleader of collagen production, spurring it on from first use.
Apply an even, pea-sized layer over entire face and neck. After one week, increase to every evening or as advised by a skincare professional. Avoid eye area. Always use with a daytime antioxidant and sunscreen the following day.
Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.
6. Always moisturize after use. Glycolic acid exfoliates and hydrates the skin, but it can irritate or dry out sensitive skin. Always follow your glycolic acid application with an additional light moisturizer to reduce the effects of dryness and irritation on the skin.
After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested. Two months in, you should see that dark spots and pigmentation is reduced as the regular glycolic acid application is melting away old, dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover.
Signs that glycolic acid is working include smoother skin texture, fewer breakouts, and a more even skin tone. Some people may also notice a light tingling sensation on application, which is normal.
Generally, you'll want to consider glycolic acid as part of your exfoliation routine, whereas hyaluronic acid will be a component that targets moisturization. It is typically recommended that you use hyaluronic acid after glycolic acid, as a means to support hydrated skin.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, glycolic acid is a top anti-aging ingredient. Take a stroll down a skincare aisle at most stores, and you'll likely see a plethora of glycolic acid products with anti-aging claims. This is because the exfoliant helps refine the appearance of pores and make skin appear smoother.
You can use glycolic acid daily to prevent the breakdown of collagen, ward off breakouts, minimize wrinkles and remove dead skin cells, Maria says. "It makes the skin smoother, brighter, plumper and more hydrated. Sounds great, right? It actually helps your other skin care products work better."
Concentrations of greater than 10% glycolic acid should only be used while under the care of a dermatologist. Using high concentration products inappropriately can cause serious skin reactions.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
Clinically speaking, retinol lacks the penetrative strength of Retin-A and glycolic acid, as it remains inactive and fails to reach beyond the superficial layer of the skin. Conversely, glycolic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, breaking down the "glue" that holds together dead and dull skin cells.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.
Glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.
Glycolic acid can be used on the face and let it absorbed into the skin by leaving it on all night. Rinse off with water the next day.
To achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin, start by removing your makeup and then cleanse your face. Also, ensure your skin is properly dried: applying on wet skin will be less effective and less well-tolerated, as the presence of water makes the acid more irritating.
Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
How to remove spots from face in 2 days naturally? Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.
It Can Reduce Breakage
Many people experience hair breakage, making it difficult to grow the hair thick and long. Glycolic acid can nourish and hydrate the hair, which, in turn, prevents tangling, making it easier to style the hair without it breaking off.