1 - Glycolic Acid A fantastic anti-aging product that does everything is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin care. Because it is the smallest AHA and is derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin the best.
Glycolic acid contains antibacterial and anti-ageing properties that benefit the skin by reducing acne marks, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more while improving skin texture and complexion.
The Verdict: Glycolic Acid Reigns Supreme
If brighter, more youthful skin is your skincare goal, it may be time to welcome a Glycolic Acid product into your skincare routine. However, always remember that consultation with a dermatologist is crucial before embarking on any new skincare regimen.
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.
Glycolic acid
That's because it's a strong exfoliant that works to smooth out your skin's surface and refine pores. It also helps with discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles.
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.
Key Ingredients for Glass Skin
Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin are key ingredients in achieving glass skin. Hyaluronic Acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. Glycerin is another hydrating ingredient that helps to maintain skin's moisture.
Glycolic Acid
It sloughs off dead cells to disperse surface pigment and directly inhibits melanin formation in melanocytes, contributing to a brighter complexion. Beyond its exfoliating benefits, glycolic acid encourages collagen production, fostering smoother skin texture along with even tone.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
As for glycolic acid and other chemical exfoliants they have a much lower pH level that is acidic. If you use both vitamin C and glycolic acid together in either one product or layered quickly on top of each other this may result in the skin becoming irritated with flare-ups of redness and rashes.
For glass skin, look for serums with niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
To attain radiant skin, look for serums containing: Vitamin C: Boosts skin's natural glow and reduces dark spots & pigmentation. Niacinamide: Brightens skin and fades blemishes. Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration and plumps up skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of exfoliating acids that can help to gently exfoliate the skin, which can help to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture. The healthy, glowing skin underneath is revealed as dead skin cells are removed. Common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid.
K-Beauty Products Without Niacinamide - Serum
Collagen, Panthenol, Squalane and 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid work to counteract the effects of retinol and hydrate the skin, while licorice root extract helps with areas of dark discoloration.
Hence, get intensely hydrated and brightened skin with lemon essence-enriched serum-in-lotion. You can also get Korean glass skin by using a charcoal serum face mask or green-tea serum sheet mask. Yes, you read it right! Face masks are a staple in Korean skincare as they help to hydrate nourish skin.
Add retinol to your routine
Retinol is a well-studied skincare ingredient often used to help target the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. With regular use, products with retinol may also help improve the appearance of dark spots and unevenness to promote even, glowy skin.
Some of the most well-researched skin brightening ingredients are vitamin C, arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, mulberry, bearberry and liquorice extracts. Each one minimises discolouration (eg. sun spots) in their own unique way, targeting the many triggers that make your skin tone uneven and lacklustre.
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 and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.