Glycolic Acid for Skin Care: Everything You Need to Know
The skin care world is always changing, and there’s no better example of that than with the recent rise of topical acids. These intensive treatments have been around for years but are now becoming more popular as we continue to see their benefits.
If you’ve ever dealt with stubborn acne, changes in skin texture like the signs of aging or hyperpigmentation, you may know a little about glycolic acid and have heard that it can help. And if you’re reading this, chances are that you need more information to make the right decision.
This article will explain why glycolic acid for skin care is so great and answer any questions you may have about it.
Our Glycolic Acid Exfoliation Cream is a fantastic choice for smoother, softer skin, minimized wrinkles, signs of aging, and discoloration - with a entirely plant derived ingredients list.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that comes from sugar cane. It’s one of the most common acids used in skin care products due to its ability to exfoliate the skin. Glycolic acid for skin care is often used to treat acne, changes in skin texture (scars, wrinkles, etc.) and hyperpigmentation, but it’s also great for preventing wrinkles and improving the overall texture of your skin.
How Does Glycolic Acid Work?
When you start incorporating glycolic acid into your skin care routine, you’ll notice a few things happening. First, as mentioned above, it will cause your skin to exfoliate. This means that you’ll see a noticeable decrease in blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
The strength of the glycolic acid you choose will determine the degree of exfoliation. There’s nothing wrong at all with starting slow, with a lower percentage. You can still gain a lot of progress from a gradual exfoliation.
Glycolic acid is great for hyperpigmentation and discoloration. If you’ve struggled with dark spots on your skin, you may have tried everything: chemical peels, retinol, and even laser treatments. All of these methods are great, but none can compare to the results that glycolic acid for skin care can give you.
Glycolic acid for skin care also does wonders for fine lines and wrinkles. As you age, you’ll start to notice the fine lines around your eyes, forehead, and mouth. Glycolic acid can help fade these lines by not only boosting collagen production, but also gradually lifting away those damaged top layers.
Why Is Glycolic Acid Good for Your Skin?
If you’re still not convinced that glycolic acid is right for you, let’s take a look at some of its benefits. Glycolic acid is great for improving the texture of your skin. It exfoliates the top layer of your skin, revealing new, smoother skin that is less oily and more hydrated.
Besides its ability to brighten your complexion and fade acne scars, it’s also fantastic for clearing up clogged pores and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin naturally dries out and becomes more fragile. Glycolic acid helps prevent that and keep your skin feeling and looking young.
How to Use Glycolic Acid for Best Results
You can use glycolic acid in a few different ways. One of the most common ways is to incorporate it into your skin care routine, like with your cleanser or moisturizer. You can also get it as a chemical peel or treatment that is only left on the skin for a few minutes, but these can be messy and hard to handle.
The strength of some of these chemical peels can be risky for people who are not experienced. They’re quite liquidy and can drip into eyes and mouth. If you can get it in a more easier to handle texture, like a a cleanser or a cream, you’ll be able to more easily manage the process.
Stronger glycolic acid for skin care is best used between one to two times a week, while low percentages can be used virtually daily while taking an occasional break.
Glycolic acid for skin care can be applied in a few different ways. If products offer lower percentages, you can use more than one glycolic acid product throughout the week, depending on your goals. The most important thing is to pay close attention to your skin and look for signs of severe irritation. This would then be a great time to give it a break and heal properly. Skin is usually well healed after a stronger glycolic acid treatment within a week.
Are There Any Side Effects with Glycolic Acid?
All skin care products have their side effects, and glycolic acid is no different. If you use it too often, you could potentially dry out your skin. Since it exfoliates the top layer of your skin, it’s important to find the right amount that works for you.
Glycolic acid for skin care can also cause irritation if you’re sensitive to it, so give it a try by starting with low percentages and then work your way up. If you are pregnant, it's a good idea to check with your doctor regarding the use of any active ingredients, including glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is a great ingredient that can help you achieve the clear, smooth skin you’ve always wanted. It’s an easy product to incorporate into your skin care routine, and the benefits far outweigh any side effects.
Our Glycolic Acid Exfoliation Cream is a fantastic choice for smoother, softer skin, minimized wrinkles, signs of aging, and discoloration - with a entirely plant derived ingredients list:
Conclusion
When you’re in the market for new skin care products, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you. Glycolic acid is a great choice for those who want brighter, more hydrated skin. It’s a gentle yet effective product that can help fade dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid for skin care is an easy product to incorporate into your routine. Whether you get a toner, serum, or chemical peel, it’ll only take a few minutes to apply each day.