Glycolic acid is an AHA, alpha hydroxy acid, that is used in a good bit of skincare products today including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, eye creams, and face peels. It is derived from sugar cane and is considered one the safest of all of the Alpha hydroxy acids. Its molecules are also smaller than its other AHA brothers and sisters making it easier to penetrate the skin.
Other common AHA's include Lactic, Citric, Malic, and Tartaric acids. While most of these can be found in skincare products, Tartaric is mainly used in the process of wine fermentation and as a natural preservative for things like soft drinks and fruit juices. Lactic and Malic acids are commonly added with Glycolic in other skincare products in an effort to maximize the benefits received from them.
Okay ladies, now that we have covered the boring definition part, lets talk about why Glycolic should be your new BFF.
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that safely removes the top layer of dead skin cells. It works to dissolve the sebum and/or glue like substances that bind the cells together to reveal a newer, younger layer of skin underneath promoting a faster cell turnover and increasing collagen production. As you can imagine, this process is quite beneficial as it helps to treat a number of skin problems including skin discoloration, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. This also helps other skincare products penetrate the skin more deeply as your top layer of dead skin cells and surface grime are now gone.
This little miracle can also help to minimize the appearance of scars and pores by increasing collagen production. While there is no medical or chemical way to shrink the size of your pores, you can treat them with Glycolic to maintain them at their natural size. Glycolic does this by keeping your pores clear of dead skin cells and oil while helping the surrounding cells maintain their elasticity and strength by keeping them firm and supple. This is where your increased collagen production comes in to play as your collagen is what aids in the firming and suppleness of your skin.
While Glycolic is a beautiful skincare miracle, it is still an acid and needs to be used with caution. Using a glycolic product with a concentration to high for your skin to handle can cause irritation, redness, flaky skin, and in worst case scenarios, severe burns. Always start your glycolic journey with a 10% glycolic solution and work your way up from there allowing your skin time to adjust as you go. Also keep in mind that a glycolic peel DOES NOT necessarily mean that your skin should actually peel. The term "peel" is strictly meant to let you know that you are shedding dead skin cells. If your skin does become flaky, DO NOT pick at it as this could cause scarring and hyperpigmentation. Also while using Glycolic, you should also use a sunscreen as it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Pictured below, you will find my absolute favorite Glycolic product called Invigorating Night Treatment by (surprise, surprise!) Ole Henriksen. This is a lightweight gel that feels simply magnificent on your skin, especially those ladies with oily skin! As with all Ole Henriksen products, its is formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Its contains an AHA combination of Glycolic and Lactic acids and an Algae extract to nourish your skin. I cleanse my skin right before I go to bed, slap some of this gel on, and then finish it off with a moisturizer. I always wake up with fresh fantastic looking skin!
If you guys have any questions or would like me to cover a certain topic feel free to comment below and I'll do my best to help!
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