Glycolic acid actually comes from sugar cane and is classified as an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). That’s a fancy way of saying it’s an all-natural ingredient that comes from plants and takes the form of molecules that absorb into the layers of our skin to help stimulate cell turnover (aka wakeup our skin cells). Since it is derived from sugar can it also exfoliates the skin and works to shed our dead skin cells which is what makes our skin softer. When our skin cells are activated, it improves collagen, which as we know can lead to firmer skin that appears plumper. This is especially great for mature skin because as we age, the amount of collagen we produce becomes less and less but Glycolic acid helps restore skin cells and improve elasticity in loose or saggy skin.
Glycolic acid can be found in cleansers, toners, some face masks, chemical peels, in serums, and even in some moisturizers. Although there are many over-the-counter versions of glycolic acid in various products, it’s important to know your skin type and understand the strength of glycolic acid because it is still an AHA that can cause irritation or sensitivity among certain skin types (like sensitive or Rosacea skin).
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If deciding to use glycolic acid, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t always mesh well with other ingredients. Some ingredients can clash or become in effective if used together with glycolic acid. Ingredients like retinol, Retin-A (Vitamin A) or (tretinoin), or Accutane should not be used when using Glycolic Acid. Ultimately sunscreen/spf is a key product that should always be used with glycolic acid. Sun protection is crucial when using a strong ingredient like glycolic acid because if our skin is exposed to sun and environmental toxins without sun protection it can wreak havoc on the skin causing all kinds of new skin issues. A common mistake among people is that the aftercare of using glycolic is skipped which leads to skin concerns that could have otherwise been avoided.
When you decide to start using glycolic acid in your routine it may be an initial shock to your skin so it’s always best to start out with using a small percentage and around 1-2 days a week. This really helps to gauge how your skin reacts to the ingredient. If it does well then increasing use to 3-4 days a week at most will be very beneficial. Even for the strongest skip types I wouldn’t recommend using every day because the skin still needs to rest from the AHA. However, if your skin experiences irritation or reactions from using glycolic acid then it’s best to stop use all together or use maybe once a week (if your skin can handle it) to still get some of its benefits. Ideally, consulting with a skincare professional will send you in the right direction (even if you are just using an over-the-counter product that contains glycolic acid).
I use my favorite glycolic cleanser 2-3 days a week to help keep my oiliness reduced. It contains 17% glycolic so it’s not for the weak! LOL. It has an amazing, refreshing citrus scent and works magic at leaving me with a nice natural after glow. It comes in a small travel size or a large size for home and you can get yours here.
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And last, of course if you are in my area or visiting on vacation you can book an appointment at our Skincare studio for one of our professional facial treatments or glycolic chemical peel. Check out our facials here and our peels here.
So the next time you’re shopping for skincare products or see the hype about glycolic acid in a tv commercial I hope you’ll refer back to this blog for a little helpful guidance or share with a friend who might need this and may find this info helpful! I hope this blog will be helpful as you continue your own skincare journey.
Don’t forget to shop in my online store for more great natural products and anti-aging skincare. You can shop here.
Comments about your own experiences with glycolic acid at home are welcomed!
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