If you have a skin care routine, then chances are you cannot stop hearing about glycolic acid. It has been all the rave recently in the skincare industry due to its great effectiveness in treating hyperpigmentation, breakouts and dull skin. But, what actually is glycolic acid and how does it work? Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. The chemical make-up of glycolic acid makes it easier to deeply penetrate the skin and produce optimal benefits. This plant-derived wonder ingredient presents a plethora of benefits for your skin! The following are several benefits glycolic acid can have on your skin.
Blemish Control. The most well-known skincare use of glycolic acid is its blemish fighting properties. A study conducted in 2018 looked at the effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the skin and found that this exfoliating ingredient worked to combat blemishes and imperfections. Blemishes and imperfections are often caused by clogged pores. Glycolic acid works to remove the excess oil, dirt and dead skin build-up that may occur over time. In doing so, your skin is left more clear, vibrant and glowing.
Provides Deep Exfoliation. As previously mentioned, glycolic acid works are an exfoliant to remove dead layers of the skin. Dead skin can be caused by several factors; lack of cleansing and exfoliation, aging and sun damage. When this dead skin on the outermost layer get built up, it can cause a dull, flakey, dry looking complexion. This is why exfoliating once or twice a week is vital to achieve healthy skin. That’s where glycolic acid comes in. Glycolic acid deeply exfoliates and removes the topmost layer of the skin to reveal a more vibrant glow.
Anti-Aging Properties. Just as dead skin cells can lead to blemishes, they can also lead to aging skin. Dead skin cells are shed at a much slower pace the older you get, leading to more rough, textured skin that can age you. A 2001 study looked at glycolic acid for treating wrinkles and found that this ingredient may in fact work to combat signs of aging. Glycolic acid was found to boost greater collagen levels in the skin. Collagen is important in the anti-aging process as it works to keep skin firm and plump. Lower levels of collagen tend to be linked to more fine lines and wrinkles. As glycolic acid removes the dead skin cells, it stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Makes it Easy for Other Products to Effectively Absorb into the Skin. Due to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid works as a great prep to your skincare routine. By removing the outer layers of dirt, oil and dead skin build-up, your moisturizers and serums have a clean slate to efficiently absorb into your skin. Acne creams, vitamin C serums and anti-aging serums have an easier time working on your skin when clogged pores are eliminated. Glycolic acid also provides a nice smooth slate for makeup application so that you have avoid patchy foundation spots.
How Can You Experience the Benefits of Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid has been established effective for any skin type, whether you have dry or oily skin, you can still incorporate glycolic acid into your routine. Glycolic acid can be used if you are looking to combat blemishes, signs of aging, hyper-pigmentation and dull skin. The best way to use glycolic acid is in a cleanser. A cleanser that contains glycolic acid will ensure your skin is being properly prepped for the rest of your skincare routine. Fyab’s new Foaming Facial Cleanser would be a great choice as it incorporates glycolic acid to reveal a smooth, clear complexion.
References:
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Sharad J. (2013). Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review. Clinical, cosmetic and
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Funasaka Y, Sato H, Usuki A, Ohashi A, Kotoya H, Miyamoto K, Hillebrand GG, Ichihashi M.
The efficacy of glycolic acid for treating wrinkles: analysis using newly developed facial
imaging systems equipped with fluorescent illumination. J Dermatol Sci. 2001 Aug;27
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Tang, S. C., & Yang, J. H. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules
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Maia Campos, P. M., Gaspar, L. R., Gonçalves, G. M., Pereira, L. H., Semprini, M., & Lopes, R.(2015).
Comparative effects of retinoic acid or glycolic acid vehiculated in different topical formulations. BioMed research international, 2015, 650316. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/650316 —READ MORE
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