Glycolic Acid for Skin

WHAT IS GLYCOLIC ACID?

Glycolic acid is water-soluble alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It is the smallest AHA and can swiftly penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin to rectify skin concerns related to excess melanin buildup.

Now what is AHA, you ask? AHA helps exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and treat other surface-level skin concerns. Understanding the potency of this AHA, cosmetic experts are now coming up with various products and uses of glycolic for skin.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Want to know what glycolic acid does to your skin? Here’s your answer. Our epidermis is in a continuous renewal process. The basal layer cells generate new cells that push the older ones toward the skin’s surface. Here, dead cells accumulate which results in uneven and dull complexion, skin roughness, loss of radiance, and smoothness.

As glycolic Acid is the smallest member of AHA category of acids, its size allows easy penetration into deeper layers of the epidermis where the melanin build-up occurs. Here, it starts to show its power to boost the skin renewal process and immediately dedicates itself to removing the melanin build-up cell by cell.

Glycolic acid also acts as a chemical exfoliant and gently removes the outermost layers of skin cells and oil by dissolving them. Resultantly, you notice a brighter complexion. Now that you know what glycolic acid does to your skin, let’s learn more about the benefits of glycolic for skin.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GLYCOLIC ACID FOR SKIN?

Glycolic acid is good for those struggling with acne scars, sun-induced damage like sunspots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and to some extent combatting warts (small and hard growths on the skin).

Several studies show that regular usage of Glycolic on skin at low concentrations can effectively tackle the task of dead skin cell exfoliation and can be used on all skin phototypes without any irritation, making it beneficial for all skin tones and skin types.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF GLYCOLIC ACID SHOULD I USE?

Glycolic acid is good for skin exfoliation. Due to its high exfoliating capabilities, it is used by dermatologists in superficial peels (as a 20% - 60% aqueous solution).

Numerous studies have shown that the use of glycolic acid in a daily cosmetic treatment (at a concentration of 3% to 12%) speeds up the exfoliation process, i.e., removal of dead cells on the skin’s surface. As a result, you can get even-toned skin, a smoother surface, and improved skin quality. So, if your immediate query is what percentage of glycolic is good for skin? We have the answers for you.

To avoid any potential skin irritation or reactions, you can use 10% or less glycolic on skin. If you are using glycolic for skin at a concentration greater than 10%, you must consult a doctor first and initiate the skin correction treatment with glycolic acid under his/her supervision.

Pro-tip: People with sensitive skin type should use glycolic on skin cautiously.

HOW TO INCLUDE GLYCOLIC ACID IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?

There are plenty of ways to use glycolic on skin. You can now find several skincare products like cleansers, serums, day creams, and night creams infused with glycolic acid.

L'Oréal Paris houses some of the best glycolic acid products that can help you achieve brighter, luminous skin in just a few weeks. Check out the list to prepare a dedicated glycolic acid skincare regimen.

Cleansers: Start your dark spot treatment with glycolic acid-infused cleansers. You can try the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser that mildly exfoliates and thoroughly cleanses your skin, sweeps all the impurities trapped under the surface, and leaves you with a goddess-like glow. This product is dermatologically tested and can be used daily.

Serum: Glycolic acid-infused face serums are super effective on dullness, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum is one such product that suits all skin types and is clinically proven to remove 5 years of dark spots in just a few days, making it one of the best glycolic acid face serums. For best results, use this dermatologically tested face serum daily.

Day cream: You can use glycolic acid in the morning. Yes, you read it right. L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream with SPF 17 comes with SPF 17 and has a lightweight formula that helps fade away dark spots and get optimal protection from harmful UV rays. Wondering if you can use this day cream daily? Yes, you can use this dermatologically tested glycolic acid-infused product daily.

Night cream: The last step of your dark spot treatment with glycolic acid would be using a night cream. A glycolic overnight cream helps you combat dullness and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation while you catch up on beauty sleep. Try including the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream in your night time skincare routine and get nourished and glowing skin in the next morning.

HOW TO LAYER L'ORÉAL PARIS GLYCOLIC ACID PRODUCTS?

Step 1: Cleanse your face with L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser.
Step 2: Apply L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum on your cleansed face.
Step 3: Upgrade your AM routine with L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream with SPF 17 and gently massage the product on your face and neck.
Step 4: Include L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream in your PM skincare ritual and wake up to glowing and hydra ted skin the next day.