Glycolic acid is a hero skincare ingredient you may not know you needed. An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid has become a wildly popular ingredient in skincare regimens due to its ability to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a more radiant, smoother complexion. If you're new to this ingredient, an easy way to incorporate it into your daily routine is through a face wash. This way it won't come into contact with your skin for too long and is quickly washed off. However, selecting the right glycolic acid face wash can be confusing, given the wide range of options available. This expert-approved guide will help you navigate the selection process, making sure you find the ideal product for your specific skin care needs.
01What Is Glycolic Acid?
Before diving into glycolic acid product recommendations, it's important to understand what glycolic acid is. It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, enabling them to wear off, and revealing fresh, new skin cells underneath.
02Benefits of Glycolic Acid Face Washes
Glycolic acid face washes help with an exfoliation process that addresses various skin concerns, including the following:
- Blemishes: It unclogs pores, preventing acne and breakouts.
- Dullness: It brightens the complexion by getting rid of dead skin cells.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: It stimulates collagen production, minimising the appearance of fine lines.
- Uneven skin texture and tone: It helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
03Factors to Keep In Mind When Choosing a Glycolic Acid Face Wash
Glycolic acid is a powerhouse ingredient with several skin benefits. The best glycolic acid face wash will depend on your specific skin type and concerns. The Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser Brightening Face Wash is a good place to start. It gently removes dulling dead skin cells resulting in radiant, healthy-looking skin. In addition, here are the key factors to consider when choosing a glycolic acid face wash:
- Skin Type: If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, gel-based glycolic acid face wash that won't clog pores. If your skin is dry, use a cream-based product that provides hydration. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, choose a gentle, low-concentration formula.
- Skin Concerns: If your skin is prone to breakouts, pick a face wash with a higher concentration of glycolic acid. However, begin with a lower strength and slowly increase it as your skin tolerates it. For people with dull skin, a lower concentration of glycolic acid can be effective in brightening the skin. To combat fine lines and wrinkles, use a face wash with a higher concentration of glycolic acid, combined with other anti-ageing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
- Product Formulation: Ideally, the pH should be between 3. 5 and 4. 0 for optimal exfoliation. Additionally, it's advisable to use products with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, and antioxidants like vitamin C.
04How To Use Glycolic Acid Face Washes?
- Start Slowly: If you are new to glycolic acid, use the face wash every other day or a couple of times a week. This enables your skin to adjust to the active ingredient and reduce the risk of irritation.
- Moisturise: Glycolic acid is drying, so it's crucial to moisturise your skin after cleansing. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser for your face and neck.
- Sun Protection: Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Before using any new glycolic acid product, always do a patch test to check for any negative reactions. If you have specific skin issues or are unsure about using glycolic acid, speak to a dermatologist for personalised advice. By keeping these factors in mind and selecting the right glycolic acid face wash, you can achieve a more radiant, smoother, and youthful complexion.
