How To Add Glycolic Acid To Your Skincare Routine

Written by Lopa K22nd Jan 2024
How To Add Glycolic Acid To Your Skincare Routine

Glycolic acid? Think of it as your skin's BFF in the fight against dullness and imperfections! This superstar ingredient is like a superhero - it dives deep into your skin, clearing out pores, banishing dead skin cells and reining in excess oil. Glycolic acid for skin is the ultimate skincare warrior, leaving your skin smoother and brighter, bidding farewell to scars, hyperpigmentation and pesky spots. So, if you are all for embracing its exfoliating prowess, let’s take a look at how you can add glycolic acid to your skincare routine. 

Role of Glycolic Acid in Skincare 

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It's renowned for its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin effectively. The glycolic peel, popular for its role in skin exfoliation, involves breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. By pushing the skin's natural exfoliation process, glycolic acid for skin helps in revealing smoother and more even-toned skin. 

 

Glycolic Acid Benefits

FAQs about Glycolic Acid in Skincare Routine

First, let’s take a look at all the glycolic acid benefits in detail and see if it is the right fit for you: 

1. Boosts Skin Cell Regeneration: Glycolic acid benefits the skin's natural shedding process and promotes faster skin cell turnover. This is the removal of old, damaged skin cells and the allowance of newer, healthier skin cells to the surface. 

2. Natural Radiance: Exfoliating your skin with a glycolic peel or any other glycolic product helps get rid of the dullness. And an even and smooth layer of skin hits the light just right to bring a bright glow to your face. So, with glycolic acid, dark spots and scarring are a thing of the past! 

3. Evens Skin Texture and Tone: Did you know that glycolic acid for skin gently polishes away all the imperfections? Basically, when it exfoliates your skin, it clears away the topmost layer of your skin that may be scarred and peppered with dark spots. What this leaves you with is…you guessed it, a new layer of skin that is unblemished and flawless making this another of the many nifty glycolic acid benefits. 

4. Gently Exfoliates Skin: Guess what, glycolic acid benefits dry and sensitive skin as well! Despite being an exfoliant, glycolic acid for skin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. So, while glycolic acid for exfoliation unclogs pores and scrubs away the top layer of your skin, the new layer that shows up is an all-improved version as it is hydrated and healthy. 

 

Incorporating Glycolic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine

FAQs about Glycolic Acid in Skincare Routine

But how does one add glycolic acid to a skincare routine? Let’s take a look at the different forms this active ingredient comes in and how we can use it: 

Glycolic Acid Face Wash - It works as a mild exfoliator and is gentle if your skin is too sensitive for the usual exfoliating scrubs and glycolic peel. The face wash effectively cleanses without the need for scrubbing and leaves your face soft and refreshed. By using it once in the morning and then at night, you get the most out of it. 

Glycolic Acid Serum - If you are not too sure about chemical peels, glycolic acid serum comes to your rescue. Serums come with different concentrations so you can even get one with 1% glycolic acid which is as powerful as a higher-concentrated product. It gets rid of the first layer of dead skin cells so a new, smooth and even layer shines through. With its potent formula, you are bound to get a glowing and smooth complexion by using it daily. 

Day Cream - Glycolic acid cream tends to restore the skin's barrier so it stays supple and hydrated. The day cream is usually lightweight and quickly absorbing while working on moisturising and nourishing your skin. But don't forget your trusty sunscreen before you head out! 

Night Cream - It is the richer version of a day cream. With a thicker consistency, a night cream infused with glycolic acid works overnight while you are asleep. It boosts the making of new skin cells and ensures you wake up to smooth and silky skin. 

 

Tips on How to Use Glycolic Acid

FAQs about Glycolic Acid in Skincare Routine

Choosing the Right Glycolic Product - While picking glycolic acid skincare products, start with low concentrations. 

Daily and Weekly Usage - Start with using a product like glycolic acid serum two to three times per week in your skincare routine and gradually increase frequency if your skin tolerates it well. 

Application Timing - Apply glycolic acid in the evening after cleansing, allowing it to work overnight. But if you use it during the day, always follow with sunscreen as AHAs can increase sun sensitivity. 

Precautions in Sensitive Skin Care - Those with sensitive skin should start with lower concentrations and patch tests. 

 

FAQs about Glycolic Acid in Skincare Routine

FAQs about Glycolic Acid in Skincare Routine

Q1. How to layer glycolic acid with other skincare products? 

Layer water-based products first, followed by glycolic acid, and then heavier creams or oils. Avoid using other strong acids or exfoliants simultaneously. 

Q2. What ingredients should not be used with glycolic acid? 

As we mentioned above, avoid using it, especially glycolic peel, with other strong exfoliants like retinoids or physical scrubs to prevent over-exfoliation and excess drying of the skin. 

Q3. Are there any side effects to using glycolic acid on an active pimple?  

While you can use it on an active pimple, there may be glycolic acid cream side effects such as slight stinging or irritation. It's also advisable to patch test and avoid applying it directly to open wounds or inflamed areas. 

Lopa K

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