How to Use Glycolic Acid Serum: The Glow Booster That Works Without Freaking Out Your Skin

Glycolic acid has a myriad of benefits, including:

1. Reduced dead skin cells and bacteria.
2. Smoother, brighter skin with reduced pigmentation, melasma and age spots. It also helps to minimize discolouration and sun damage.
3. Improved texture and skin tone as a result of exfoliation.
4. Increased cell turnover due to enhanced collagen production.
5. Minimise pores and breakout prevention.
6. Hydrated, plump skin with a more youthful appearance.

The best way to get the maximum benefits of glycolic acid is by using it in a serum form as serums are made with potent formulations and absorb quickly into the skin. Serums have a higher concentration of glycolic acid, so it's better to start in small amounts. To understand glycolic acid better, here are some do's and don'ts as guided by experts.

Dr Kiran , India's renowned cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Isya Derm explains that glycolic acid serum can be used every day, albeit with a break once a week, and only if your skin is not thin or sensitive. Dr Manasi shares some more do's and don'ts. Do's

1. Start slow with 1–2 times a week, especially if you're a beginner.
2. Always patch-test before full-face application.
3. Apply on clean, dry skin for maximum absorption.
4. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen during the day. Donts's
5. Avoid applying it every day initially, as overuse can compromise the skin barrier.
6. Don't combine it with strong actives like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or Vitamin C in the same routine.
7. Skip exfoliating scrubs or harsh cleansers when using glycolic acid to prevent over-exfoliation. We recommend using Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Serum with 1% Glycolic Acid. This one reduces dullness and improves texture allowing your skin to feel luxurious. When using any glycolic acid serum, a rule of thumb is to always hydrate and protect your skin with sunscreen, if using during the day. Both Dr Kiran and Dr Manasi suggest that in fact it's best to use it in the PM routine to minimize sun sensitivity.

Step 1 : You can begin by choosing a low concentration serum to ease your skin into using it. Start by using it 1-2 times a week, allowing your skin to adapt and gradually increase to 3-4 times per week if your skin tolerates it well. Don't forget to patch test first. Step 2 : Cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt and oils from your face. This prepares your skin for better absorption of the glycolic acid. Step 3 : Use Glycolic Acid at night , as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Step 4 : Glycolic acid can be drying, so follow up with a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer to replenish the skin's barrier. I'd say look for products containing soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or aloe vera.

Certain ingredients work better with glycolic acid than others. Dr Kiran suggests using glycolic acid with vitamin C. "This pair works wonderfully because both are low pH and work synergistically." On the other hand, Dr Manasi advises combining ceramides with glycolic acid. "As an exfoliant, glycolic acid causes removal of dead skin cells that make up the outermost layer of your skin barrier. Using a ceramide based product will help to reinforce this skin barrier." More combinations that work well are:

• Glycolic acid and retinol: These ingredients are extremely powerful and should only be used together if you have very tolerant skin.

• Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid.

  Glycolic acid is one of the most powerful ingredients in skin care. If you're looking to keep your skin looking clean with fewer breakouts and a smooth texture, then glycolic acid is what you need. In fact, you'll notice that your makeup will glide through better and require less product to cover up spots. Give this exfoliating power ingredient a try and see for yourself how it makes your skin feel.