What are the benefits of glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane and is one of the AHA fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids). Its low molecular weight gives it an exceptional ability to penetrate the skin, allowing it to exert its exfoliating and regenerating properties. Cosmetic products concentrated with glycolic acid have become essential in the fight against signs of aging and for improving overall skin texture.

What are the benefits of glycolic acid?

One of the most impressive features of glycolic acid is its ability to stimulate cell renewal. Over time, skin cells tend to accumulate on the surface, forming the outermost layer of skin. Glycolic acid works by removing dead cells from this layer, revealing fresh, renewed skin underneath.

It is known for its gentle yet effective exfoliating action. This regular exfoliation not only promotes better skin texture but can also help reduce the appearance of pores.

Anti-aging

In addition to promoting cell renewal, it stimulates collagen synthesis, a protein essential for skin firmness and elasticity. Over time, regular use of glycolic acid can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, providing a more youthful and revitalized look.

Radiance

A radiant complexion is often the result of well-maintained skin and improved texture. By removing dead cells and promoting cell renewal, glycolic acid contributes to a brighter and more even complexion. Pigmentation spots caused by sun exposure can also benefit from the action of glycolic acid, which helps reduce these imperfections to reveal more even skin.

For all skin types

A notable aspect of glycolic acid is its versatility, making it suitable for different skin types. However, it is essential to choose products and concentrations adapted to your skin type to avoid any discomfort or irritation. Those with sensitive skin should opt for gentler formulations and perhaps start with lower concentrations.

How and when to use glycolic acid?

While glycolic acid has moisturizing properties, it's important to note that cosmetic products containing this ingredient are primarily exfoliants. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain adequate skin hydration when using it. As an exfoliating agent, glycolic acid carries the risk of drying out the skin. To counteract this effect, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type after using such products.

Nighttime skincare is a crucial time to deeply nourish the skin, promoting its renewal during sleep. Glycolic acid therefore has a place in these nighttime routines due to its ability to remove dead cells and encourage the natural process of cell regeneration.

When included in nighttime skincare products, glycolic acid works in harmony with the skin's regeneration cycle, maximizing its effectiveness. It is during the night that the skin is most receptive to active ingredients, making glycolic acid a wise choice for those looking to enhance their beauty routine.

Gradual Use: If you are new to glycolic acid, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it to allow your skin to adapt.

 

Which ingredients to combine with glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid can be combined with various ingredients to create synergistic formulations that offer comprehensive benefits for the skin. Here are some ingredients commonly associated with glycolic acid:

• Hyaluronic Acids: Combining glycolic acid with hyaluronic acids creates a powerful synergy in skincare. While glycolic acid offers exfoliating properties for increased cell regeneration, hyaluronic acids provide intense hydration, thus balancing the sometimes drying effects of glycolic acid. This optimal combination ensures renewed and nourished skin, creating harmony between the benefits of exfoliation and hydration, thereby contributing to improved texture and a radiant complexion.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals generated by environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. By combining Vitamin C with glycolic acid, which promotes cell renewal, the skin's ability to regenerate and fight signs of aging is strengthened. Furthermore, Vitamin C plays a key role in brightening the skin. It inhibits melanin production, the pigment responsible for pigmentation spots, making it a valuable ally in reducing hyperpigmentation. Combined with glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin's surface layer, this combination helps reduce dark spots and promote a more even complexion. In addition, Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, an essential protein for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Glycolic acid, for its part, exfoliates dead skin cells, thereby promoting better penetration of active ingredients, including Vitamin C, into the deeper layers of the skin. This synergy enhances overall anti-aging effects, contributing to firmer, more toned, and radiant skin.

• Peptides: Peptides are essential compounds that stimulate collagen production and promote cell regeneration. They can complement the action of glycolic acid to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

• Aloe Vera Extract: Aloe vera offers soothing and hydrating properties. Combining it with glycolic acid can help minimize potential irritation while maintaining skin hydration.

• Ceramides: Ceramides, which strengthen the skin barrier, complement the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid. While glycolic acid promotes cell renewal, ceramides help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, thereby minimizing moisture loss. This collaboration strengthens the balance between exfoliation and protection, resulting in regenerated, hydrated, and resilient skin.

• Retinol: Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is often used to stimulate cell renewal. By combining it with glycolic acid, you can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Chamomile: Chamomile extract has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. When used with glycolic acid, it can help calm the skin after exfoliation.

• Nourishing Oils: Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils, such as argan oil or jojoba oil, can be added to provide extra hydration and help prevent skin dryness.

Which ingredients should not be mixed with glycolic acid?

While glycolic acid is a beneficial ingredient for many skin types, it can negatively interact with certain other ingredients. It is essential to avoid combining glycolic acid with the following to prevent adverse reactions or excessive irritation:

• Other Strong Exfoliating Acids: Avoid combining glycolic acid with other powerful exfoliating acids, such as salicylic acid or lactic acid at high concentrations, as this could lead to excessive irritation.

• Strong Retinoids: Combining glycolic acid with strong retinoids, such as retinaldehyde or tretinoin, can be too irritating for the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.

• Heavily Fragranced Products: Heavily fragranced products can worsen skin sensitivity when exposed to glycolic acid. It is best to choose fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.

• Other Strong Physical Exfoliants: Using scrubs or other strong physical exfoliants at the same time as glycolic acid can cause excessive abrasion and increase the risk of irritation.

• Alcohol-Based Toners: Toners or toning products containing high amounts of alcohol can further dry out the skin, and using them simultaneously with glycolic acid can cause excessive irritation.

• Highly Concentrated Anti-Aging Products: Avoid combining glycolic acid with highly concentrated anti-aging products, as this could lead to overstimulation of the skin, especially if it is sensitized.

• Products Containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Combining glycolic acid with products containing benzoyl peroxide can cause chemical instability and potentially lead to irritation.

• Harsh or Stripping Products: Avoid cleansers or masks containing stripping agents or abrasive microbeads, as they can intensify the exfoliating action of glycolic acid and increase the risk of irritation.