What are the benefits of glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is one of the AHA fruit acids(alpha hydroxy acids). Its low molecular weight gives it an exceptional capacity to penetrate the skin, enabling it to exert its exfoliating and regenerating properties. Glycolic acid-concentrated cosmetic products have become indispensable in the fight against the signs of aging and the general improvement of 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 stratum corneum. Glycolic acid intervenes by removing dead cells from this layer, revealing fresh, renewed skin beneath.

It is renowned for its gentle yet effective exfoliating action. 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 the synthesis of collagen, a protein essential for skin firmness and elasticity. Over time, regular use of glycolic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a more youthful, revitalized appearance.

Radiance

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

For all skin types

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

How and when to use glycolic acid?

Although glycolic acid has moisturizing properties, it should be stressed that cosmetic products containing this ingredient are essentially exfoliants. It is therefore imperative to maintain adequate skin hydration when using them. Indeed, as an exfoliating agent, glycolic acid carries the risk of drying out the skin. To counteract this effect, we recommend applying a moisturizing cream appropriate to your skin type after using such products.

Night-time skin care is a crucial time to deeply nourish the skin, encouraging its renewal while you sleep. Glycolic acid will therefore find its place in these night-time rituals, thanks to its ability to eliminate dead cells and encourage the natural process of cell regeneration.

When included in night-time skincare products, glycolic acid works in harmony with the skin's regeneration cycle, maximizing its effectiveness. It's during the night that 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're new to glycolic acid, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase to allow your skin to adapt.

 

What ingredients should glycolic acid be combined with?

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

• Hyaluronic acids: The combination of glycolic acid with hyaluronic acids creates a powerful synergy in skin care. While glycolic acid offers exfoliating properties for enhanced cell regeneration, hyaluronic acids provide intense hydration, balancing the sometimes drying effects of glycolic acid. This optimal combination ensures renewed, nourished skin, creating harmony between the benefits of exfoliation and hydration, 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. Combining vitamin C with glycolic acid, which promotes cell renewal, boosts the skin's ability to regenerate and fight the signs of aging. What's more, vitamin C plays a key role in skin lightening. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for pigmentation spots, making it an invaluable 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 skin tone. In addition, vitamin C stimulates the synthesis of collagen, an essential protein for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Glycolic acid, for its part, exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting better penetration of active ingredients, including vitamin C, into the deeper layers of the skin. This synergy reinforces the overall anti-aging effects, contributing to firmer, more toned and radiant skin.

• Peptides Peptides are essential compounds for stimulating collagen production and promoting cell regeneration. They can complement the action of glycolic acid to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

• Aloe vera extract: Aloe vera offers soothing and moisturizing 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, minimizing moisture loss. This collaboration reinforces the balance between exfoliation and protection, delivering 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, anti-inflammatory properties. Used with glycolic acid, it can help calm skin after exfoliation.

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

What ingredients should glycolic acid not be mixed with?

Although glycolic acid is a beneficial ingredient for many skin types, it can interact negatively 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 strong exfoliating acids, such as salicylic acid or lactic acid at high concentrations, as this may lead to excessive irritation.

• Strong retinoids: The combination of glycolic acid with strong retinoids, such as retinaldehyde or tretinoin, may be too irritating for the skin, especially for people with sensitive skin.

• Strongly scented products: Strongly scented products can aggravate the sensitivity of skin exposed to glycolic acid. It's 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 may cause excessive abrasion and increase the risk of irritation.

• Alcoholic toners: Toners or toning products containing high amounts of alcohol can further dry out the skin, and their simultaneous use with glycolic acid can cause excessive irritation.

• Highly concentrated anti-aging products: Avoid combining glycolic acid with highly concentrated anti-aging products, as this may over-stimulate the skin, especially if it is sensitized.

• Products containing benzoyl peroxide: The combination of glycolic acid with products containing benzoyl peroxide may cause chemical instability and potentially irritation.

• Scouring or aggressive products: Avoid cleansers or masks containing scouring agents or abrasive microbeads, as they may reinforce the exfoliating action of glycolic acid and increase the risk of irritation.