Retinol Vitamin C Glycolic Acid

We love the thrill of getting our hands on beauty products which contain the most talked about ingredients. But what we love more is getting our hands on the products and discovering ourselves that they really really work. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (known as AHA's, including glycolic, lactic, and citric amongst a few) can't get raved about enough these days.

So today, we set out to uncover what really is so beneficial about the most popular one ingredient of the moment: Glycolic Acid.

Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring substance, that when used in skincare products offers many benefits to the skin, from rejuvenating to moisturizing. In its raw state, glycolic acid is a powder made up of colorless crystals that have no scent. Before we get too into the 'sciencey' stuff though, here's a few of the benefits it delivers and the best Glycolic Acid based product for your face

The Best Selling Glycolic Acid Based Skin Care

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The Benefits of Glycolic Acid

You'll find Glycolic Acid in many chemical peels due to high percentages being very effective for skin treatments (if done safely and properly!). Its even safe enough to use on sensitive skins.
Glycolic Acid can be used in our daily skincare products, without causing any irritation. This is particularly popular with Glycolic Acid for the face, facial washes and cleansers, bringing along rejuvenating benefits from your first step of your cleansing routine
Derived from plants – such as sugar cane, pineapple and sugar beets- its botanical properties help to treat skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Melasma and Seborrheic keratosis
Glycolic Acid is the holy grail for exfoliation, effectively removing the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, revealing brighter, fresher skin.
Products that contain Glycolic Acid are used often to treat scarring, skin discoloration and signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. If you suffer from dull, pigmented or aging skin, look to invest in a once a week exfoliating treatment or an at-home peel product infused with Glycolic Acid.
It can transfer water molecules from the air into the skin tissue, replenishing any lost moisture. This makes it an effective ingredient in moisturizers when used at low strengths.
Studies show that Glycolic Acid skincare assists with boosting collagen production, which is brilliant for plumping up the skin. Collagen is a vital structural protein, helping the skin tissue remain firm and resist wrinkling. At low strengths, glycolic acid is the key ingredient to look out for when it comes to shopping anti-aging moisturizers or face masks, ideal for plumping, smoothing and refreshing your complexion:

Best Selling Glycolic Acid For Face

How Does It Work?

It reacts with the top layer of skin, breaking it down by dissolving sebum and other substances that bind cells together
Made up of small molecules, it is able to penetrate the skin deeply and easily. This makes it most effective for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness and uneven texture.
Dead skin cells are sloughed off revealing smoother, brighter, younger looking skin.
The products available which feature Glycolic Acid range in percentage of concentration, and also pH levels such as SkinMedica. A product with pure Glycolic Acid in a lower concentration is much more effective than one which includes it along with other ingredients. However, for daily use, you may want a moisturizer which fuses Glycolic Acid with natural ingredients.

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Things To Consider

In our opinion – and the majority of skincare fanatics as it seems – Glycolic Acid can do no wrong when it comes to providing exceptional results for ageing, dull, pigmented, wrinkle prone and scarred skin. However, even the most effective and powerful ingredients always come with a few 'things to consider', so take a read of these points below before using Glycolic Acid products:

Your skin may need to get used to it at first- a percentage that is too high for your skin can cause redness or flaking. Try to start off with a low percentage, and see how your skin adapts.
If you do receive any flaking from first use, do not pick! Picking can cause hyper pigmentation and scarring.
Use of other products containing Vitamin A, AHA's or taking Accutane (acne medication) can cause a reaction as the skin is already sensitized. Retinol and AHA can be used together, but it needs to be done carefully.
It makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so its extra important to wear sunscreen when using any AHA products.

Who Can Use It?

Glycolic is an acid the encourages exfoliation, which means irritation can sometimes occur. Although Glycolic acid comes with great skin boosting benefits, it is good for almost any skin type. Generally people with very sensitive skin types will want to avoid using Glycolic acid as they may find it too irritating.

How Often Should I use it?

This really depends on skin type, age, and level of sensitivity of skin. Different products can be used in different frequencies. Generally people want to reduce the amount of Glycolic acid based products used when skin begins to feel sensitive.

How To Use Glycolic Acid

Now that you know how Glycolic Acid works, the next step is to know how Glycolic Acid can work for you. These are my favorite Glycolic Acidbased products. My favorite Glycolic Acid for the face being the Boots NO.7 Advanced Renewal Glycolic Peel Kit andSkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex ,which cleanses and exfoliates the skin and targets fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the appearance of discoloration to promote a smoother-looking, more even toned complexion.

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Glycolic Renewal Cleanser is a soft-foaming gel that exfoliates with a dual-acid blend while effectively cleansing impurities and long-wear makeup without stripping the skin of moisture.

This gel cleanser contains 8% glycolic free acid value, brightening phytic acid, refreshing aloe barbadensis leaf extract, and hydrating glycerin. The results? Skin that feels renewed and looks brighter, with improved skin texture. Suitable for twice daily use.

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Helps eliminate fine lines and uneven skin tone: SKINMEDICA TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX

Transform the look of your skin with the best Glycolic Acid for your face SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex, an innovative treatment gel that contains the highest concentration of a patented growth factor* blend to help visibly minimize signs of aging.

Suitable for all skin types, the formula has been clinically shown to enhance skin tone, texture and resilience; it targets fine lines and wrinkles and reduces discoloration to promote a smoother-looking, more even toned complexion.

Try: Glycolic Acid for your face

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Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation: Kerstin Florian Intensive Renewal Glycolic 15

An advanced treatment for your skin, which we advise to use at night on a once-a-week basis. Uncover the natural beauty of your skin with this intensive exfoliating treatment creme based on Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C and botanicals. This formula allows emerging skin to absorb more oxygen and nutrients as it helps to strengthen the skin's essential support structure.

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To exfoliate your complexion and remove impurities: Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

This oil-free cleanser, formulated with Glycolic Acid, helps to remove dead surface skin cells to reveal a healthy looking, revitalized complexion. Best used on normal to oily skin types.

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To reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: SKINCEUTICALS C+AHA

This two-in-one antioxidant treatment from SkinCeuticals uses two different mechanisms to help improve the appearance of aging skin both inside and out.

Fine lines and wrinkles are dramatically reduced with this powerful formula, free radicals are neutralized and collagen production is stimulated.

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