Did you know that the facial skincare sales value for 2018 was more than $62.3 billion? Science has made many advances in skincare formulas. Products are available that can slow down aging and improve the health of the skin. Glycolic acid products are on the top of the list
In this article, you'll uncover the many benefits of products that contain glycolic acid. I will talk about ways you can utilize them in your daily routine and understand its benefits for healthier, younger-looking skin.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is normally derived from sugar cane and belongs to the alpha-hydroxy acid family. Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) are acids derived from natural substances such as sugar cane, milk, citrus, and grapes. AHA's are made up of tiny molecules of water-loving and water-soluble acids.
Examples are:
- Tartaric acids from grapes
- Malic acid from pears and apples
- Citric acid from lemons and oranges
- Lactic acid from milk
- Glycolic acid from sugar cane.
Glycolic acid is considered one of the better AHA products. It has the smallest molecule of all the AHA'S out there. Due to its small size, it easily penetrates the skin. These acids have been used before 70BC. Cleopatra started using AHA in her day and touted the benefits.
What does glycolic acid do?
It speeds up the natural exfoliation of your skin. It also helps to dissolve dead skin cells and increases the production of new cells. To understand, it helps to know some basic skin facts. The human skin is the outer covering of the body and is our largest organ. The outermost layer is the EPIDERMIS. The top layer of the epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. Fact: All of your surface skin is dead cells. As you age, our cells exfoliate slower and do not produce as rapidly as when you were younger. Hence, you might notice older skin looking dull, the fact that glycolic acid speeds up the production of new cells is one reason it is so effective. It provides the skin to look healthy and glowing.
Uneven Skin / Dark Spots
Do you hate those dark spots on your face? If you do, you are not alone. In my practice one of the most common issues patients have is uneven pigmentation changes. One of the many glycolic acids uses is to reduce the appearance of dark spots from the sun. Of course, the best thing would be never getting any. In this case, prevention is far better than a cure. Using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen like Rxformula ADVANCED DEFENSE MOISTURIZER SPF 30 with z-cote daily and reapplying regularly is the best way to prevent damage. If you do see those troublesome pigment changes its time to incorporate glycolic acid products in your daily routine.
When & Who Should Use It?
The best time to use it is at night right before bed. Skin cell turnover and repair happens the most when you sleep, using it then will accelerate the process.
It's helpful for almost every skin type.
You'll want to use it often for maximum results. For beginners, I suggest that you might start just a few times a week with a low strength like 10%. For increased benefits, you can use it every night after the first couple of weeks. As your skin adapts you might want to try a 15% or 20%.
Rxformula believes you should know what you are putting on your skin. All our glycolic acid products clearly list the percentage of glycolic in our product. It should not be a guessing game.
IT IS SUGGESTED THAT YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR GLYCOLIC STEP-UP PROGRAM. IF YOU HAVE NOT USED GLYCOLIC ACID, START WITH 10% - OUR LOWEST STRENGTH!
The Many Glycolic Acid Benefits
- Your pores will be minimized since they'll be kept clear from the acid. This will prevent large stretched pores due to excessive congestion and loss of elasticity.
- It helps control acne.
- A superior exfoliator.
- Fresher looking smoother skin.
- Excellent anti-aging properties.
- Rejuvenated the skin.
- Helps moisturizer your skin
- It helps in the absorption of your other products.
Glycolic acid is known for its exfoliating properties removing dead skin cells for fresher looking skin. Since it's an exfoliator it speeds up your skin's renewal bringing fresh and new skin.