Glycolic acid has been the rave of a beautiful skin of recent. It works by exfoliating dead skin cells without drying the skin. The skin's pH is acidic, so acids (in small concentrations) are suitable for keeping the skin's health and normal flora intact.
Chemical background of Glycolic acid
A sugarcane derivative, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), the smallest one at that, therefore it can penetrate deep into the skin and do its work.
It acts by loosening the dead skin cells on the uppermost part of the skin (stratum corneum- the cornified layer of the skin), thereby making them fall off. What is left afterward are fresh and live skin cells. The concentration used in personal skin care products ranges from about 4% to 20%, with sensitive skin needing the least concentration.
Application method
It is best to apply at night, this gives the skin time to calm down after exfoliation and get it ready for the next day. After use, the skin usually tingles, but this will stop after some seconds and when the skin becomes tolerant to it. The skin is left vulnerable to sun damage due to use of glycolic acid and other AHAs, therefore a strong SPF is recommended for use to avoid sunburn.
In another post, I will write on how you can combine these ingredients depending on skin type. I will also write reviews of this line called ' The Ordinary'.
An excellent skincare regimen can never beat a healthy lifestyle. Make efforts to eat and live in a healthy manner. There are other factors that contribute to the skin's health and the body in general.
These are genetics, hormonal fluctuations, stress, etc.
Yours in the flawless skin journey, Nafsisah NK
Chemical background of Glycolic acid
A sugarcane derivative, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), the smallest one at that, therefore it can penetrate deep into the skin and do its work.
It acts by loosening the dead skin cells on the uppermost part of the skin (stratum corneum- the cornified layer of the skin), thereby making them fall off. What is left afterward are fresh and live skin cells. The concentration used in personal skin care products ranges from about 4% to 20%, with sensitive skin needing the least concentration.
Skin care products that can contain Glycolic acid
- Chemical peels
- Toning solutions
- Serums
- Facial masks
Application method
It is best to apply at night, this gives the skin time to calm down after exfoliation and get it ready for the next day. After use, the skin usually tingles, but this will stop after some seconds and when the skin becomes tolerant to it. The skin is left vulnerable to sun damage due to use of glycolic acid and other AHAs, therefore a strong SPF is recommended for use to avoid sunburn.
What type of skin can it be used on?
In a nutshell, all types: Oily, combination, dry, sensitive, dull and aging skins. Other ingredients that are used in combination are Lactic acid, Vitamin C/ ascorbic acid, Retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Lipoic acid.In another post, I will write on how you can combine these ingredients depending on skin type. I will also write reviews of this line called ' The Ordinary'.
An excellent skincare regimen can never beat a healthy lifestyle. Make efforts to eat and live in a healthy manner. There are other factors that contribute to the skin's health and the body in general.
These are genetics, hormonal fluctuations, stress, etc.
Yours in the flawless skin journey, Nafsisah NK
It’s great stuff and I need to make more time to look after my skin. Vitamin c is so important.
ReplyDeleteThank you for explaining this! I see this ingredient listed a lot in skincare products and had no idea what it meant!
ReplyDeleteI haven’t heard of this before. I have a very simple beauty routine as I never seem to have enough time but I do agree that a healthy diet is very important.
ReplyDeleteI havent' heard of this before, however it sounds like it's in quite a few things. I have been slowly adding new routines to my skin care routine as I am rubbish at doing big changes at one time!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of this before but didn't realise it had such a good effect on the skin. I'll have to look out for it!
ReplyDeleteSound like something I could do with using. I'll defiantly be looking out for facial products containing this now! thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat information here. My skin has been terrible postpartum but I have started to look after it better!
ReplyDeleteI've literally just bought some from the ordinary so this was very useful.
ReplyDeleteI’d never heard of this before so thank you for explaining. My skin is quite tempermental so will try and add this into my routine!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea what glycolic acid is! Heard of it but no idea of the benefits to a skincare regime. Thanks for sharing;)
ReplyDeleteIt works wonders, I have not had any major breakouts since I started using it xx
ReplyDeleteI think you will find it very useful, I am currently using the one by 'The ordinary'
ReplyDeletewow, that is amazing. Happy use :)
ReplyDeleteawww, ok good to know :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will like it. You can find it as it is, just 'Glycolic acid' or AHA
ReplyDeleteIt sure does :)
ReplyDeleteAha, I understand. It's good to go slow, especially that it is the facial skin we are taking about xx
ReplyDeleteI think the simpler the better in some situations and times xx
ReplyDeleteThank you too for reading xx
ReplyDeleteIt's really great stuff
ReplyDeletexx
That's such an interesting blog post! I spent ages reading it to get my head around what glycolic acid is. I have been seeing lots of products containing it and I'd gathered it was good for the skin, but had no idea why. I will make sure that whatever I use containing it will be used at night. I always use SPF so that won't be an issue.
ReplyDeleteawww glad to know that you are clear about it now and since you always use SPF then you are covered :) xx
ReplyDeleteInformative! This makes me think more about my skin... getting these info really helps! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNice and informative. Learnt something new about skin care today.
ReplyDeleteThank you Devendra
ReplyDeleteawww you will love it xx
ReplyDeleteGlad to learn that Glycolic acid is best to use at night and good for all skin type. I have been using similar product and it is in serum form. I do see a big diminishing of fine lines after few application.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I'm a fan of glycolic acid - it seems to work better for my skin than lines that use salicylic acid. Thanks for explaining how it works. You've inspired me to get more serious about my skin care routine, which has slid recently.
ReplyDeleteIt sure works wonders. It is, especially if you are an outdoor type of person during the day xx
ReplyDeleteThank you too for reading and the beautiful compliment xx
ReplyDelete