Glycolic acid is an AHA derived from sugar cane that dissolves in water. It’s one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids used in cosmetics.
Phytic acid is a plant-based acid. They’re made up of very small molecules that the skin may readily absorb. As a result, they are superb for erasing wrinkles and enhancing the complexion.
This article delves into the nature of glycolic acid cleanser and the benefits it may bring to your skin. It also provides guidance on how to choose the best solution for your needs and use it in a secure manner.
Functioning of Glycolic Acid Face Wash
The molecules of glycolic acid face wash are the smallest of any AHA. Because of this, glycolic acid face wash may penetrate the skin deeper than other AHAs and exfoliate it even more effectively.
To achieve its effects, glycolic acid face wash stimulates cellular turnover. Simply said, it breaks down the adhesions that keep skin cells together. Because of this, your skin is able to speed up the natural process of shedding dead skin cells.
Glycolic acid face wash also stimulates collagen production in the skin. Collagen is the protein responsible for skin’s firmness, fullness, and elasticity. In addition, it reinforces your skeletal system and connective tissues.
Less collagen is produced by the skin as we age. Too much time in the sun may also break down collagen. Daily use of glycolic acid face wash has been shown to reduce collagen degradation.
Effects on the Skin
Among the various reasons why glycolic acid face wash is so often used as a therapy are:
- Wrinkles are reduced and the skin’s overall appearance is enhanced with this anti-aging treatment.
- It prevents dryness and plumps up the skin.
- It lightens sunspots and shields collagen from further deterioration.
- Regular application improves the skin’s brightness and overall complexion.
- By encouraging the natural turnover of skin cells (exfoliation), ingrown hairs may be avoided and the appearance of pores can be minimized.
- As a result of its pore-cleaning properties, acne is reduced or eliminated.
Glycolic acid face wash cannot remove scars, despite widespread claims to the contrary. Acne and other wounds may leave dark scars that can be lightened using glycolic acid. Scars that have been elevated or sunken in may also benefit from this treatment; however it will not eliminate them.
If you have scars, a glycolic acid peel performed by a specialist is the best option.
The Best Places to Look
Glycolic acid is widely available, so your options are wide open. This popular ingredient may be found in a wide variety of OTC skin care items.
Check with the supermarket, medicine store, or spa in your area. Many skin care products, including cleansers, masks, toners, and moisturizers, use glycolic acid as an active ingredient. Over-the-counter glycolic acid preparations typically have concentrations between 2% and 10%.
Chemical peels often include glycolic acid for more intensive treatments. An esthetician in a salon or skin care facility may do mild glycolic acid peels with a concentration of up to 30%. The dermatologist’s practice offers peels with strengths of up to 70%.
Glycolic acid is processed from sugar cane; however table sugar is not the same thing. Sugaring your face is a great way to exfoliate and reveal softer skin. However, it will not be as effective as glycolic acid therapy.
How to Pick a Skincare Routine?
The kind of glycolic acid treatment that will work best for your skin and your desired results is very individual. Glycolic acid found in over-the-counter skin care products may be all you need for smoother, younger looking skin. They might be effective enough to keep your skin clear of acne and fine wrinkles without resorting to more extreme pro peels.
If you have a particular skin problem, a professional skin peel may be the answer. Sun damage, dark spots, acne, and deep wrinkles are just some of the skin issues that may be addressed with expert peels. You may expect better, faster outcomes from them. However, these peels are more likely to cause irritation since they employ a larger concentration of glycolic acid.
The concentration of glycolic acid face wash is just one consideration when selecting a treatment. The other is the product’s pH level. Regardless of whether or not it includes glycolic acid, a more acidic product will have a greater impact on the skin.
Although, the percentage of glycolic acid used is usually all that is advertised on skincare products. They are not obligated to provide the pH, which makes it more difficult to conduct apples-to-apples comparisons.
