Our skin is affected by multiple causes, from daily environmental damage to simple aging preventing the ability to renew itself as it did before. This leads to a buildup of dull, dead skin on the surface that prevents your complexion's naturally healthy appearance from shining through.
Glycolic Acid, particularly when formulated as a leave-in exfoliator, expertly addresses the buildup of dead skin cells to help achieve younger, more vibrant and even skin. An integral part of any skincare routine looking to address texture, tone, and signs of aging, routine use of this AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) ensures long-lasting luminosity.
While there are different types of AHAs, including lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids, the one with the longest-term research showing its effectiveness is glycolic acid.
What is the glicolic acid?
Glycolic Acid is a type of AHA that is best known for its ability to help remove dead skin, while also increasing skin hydration. Found naturally in sugar cane, it is most effective when synthesized in a laboratory, where its potency and concentration are optimized for use in skin care. Using plant sugars for their glycolic acid content is one option, but most of the research on the benefits of glycolic acid for skin is on the synthetic form because this type of glycolic acid can be optimized for efficiency. , purity, stability and pH, all of which are critical to creating effective glycolic acid products.
What is glycolic acid used for?
Glycolic acid is most commonly used as a leave-in exfoliator for the skin. Like other AHAs, it works by loosening the bonds of dead skin trapped on the surface, so spent cells can be shed to reveal the healthier, smoother skin that lies beneath. This type of peel can be used to address numerous skin concerns, including sun damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Glycolic Acid Benefits
The biggest benefit of using a glycolic acid scrub for your face is that it results in a smoother, brighter, and more even complexion. By doing so, it also helps skin look and feel younger.
Studies also show that glycolic acid significantly increases skin hydration. Not only is it a moisturizer, but it also helps the skin produce substances like mucopolysaccharides, which increases the skin's ability to stay hydrated by increasing its natural hyaluronic acid content.
Is Glycolic Acid Right For Me?
When determining if glycolic acid is right for you, skin type and skin concerns should be considered. Glycolic acid is often the ideal exfoliant for people with normal to dry and sun-damaged skin, thanks to its ability to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. However, that does not mean that others cannot benefit from the use of glycolic acid. Our glycolic acid GGLOW which comes in a cream-gel consistency can work great for any skin type to revitalize skin tone and reveal smoother and firmer skin.
What if you have oily/combination skin prone to clogs? Salicylic acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is considered the optimal exfoliating option due to its oil-soluble nature that allows it to penetrate and decongest pores. BHA also has additional soothing properties that make it the preferred exfoliator for sensitive skin.
Can't decide? It's okay to experiment with both types of scrubs as part of your skincare routine, which is why our GGLOW contains both, making it ideal for all skin types.
What concentration of glycolic acid is effective?
Concentrations between 5-10% glycolic acid are considered most effective for regular exfoliation. Above this concentration is not recommended as it can damage the skin. Our GGLOW has a concentration of 6% optimal for results.
He ph of the formula is also an important factor. A pH between 3 and 4 is considered the optimal range for glycolic acid to work effectively as an exfoliant. Deviating outside of this range may result in a product that is irritating to the skin or ineffective at exfoliating.
