Glycolic acid for the face: all its properties and how to use it
Glycolic acid is a very versatile product. In fact, it is useful in the treatment of facial skin of all ages, from the youngest ones with acne blemishes to the more mature ones, where the characteristic signs of aging may appear. such as wrinkles. In this sense, glycolic acid can be included in the anti-aging routine, as long as it is used with great moderation compared to traditional creams with less strong active ingredients:
What is glycolic acid?
The glycolid acid it is part of the alpha-hydroxy acid family and is a fruit acid, just like mandelic, citric, lactic and malic acid. It is made from cane sugar and has a very small structure that allows it to penetrate deep into the skin. Among all the acids of natural origin and not only, glycolic is particularly famous for its exfoliating and regenerating effect, because it is able to leave the skin smooth and radiant after a first treatment.
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When to use: all the properties of glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is used in various treatments for both the face and the body. In the first case, its benefits depend on the type of skin it affects. For example, in oily and acne-prone skin, it is very useful because it reduces excess sebum, clears clogged pores and fights imperfections, including superficial scars.
In the case of more mature skin, on the other hand, it is effective as an anti-wrinkle treatment and against the signs of aging. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, it eliminates dead cells and promotes the regeneration of the epidermis. To have immediate results, a cycle of multiple applications by a dermatologist or a "beautician is required because the high concentration of the acid may present side effects. However, there are creams on the market with a lower percentage of product and which can be easily included in daily skin care.
Then, always with glycolic acid you can treat the dark spots that tend to appear on the face over the years or because of the sun. This treatment also requires the intervention of a professional, who can combine it with other active ingredients such as vitamin E or lactic acid.
Finally, you can find the glycolic acid also as an active component of creams or body scrubs. Also in this case it is chosen for its exfoliating action that manages to renew the skin and moisturize it. It is used for the treatment of stretch marks, to smooth the parts of the body marked by the annoying orange peel and, in general, to moisturize because it eliminates dead cells and gives a brighter and smoother appearance to the whole skin.
Treatments with glycolic acid for the face
As already mentioned, although there are also various body treatments based on glycolic acid, here we will focus carefully on the cosmetic rituals dedicated to the face. In fact, this product can be used both as a peeling and as a facial mask. depending on the concentration of the acid, the treatment can be called professional - and will therefore be carried out by a professional in the sector - or it can be considered in the beauty routine to be done independently at home.
- The glycolic acid peeling
These peels usually have a fairly high concentration of glycolic acid, ranging from 30 to 80%. Therefore, it consists of a treatment that is applied by a dermatologist or a beautician after having scrupulously studied the situation of the facial skin. very effective for exfoliating the surface of the epidermis, eliminating dead cells and fighting blemishes such as blemishes, scars of various kinds - also due to acne - and wrinkles of light or medium entity. In addition, it blocks excess sebum and compact the tone of the dermis, leaving it bright and smooth.
The frequency of application of this product will also be determined by the doctor depending on the skin reaction after the first session.
There are also peels that have a lower percentage of product and, therefore, can be done safely at home. Unlike the former, these treatments are effective if you need a "gentle exfoliation and if you want to eliminate only small superficial imperfections of the skin.
- Face masks with glycolic acid
There are also creams or masks that have the same benefits of peeling, but are less strong on the skin. For this it will take longer to see all the effects, but it will be possible to insert them fully into your skin care as long as you do not overdo the quantities.
Usually a glycolic acid-based face mask has a product concentration of around 10%. Therefore, you can apply it up to a maximum of twice a week. Before doing the treatment, it is good to clean and cleanse with care the skin, and then spread the mask evenly over the entire face, including the eye contour area, leave it on for 15/20 minutes and rinse it with warm water. It is recommended to carry out this beauty ritual in the evening, before going to bed.
For all types of treatment, glycolic acid can bring some redness and tingling to the skin. Should it become too intense, it is strongly recommended to suspend the application of the product.
Our favorite products based on glycolic acid
For home use, there are several products based on glycolic acid on the market that adapt to everyone's needs in terms of desired benefits and price. We have collected here our 5 favorite products for the face, from creams to tonics and serum , all effective for achieving perfect skin.
- L "Oréal Paris Ampoules Revitalift Laser X3.
Based on 10% pure glycolic acid, this treatment is functional to exfoliate the face for a new, smooth and radiant skin effect in just 7 days. You will notice a brighter complexion, smoother skin and lightened spots. It is available. on Amazon for € 11.55.
- Collistar Pure Active Serum Glycolic Acid.
This peeling sees the combination of glycolic acid with the action of mandelic and gluconic acids. The result is a non-aggressive and very effective product in exfoliating the skin, which eliminates dead cells that hinder skin breathing and slow down the aging of the epidermis. You can find it at a bargain price on Amazon.
- Glycolic Acid Tonic by Mario Badescu.
This gentle smoothing tonic refines and tightens pores and reduces the visibility of fine lines. In addition, it counteracts the appearance of imperfections on the face. It is available online on the Sephora store.
- Sephora Collection Illuminating Night Mask.
Formulated with 93% of ingredients of natural origin, the illuminating night mask contains glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid. Smoothes skin texture overnight and gives dull skin radiance and hydration. You can find it on the Sephora online store for only € 13.99.
- Face Cream Glycolic Acid 10% by Skinhelper.
This cream allows an effective treatment of skin imperfections and signs of aging, restoring the skin to an optimal condition of elasticity and hydration. In addition, it reduces blackheads and impurities in acne-prone skin. It is available online here.
Contraindications and side effects of glycolic acid
Being of natural origin, glycolic acid has no particular contraindications, but it is advisable to pay attention to the condition of the skin during and after the treatments. If it appears excessively red or with persistent tingling, then the use of the product should be discontinued. When, on the other hand, you are following a cosmetic cycle from a doctor, perhaps for the treatment of acne or blemishes, it is necessary to ask his opinion to understand whether or not you should lower the acid concentration during applications.
Furthermore, with regard to both peeling and face masks, glycolic acid should not be used in case of herpes, acne with papulo-pustular lesions, radiotherapy and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Finally, remember that glycolic acid has a photosensitizing effect, that is, it makes the skin extremely sensitive to the sun. For this reason it is recommended to use highly protective moisturizing and soothing creams after a treatment and, if possible, to avoid exposure to the sun.
