Glycolic acid: the benefits for your skin
Our face care routines are filled with different types of products, each with different functions that provide everything our skin needs to look healthy and young for as long as possible. Facial cleansers, scrubs, peels, anti-wrinkle creams, anti-aging serums: the products are endless and you need to know exactly what your skin needs to make the most of all its properties. There are particularly beneficial components for our skin that allow us to group different actions in a single product, this is the case of glycolic acid, one of the most complete and versatile ingredients used in cosmetics for our skin.
Glycolic acid is part of the group of hidroaxiácidos alf acids (AHAs), a group of molecules widely used in cosmetics due to its exfoliating properties. Glycolic acid is the most potent of AHAs, since its low molecular weight allows it to penetrate into all layers of the skin, making all its properties more visible and effective. Glycolic acid has a natural origin, it is extracted from sugar cane, fruit such as grapes or pineapple or vegetables such as beets or artichokes.
A lymphatic drainage massage also helps keep the skin young. See how to do it yourself:
What are the properties of glycolic acid?
1. Acts as a regenerator: removes dead skin cells and promotes cell regeneration to show smoother and more even skin. Penetrating easily into the deep layers of the dermis, it promotes cell renewal from within, for a more visible and effective result.
2. Promotes the absorption of other cosmetics: through the use of glycolic acid, your skin will more easily absorb the other products of your routine, such as: collagen, vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, etc.
3. It has an effective action against dark spots: when glycolic acid enters the deeper layers of the skin, the skin cells regenerate, even the depigmented ones that create the spots on the face. In this way, the young cells lead to the decrease of the spots.
4. Prevents the signs of age: when glycolic acid favors the creation of young cells, these are able to create more collagen and elastin, two natural ingredients responsible for maintaining the youth and elasticity of our skin, thus avoiding , aging.
5. Regulates the production of sebum: glycolic acid balances the excessive production of sebum on the face, which visibly improves the appearance of acne-prone and shiny skin.
How to apply it?
The ideal is to choose products with a concentration of glycolic acid between 5 and 15% maximum, so that you notice the results on your skin, but without suffering from redness or dryness. Glycolic acid concentrations above 20% is better than prescribed by a dermatologist and can cause skin problems, such as "irritation." Concentrations below 5% will have exfoliating effects, but their benefits will be visible in the medium to long term.
Glycolic acid is photosensitive, which means it makes sun exposure even more dangerous for the skin. For this reason, we recommend applying your products with glycolic acid preferably at night. If you do it for the day, always apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Our favorite products
L'Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise Anti-imperfection peeling: these soaked pads contain 9.6% glycolic acid. Pass them on cleansed skin at night and you will notice skin renewed, brightened and with faded signs of aging. Buy on Amazon for € 27.13.
Sesderma Aclicolic liposomal serum: contains 6% glycolic acid, in addition to vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, hyaluronic acid and soy extract. It renews the cells of the deeper layers of the skin and promotes the absorption of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Apply about 4 drops on your hand and spread it on your face before going to sleep. Buy on Amazon for € 33.83.
ISDIN Gligoisdin 15% anti-aging gel for the face: this gel has a concentration of 15% of glycolic acid, acts as a powerful peeling on the skin to remove dead cells and promote the regeneration of new cells. Helps stimulate the formation of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Thanks to the presence of aloe vera it moisturizes the skin and prevents irritation or redness. Contains borage oil and ceramides that provide hydration and elasticity to the skin. Buy on Amazon for € 16.71.
Sesderma Acglicolic 20 anti-aging blister: contains 15% liposome-free glycolic acid. In addition, it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to achieve a more effective anti-aging effect. Break the blister and apply the contents with circular massages on the face before going to sleep. Buy on Amazon € 31.96.
