Another big skin care DO at the moment. Let’s talk about why you want to incorporate glycolic acid into your skin care routine!
What does it do?
Essentially, glycolic acid helps remove dead skin cells.
Beyond removing dead cells, it exfoliates the remaining layers of skin breaking apart the bonds connecting thousands of other dead cells so they can be released and plumper, fresher cells can take their place.
Why should you use it?
Beyond the fact that acne is caused by not only bacteria but dead skin cells collecting in the pores, the use of glycolic acid reveals your newer skin cells. Glycolic acid penetrates through layers of skin cells and aids in the removal of dead skin.
Essentially, glycolic acid is an extreme exfoliator–it removes the dead skin cells that give your skin a more dull appearance. This means that it will leave your skin more smooth to the touch and appear more radiant just as a chemical peel would.
You might be wondering why exfoliating is so important…
Well, exfoliating it so important to enhance the look and feel of your skin. The bumps, discoloration, and wrinkles on your face can all be minimized with a great exfoliating ingredient like glycolic acid! Exfoliators are made to remove dead skin cells and impurities, so if you want to prevent breakouts, exfoliating is a great measure to take.
What products should I look for?
Glycolic acid is indeed an acid, and for this reason, it can really irritate sensitive skin. This is why you will find that the higher percentage of glycolic acid is in a product, the less time it is recommended to leave it on.
It is important you know that your skin should never feel a tingling sensation due to glycolic acid (or any other skin care product) that is benefiting your skin! If it stings, remove the product simply by using water as it is water-soluble. This is an indicator that your skin may be too sensitive for the use of that product.
Most skin care products that contain glycolic acid also contain soothing agents to counteract the irritation that the glycolic acid may cause. Some soothing ingredients to look for include chamomile, green tea extract, calendula, vitamins A, C, and E, or aloe vera. These may counteract the harshness of a chemical peel on the skin.
How it works:
Basically, the higher the percentage of glycolic acid in a product, the less amount of time it should be left on the skin and/or used. For example, you might use 50% glycolic acid for one to three minutes or 10% glycolic acid for ten minutes.
**Make sure you read the instructions/directions on all of your skin care products to ensure proper use.**
Order of Use
Glycolic acid should be used after cleansing and before any serums and/or moisturizers. After all, you want to get the most out of your other skin care by applying it to your exfoliated, newly revealed skin!
Products including glycolic acid can range in recommended use from 2 times per week to once per day! This is why it is so important to read the information on your product!
Other Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid can be used to treat scarring from acne scars to stretch marks. As I mentioned before, it is great for removing impurities that can cause acne. This is why you might find this ingredient in both anti-aging and acne treatments. Also, glycolic acid is known to remove dark spots and help with hyperpigmentation. Ultimately, it can even out your skin tone!
Treat your skin to an at-home spa treatment with glycolic acid! Most products project noticeable results within 12 hours!
Remember, not every product that works for someone else will work for you, but if you are looking for that glow factor, glycolic acid may be the missing step in your skin care!
Do you use glycolic acid? Let me know in the comments!
XO,
Sonja
Simply Sonja 
I really love the Mary Kay Revealing Radiance Mini Facial Peel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too! It has the perfect balance of botanical effects to counteract any possible irritation!
LikeLike
Keep posting I really enjoy reading your blogs
http://www.sudarshanpaliwal.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading!
LikeLike
This is really informative. I have a lot of redness around my nose and cheek area and I think I’d benefit a lot from using glycolic acid. Great post! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! Definitely start with a lower percentage and read labels!
LikeLike
I definitely have to try this! I have acne scars that are like hyperpigmentation on my skin, which is so annoying.
LikeLike
This could be your game changer! I have noticed a difference on my acne scarring for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the tip. I’m fun of homemade peelings but will think about it and see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great information, as I have gotten older this type of skin is really critical in anti aging. However I have noticed the drying effect really catching up lately, I think the water systems have added a ton more chemicals that are effecting my skin in addition to the seasonal changes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same way! Moisturizing is so vital as the weather gets colder!
LikeLike
What an informative post. I am always on the lookout for ideas to help my beauty routine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so easy to incorporate twice a week and level up your skin care game!
LikeLike
This is so great! I love it when people share skin car information:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Thanks for the info, I love that it smoothes the skin! I’m very interested to try it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are so many great products out there! Make sure you read instructions and reviews!
LikeLike
I haven’t used glycolic acid. When I was younger I did alot of treatments – but this is a nice reminder to continue taking care of myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s in a ton of products! Sometimes switching it up is a good pick-me-up!
LikeLike
Thanks for breaking this down. I think it’s important to know what you are outing on your skin and knowing the details
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course! I am so passionate about knowing what I am putting on my body!
LikeLike
Awesome info ! I’ve never even heard of this. Im on the hunt for a new skin care regimen since I haven’t changed mine up since 2012!!! thanks
LikeLike
Of course! It is in a lot of great products, too! Send me an e-mail if you would like a specific-to-you recommendation!
LikeLike
I’ve never considered using glycolic acid before and I definitely have leftover red scarring from acne so many years ago. Is there a brand you recommend that isn’t too expensive? I see someone has said Mary Kay but eissh, I didn’t even realize Mary Kay was still on the market and wouldn’t even know anyone who sells it anymore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah there are a ton of products! If you are looking for price point, there are some products on amazon I can link. They are more of a droplet type of product and should be supplemented with a soothing agent or extreme moisturizer to use after. Start on the lower end–a 10% concentration–and go up from there as your skin responds. Definitely read the directions! Mary Kay does have a product that is mainly glycolic acid and is equipped with soothing agents such as marine extract to sooth, reduce redness, and is an anti-inflammatory. Look for products that include either marine extract, chamomile extract, green tea extract, or Vitamins B, C, or E.
LikeLike
Never tried, but thank you for sharing, need to might as well take care of my skin hehe 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person