You’ve probably heard a lot about fruit acid, which is widely used in face and body care. Prepare your test tubes and put on your goggles. It’s time to get down to a science and analyze the effects of glycolic acid.
It is used by dermatologists all over the world and is also popular as part of stand-alone treatments. Products based on glycolic acid have proven to be a solution for wrinkles, scars, acne, blackheads, and hyperpigmentation spots.
AHAs are milder compared to BHAs. This means that there are no side effects if used properly. The acid concentrate used in dermatology is up to 3%, and it is quite enough to stimulate the cells.
Lately, you could see a lot of videos on TikTok where girls use acid for strawberry legs, back acne, and other skin problems.
Is glycolic acid really that good? What’s the trick?
I will reveal all the ways to use glycolic acid for the beauty and health of your skin.
Why are AHA products so popular?
Intensely shimmering skin is back in fashion, as many beauty brands bring us a wave of Y2K aesthetics. That means a lot of shimmers and glitters. If you want your skin to glow every day like during the music festival period, you need to try products based on glycolic acid.
They will accelerate the natural exfoliation of the skin, which means that in just two weeks you will get a glowing complexion. That’s why I can call it a night exfoliator. Best of all, it doesn’t just apply to your face but to your entire body. Say goodbye to ingrown hairs on your face, legs, or any other part of your body.
AHA will gently exfoliate the treated surface and prevent the formation of inflammatory processes. This can be one of the best choices for your skin, provided it is used properly.
Glycolic acid – how to get glowing skin?
It stands out from other AHAs due to its small and simple structure. It is derived from sugar cane. You will find it in most face scrubs, but also serums and creams. Don’t let its simplicity fool you.
This is exactly why it is the strongest facial skin care product. In addition to cleaning the skin, it can deal with other problems. In order to successfully nourish the skin with occlusive creams, you need a preparation that accelerates skin regeneration.
This is where glycolic acid comes in, which encourages skin cells to shed dead layers and releases healthy cells. That’s why it’s great for tired facial skin, wrinkles, and comedones. Thanks to its specific structure, it penetrates deep into the layers and stimulates the production of collagen in the skin.
The result is the elastic and firm facial skin. If you have a problem with hyperpigmentation on your face, consider this product. It affects the metabolic processes in the skin, accelerates the healing of wounds, scars, and effectively removes blemishes.
Glycolic acid for all skin types – yes or no?
The product will suit all skin types, as it is a gentle exfoliant. However, dermatologists say it will work better on normal to dry skin precisely because of this. If you have oily and combination skin, it is preferable to use BHA, but not if it is sensitive.
In this case, BHA can be too aggressive, as rosacea and other skin conditions require mild ingredients. Then glycolic acid is the best choice. You also need to be careful when applying it to the eye area.
Yes, it is proven to work on dark circles around the eyes, but people who are prone to irritation should not try it. The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, so redness can occur when applying any product, especially if it’s acids.
How to include glycolic acid in your skin-care routine?
Introduce it gradually to avoid side effects. So, you will use it once a week and increase it. After a while, you can use it every day.
It is safest for preparations to contain 5% to 10% glycolic acid. You must not forget to use your SPF regularly to prevent the formation of pigment spots or burns.
Do not use it together with retinol. Otherwise, the skin may become dry and irritated. This product is used as part of an evening routine. It is applied to previously cleansed skin with a gentle cleanser such as CeraVe products.
Then, apply a thin layer of AHAs to dry skin and wait for the skin to absorb it completely. After 5-10 minutes, apply hydrating cream.
How do I choose a good glycolic acid product?
When choosing a product, always focus on the ingredients. It should preferably be a reliable brand, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. The price does not have to be decisive, because it often does not determine the quality.
Avoid packaging on which perfumes and other irritants are high in composition, as well as many other useless ingredients. The simpler the composition, the better the product will be.
However, do not choose products that have a poor composition either. An example would be the lack of nourishing ingredients that have an important function.
How to get rid of strawberry legs with glycolic acid?
If you’ve ever had a problem with red dots on your legs, you know how frustrating it can be. This is the great enemy of anyone who waxes or uses a razor. Spots are caused by clogged pores, oil and dead skin that accumulates over time.
One of the solutions is mechanical peeling, but it is often not enough. If you don’t like products like this and want a quick fix, try glycolic acid. It will cause mild exfoliation of the skin and prevent ingrown hairs and other problems.
You can use it on the legs, arms, buttocks, and other parts of the body. It will unclog your pores and in combination with a hydrating cream will increase the glow of your skin. Exfoliating too much will not solve the problem but will make it worse.
As with the face, slowly introduce the product into your routine and apply a thin layer after showering. Finally, apply a hydrating cream.
Conclusion:
It’s hard to know which product is better but choose according to your skin type and condition. If you are a beginner and do not have sensitive skin, always opt for a lower acid percentage.
Over time, you can switch to a more aggressive product. Remember to listen to what your skin is telling you. That way, you will always choose what it truly needs.
Use glycolic acid carefully, and don’t forget how important hydration and the right cream are. When introducing active ingredients into your routine, you can’t go outside without SPF.
