Glycolic acid is a part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group and is naturally derived from sugarcane, fruits and/or beets and is commonly used in skincare products. It is a chemical exfoliant that can be easily absorbed into the skin since it has a very small molecular weight. Once absorbed into the skin it acts as an exfoliant to dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin while increasing cell renewal.
Don’t be scared away by the name! It is widely used in cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers and masks. Glycolic acid is suitable for just about every skin type and absorbs easily into the skin to stimulate collagen production. This powerhouse ingredient can be used for common skin concerns such as acne, aging skin, pigmentation and acne scarring.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
- Exfoliation: Glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells and oils on the surface of the skin. This can help improve the overall texture and tone of the skin to reveal a rejuvenated complexion.
- Anti-aging: By penetrating deep into the skin, glycolic acid stimulates collagen production which helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other manifestations of aging.
- Brightening: Consistent use of this exfoliant improves the overall brightness of the skin by removing dull, dead skin cells.
- Acne: This makes for an effective acne treatment due to its ability to unclog pores, reduce the formation of comedones and prevent the buildup of skin cells and sebum.
- Hydration: Glycolic acid has humectant properties which allows it to attract moisture to the skin and improve overall hydration levels.
Is Glycolic Acid Suitable for All Skin Types?
Most skin types can benefit from glycolic acid but it is particularly suitable for dry, normal, combination or oily skin. Those with sensitive or reactive skin should proceed with caution, start slowly when using glycolic acid based products, do a patch test before continuing or reach out to us at shop@rescuespa.com with any questions.
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