What are the Skin Benefits of Glycolic Acid & What is the Best Glycolic Acid Cream? Let’s get to it.. First, a bit of scientific “stuff”. Glycolic acid is part of the group of active compounds known as AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids). Derived from cane sugar, it has the smallest molecules in the group so it is able to penetrate skin deeply and easily. Dead skin cells are sloughed off making it an excellent exfolient for the skin. When it comes to the skin benefits of Glycolic Acid, there are MANY…
Anti-Aging Skin Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Removes Dead Skin Cells
[bctt tweet=”Considered the holy grail for skin exfoliation, glycolic Acid is effective for removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. The result? A brighter, clearer, smoother and more radiant complexion.” username=”40andholding_”]
Boosts Collagen Production
Studies have shown that Glycolic Acid assists with Collagen production. A vital protein, Collagen is what helps the skin remain firm and resist wrinkling. Using skincare products with Glycolic Acid will help with plumping the skin and maintaining firmness.
Keeps Pores Clear
Glycolic Acid prevents dead skin cells from clumping and clogging. Your skin’s natural oil should be able to flow freely from your pores carrying dead cells to the surface to be sloughed off.
Lighten Discoloration (Sun Spots & Age Spots)
Combined with its effectiveness at exfoliating skin, Glycolic Acid also increases the speed of cell-turnover, thus removing the damaged & discolored top layer of the skin, replacing it with the newer, healthier and brighter skin cells underneath.
Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Because the breakdown of collagen causes wrinkles, Glycolic Acid is able to reduce the effects of fine lines & wrinkles on the skin.
In addition to the anti-aging benefits listed above, Glycolic Acid is effective at treating other skin problems. Acne, breakouts, blackheads and scarring have all been treated effectively with Glycolic Acid.
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What Products Can I find Glycolic Acid in?
Glycolic Acid products come in many different forms: cleansers, serums, creams & moisturizers, eye creams and facial peels.
When considering a product, glycolic acid should be listed in the “active ingredients” section. Many times it will also appear as a percentage. Some skincare experts believe that products with less than 10% strength don’t really give your skin the benefits glycolic acid is known for. So make sure you look at the percentage.
Skincare experts suggest using Glycolic Acid at night. They stress that use of a daytime Sunscreen is an absolute MUST when using a product containing Glycolic Acid.
What is the Best Glycolic Acid Cream or Serum?
There are many choices. Two products that I use on a regular basis are Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads and Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment. (seen below). I have had great success with both of these products. I usually alternate, using the Un-wrinkle pads one night, then Paula’s Choice the next.
Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment
Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment contains 5% AHA/Glycolic Acid. With daily use, it reveals youthfully radiant skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And with continued use, revitalizes skin’s texture, visibly evens skin tone, and helps promote visibly firmer-looking, smoother skin. A specially selected mix of antioxidants helps fight the impact of free-radical damage. Ceramides and peptides bind moisture for beautifully radiant skin. This product is recommended for those with Normal to Dry Skin. For those with Normal to Oily Skin, use Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment with 2% BHA. You can use this product day or night. If using in the daytime, be sure to follow with an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen.
Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads
Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads contain a 20% proprietary solution of Alpha, Beta and Gamma Acids (including Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, and Linolenic Acids) and Amino Acids, which are the building blocks of peptides. These, combined with powerful botanical extracts and anti-oxidants, help to reveal beautiful, clear, radiant, glowing skin. These peel pads are filled with moisturizing properties to help calm and soothe the look of skin as it is being exfoliated. Helps to minimize the appearance of pores, clarify the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Leaves skin looking soft, smooth, firm and revitalized.
You can use this product day or night. Again, if using in the daytime, be sure to follow with an SPF 30 or greater! Peter Thomas Roth recommends the following for beginners using this product:
Dry Skin: Start with 1-2 times a week and build up to 4-5 times a week; if well tolerated, may use 1-2 times daily.
Normal Skin: Start with 3 times per week and build up to daily use. May use twice daily.
Oily Skin: Start with daily use. May use twice daily.
Other Best Bets That Contain Glycolic Acid:
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
(contains 12% Glycolic Acid) - Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer
- Exuviance Glycolic Expert Moisturizer (contains 10% Glycolic Acid)
- Murad Complete Reform With Glyco Firming Complex
If you are interested in finding out more about Retinol, see my post the Skin Benefits of Retinol & the Best Retinol Products.
Have you used a Glycolic Acid Product that you love? Considering using one? Please leave your comments below! As always, I would love to hear from you..
Until next time…
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