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What you need to know about glycolic acid

 

Woman using Glycolic Acid - Dermatologist's Choice

When you think of a skin care product that can encourage glowing skin, your mind may jump to a creamy lotion or oil—and while those options may be a logical solution, the temporary glow will fade away eventually. So, you may be left wondering if there is a way to encourage glowing skin that will last. Say, “hello” to Glycolic. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) offers an effective and alternative way to obtain radiant, glowing skin—and when used as a regular part of your skin care routine you can reap longer lasting, glowing skin results. Keep reading to learn how glycolic acid works and learn about our best clinical glycolic skincare products including a glycolic acid pH balanced cleanser.

HOW DOES GLYCOLIC ACID WORK?

Glycolic acid, when used as a natural (stems from sugar cane) chemical exfoliate, dissolves away build up on your skin’s surface to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. This buildup can be comprised of dead skin cells, makeup, dirt, and excess oil. When the surface of your skin is congested with this debris, it can appear dull, dry, and lackluster. Glycolic acid can help break down the buildup on the surface of your skin so that it will appear fresher. Another glowing skin bonus: Now that your pores are clear, your other skin care products may be able to hydrate skin more efficiently, as replenishing skin with moisture will also aid in a maintaining a radiant complexion.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GLYCOLIC ACID?

When glycolic acid skin care products are incorporated into your routine you will be pleased to find that you have glowing skin even before you apply any makeup, and while highlighting powder can temporarily amplify your radiance, glycolic acid can help encourage a glowing skin base to start with.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT GLYCOLIC ACID BEFORE ADDING IT TO YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE?

Before reaching for any glycolic acid products, there’s one thing you should keep in mind. AHAs like glycolic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s important to take adequate sun protection measures when using any skin care products formulated with glycolic acid. Sun protection is just a good rule to live by because the sun’s harmful rays can accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When you are using real non-neutralized Glycolic it increases the penetration of the products, it is great for decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, but may cause some redness since it is similar to receiving a professional grade chem peel in a dermatology clinic. This is nothing to be worried about and it's temporary. Just use a moisturizer until the redness disappears. Then apply one glycolic acid product a day for three days a week. Your face will then become accustomed to it and should be able to tolerate application of more than one product three or more days a week. Tailor usage to what your skin tolerates.

HOW DO YOU ADD GLYCOLIC ACID TO YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE?

To help foster and maintain the appearance of glowing skin look for skin care products that utilize glycolic acid and its glowing skin properties.

1. USE A GLYCOLIC ACID FACIAL CLEANSER DAILY

The first step in your skin care routine should be cleansing. Reach for the Dermatologist’s Choice Skincare pH Balanced Cleanser with Glycolic. This daily facial cleanser is formulated with glycolic acid to exfoliate dullness and impurities from the surface of skin. It has no harsh soaps and it's a magic worker at removing mascara. Immediately, skin looks brighter, while skin tone appears more even with continued use over time. Every morning and evening, lather the facial cleanser into wet hands and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

2. EXFOLIATE WITH A GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL PAD AT NIGHT

Encourage the renewal of your skin’s surface by exfoliating regularly, with a glycolic acid peel like the Glycolic  Peel Cleansing Pads to help chemically and physically dissolve away dullness and roughness on your skin’s surface. Use nightly on clean skin. Gently apply a peel pad in a circular motion to your face.

3. APPLY A GLYCOLIC ACID MOISTURIZER IN THE MORNING

You can also help your skin maintain a bright, youthful glow throughout your day by applying a day lotion with glycolic acid, like the Dermatologist’s Choice Ultra Anti-Aging Cream or Facial Enhancement Cream. Formulated with glycolic acid and shea butter, these daytime moisturizers immediately make skin appear brighter, while dull, uneven skin tone is renewed with continued use over time. 

4. TREAT YOUR SKIN TO A GLYCOLIC ACID LOTION

The Hand and Body Lotion has a glycolic acid moisturizing formula to lightly renew your skin all over your body. This can help deliver hydration and lightly exfoliate rough, dry elbows or knees to enhance skin clarity, and reduce the visibility of dark spots, uneven tone and dead skin build-up.

Have any questions about how to use glycolic in your skincare or just want to know more about glycolic acid? Leave us a comment or question below! Have a bright day!

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