A sneak peek into the basics of glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells enhancing skin luminosity. It is the smallest molecule and water-soluble ingredient derived from crops like sugarcane. This acid has a regenerative and moisture-retaining capacity that helps the skin maintain the required level of hydration.
Properties of glycolic acid
- Antibacterial:
According to a 2020 study published in NCBI, glycolic acid when used in a specific concentration can impede the growth of bacteria on the skin.
- Humectant:
Glycolic acid is a humectant, which means it has the power to attract and bind water to skin cells.
- Exfoliative:
Glycolic acid can efficiently remove the topmost layer of dead skin cells and oil by dissolving them.
- Anti-aging:
Glycolic acid has anti-ageing properties that can visibly reduce signs of skin aging.
How does glycolic acid work on acne or dark spots?
Before delving deep into how glycolic acid treats acne spots, it is important to know what causes acne.
Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin condition that occurs when external aggressors like dust, dirt, impurities, and bacteria accumulate in pores. A small amount of the accumulation stays in non-inflammatory condition and develops as blackheads and whiteheads.
However, when you leave these impurities for quite a long time without necessary care, it can lead to inflammation and infection and result in inflammatory acne that appears as red, swollen, and puss-filled bumps.
The antibacterial properties of glycolic acid truly make it an active member of the acne-fighting group. Wondering how?
Being the smallest AHA compound, Glycolic acid effortlessly penetrates the skin layer. In addition, as a keratolytic, it breaks down the outermost skin layer by dissolving sebum and other substances that accumulate in pores.
The penetrative ability of glycolic acid thus makes it an effective ingredient for acne spot treatment. When dead skin cells and excess oil no longer veil the skin; it paves the way for brighter, healthier skin that was previously trampled under the dust and dirt. What’s more! Since dead skin cells get peeled off, the acne scars also lighten, making it an ideal solution to choose glycolic acid for acne scars or dark spots reduction.
Glycolic acid is an all-encompassing ingredient that dedicates itself to preventing dark spots and retaining moisture in the skin. Various acne treatment options cause excessive soaking of natural oil from the skin. This incident triggers sebaceous glands to produce more oil to balance skin moisture that leads to further breakouts. Surprisingly, glycolic acid takes care of all of these aspects and equips the skin with the necessary exfoliation (that helps to reduce acne scars and spots) and moisture. No wonder, more people are opting for glycolic acid for acne scars treatment.
How to include Glycolic Acid in the skincare routine?
Now that you know the glycolic acid benefits for skin, i.e., reducing acne, and softening acne spots, you must be wondering how to incorporate this acid into your skincare ritual. Luckily, there are various glycolic acid-based products available in form of cleansers, serums, face masks, and day and night creams which would help you create a thorough skincare routine and experience the results. Let’s discover the magic potions!
- As a cleanser
Glycolic acid as a cleanser works effectively on acne-prone skin as it proactively peels off the external layer of skin. Tiny dust and dirt particles block skin pores and cause blackheads and even acne. However, by using a cleanser containing glycolic acid, you can reduce acne-causing bacteria development by keeping your skin cleansed. You can choose the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser as it exfoliates the top layers of skin and evens out skin tone. The facewash acts gently on skin and reveals glowing skin.
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- As a face mask
Acne scar-related concerns can be eliminated with each and every glycolic acid product. So, add the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Serum Mask to correct and unify skin tone. In addition, face masks are an ideal source of hydration and moisture. As you know glycolic acid is categorized as a humectant, it can increase hydration levels in the skin and supply moisture to your acne-prone skin.
- As a serum
A serum containing glycolic acid acts as an elixir. The robust exfoliation capacity of glycolic acid help softens acne scars and unveil bright glowing fair skin. As a serum, you can opt for the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Brightening Serum which has 1.0% glycolic acid. It can penetrate the basal layer of the epidermis and stimulate cell renewal while simultaneously removing melanin build-up cell by cell. What’s more! you can remove 5 years of dark spots in just 2 weeks.
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- As a day cream
To combat external aggressors as well as UV radiation, you need a day cream containing glycolic acid. For this, you can go for the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream with SPF17. This day cream looks after the skin throughout the day and makes sure it can resist and fight against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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- As a night cream
The anti-acne skincare routine is incomplete without a night cream. You can use glycolic acid-based products such as night cream to get glowing, spot-free, and healthy skin. The L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream can help you achieve radiant, fair, and even skin tone.
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Acne scars are a primary concern for every teen and adult. However, when you’re equipped with all the essential glycolic acid-based products, you can keep acne scars, dark spots, and tanning at bay. So, browse through the entire L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Acid products to create a thorough skincare routine and say goodbye to acne scars.
