What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane and belongs to the family of alpha-hydroxy acids. It has the smallest and lightest molecular weight among all acids, which makes it easier to penetrate deep into the skin and provide maximum benefits. Glycolic acid is odourless, colourless, and highly soluble in water.
It is added to treatments designed for oily or acne-prone skin, dry skin, dull complexions, sun-damaged skin, and mature skin. It is suitable for almost all skin types, depending on the formula. However, you need to be mindful while using glycolic acid products as they can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Now that you know what is glycolic acid, let’s move on to understanding the benefits of glycolic acid and why you should consider opting for glycolic acid skin care.
5 Benefits of Glycolic Acid
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
This is one of the major benefits of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This, in turn, accelerates skin cell renewal, increases collagen production, and maintains the skin’s natural ability to retain hydration while preventing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles when used regularly. Apart from dissolving dead skin cells, glycolic acid also flattens the skin’s surface, leaves it feeling even and makes wrinkles less noticeable.
- Brightens and smoothens the skin
One of the main benefits of glycolic acid is that its little molecules go deep beneath your skin’s surface and eliminate dead skin cells. It also accelerates skin renewal and improves the quality of your skin by penetrating the epidermis easily. This reveals fresh, baby-soft skin that is bright, smooth, and radiant.
- Fades hyperpigmentation
Regularly using glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation is great as it helps fade mild discolouration, dark spots, and age spots. Wondering how? Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin’s surface changes its colour, i.e., it starts becoming darker and the skin underneath remains less pigmented. Glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation works by removing darker skin cells from the surface to reveal a fresh layer of even skin. Remember, this benefit of glycolic acid can only be achieved with regular use.
- Maintains your skin’s lipids
You need to understand that even though glycolic acid melts away dead skin cells, your lipids remain intact. Now, what are lipids? Lipids are healthy fatty acids that make up the skin’s bouncy barrier while keeping the hydration in and the bad stuff out.
- Fights acne marks
Using glycolic acid for oily skin as well as acne-prone is great as it exfoliates dead skin cells that tend to clog pores and trigger breakouts. It also helps reduce leftover acne marks and helps to achieve spotless skin in no time.
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of glycolic acid, let us tell you how you can include this star ingredient into your regular skincare routine and get the most out of it.
Glycolic Acid Skin Care Routine
Here’s an easy yet effective glycolic acid skin care routine to reveal healthy skin with ease –
- Step 1: Cleanser
The first step is to eliminate dirt, dust, impurities, and makeup residue with the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser that leaves your skin feeling fresh and radiant. This glycolic acid product exfoliates the skin gently by penetrating deep within and revealing healthy skin.
- Step 2: Serum
The best way to get maximum benefits of glycolic acid is by using it in a serum form as serums are made with potent formulations and absorb into the skin quickly. We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum to even out the basal layer of the skin where melanin starts to build up. But what exactly is melanin? It is a natural pigment that gives your skin its colour. When an excess of it is deposited into the skin, it leads to dark spots and uneven skin. In this case, this glycolic acid serum benefits by reducing up to five years of dark spots in just a few weeks.
- Step 3: Moisturiser
AM – Opt for the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream with SPF 17 to hydrate your skin, protect it from the harsh UV rays of the sun and achieve brighter skin on the go.
PM – Provide your skin with the nourishment it needs while you enjoy your beauty sleep by using the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream that repairs the skin’s barrier, fights dullness, reduces dark spots and gives you supple and radiant skin every morning.
The good news is that all the above-mentioned products enriched with glycolic acid are dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types. So, what are you waiting for? Browse through our wide range of L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Acid products and achieve the umpteen benefits of glycolic acid by making it a part of your regular skincare routine right away!