What is glycolic acid: properties and benefits

Glycolic acid is an alphahidroxy acid (AHA) used to work the deepest surface of the skin and treat small wrinkles, lack of luminosity or skin damaged by the sun.In fact, it is one of the favorites of the Koreans, as explained in "Korean art of skin care", the book edited by Miin Cosmetics, in which they place glycolic acid as one of the most used to perform chemical exfoliationswith which to remove dead cells.

This AHA, obtained from sugarcane, is increasingly present in cosmetics.And it helps like none to reveal a new skin, to stimulate cell regeneration, to fight fat skin, regulate mixed complexions, avoid black points or refine pores.In cosmetics it is used in concentrations that vary between 4% and 20%, with different benefits according to the parameters.Products with lower concentrations make very light exfoliations on the skin.The highest concentrations are used in pigmentation treatments, wrinkles and even to treat acne.

So it is not surprising that, if we talk about luminosity, glycolic acid is a name that has to force us.Among other benefits is the shape of its molecules.So small, that they penetrate much better into the skin and reach deeper layers.When the regenerates inside, it is revealed on the outside of luminosity and healthy skin.

But be careful, because abusing it is not good.Do not combine it with other ingredients that are aggressive or other acids that can be a pump for your skin, especially if it is sensitive.As they claim in the Korean beauty manual, “they can damage or dry out the skin.”Other things you should know is that your skin may fight in the first applications or feel a slight heat, itching or stinging.Quiet, it's normal: it's acting.

How to use glycolic acid

Start using it sauteed, at night, a couple of days a week.Thus you will see how your skin reacts.If you do it in the morning, it is essential that then you apply a high sunscreen.The reason?That by eliminating dead skin cells, acids decrease the natural protection of the lipid barrier and our skin is more exposed to external damage.

They are used after facial cleaning.That is, it is essential to have completely clean skin.Massage the product on the skin, slightly wet avoiding the eye contour zone and clarifies.They can also be used with cotton discs, without clarified, as a tonic.

If you have never used glycolic acid, start using it in low concentrations.8% will be perfect.If your skin is already used to AHA, you can raise concentrations up to 15%, for example.If your skin has a tendency to acne, do not scare yourself if your dermatologist (because it is best to go to the specialist), combine a glycolic acid treatment with salicylic acid.

The best cosmetics with glycolic acid

Among all cosmetic proposals, we have filtered the best products with glycolic acid so that you include it in your routine of the way you like it most.These are our FAV.

Ampollas Revitalif Laser de L'Oréal Paris

With a 10% concentration of glycolic acid they have a peeling effect that helps remove dead skin cells.It is sold in a seven pack and you will notice the brighter skin and softened expression lines.In addition, surface spots decrease.

Discos de peeling con efecto iluminador, Sephora Collection

Eliminates in a single gesture remains of makeup (but it is not an removing one) and dead skins.They are composed of 99% of ingredients of natural origin, including the glycolic acid of the sugarcane, which performs a gentle exfoliation and softens the skin, in addition to the natural peptides to give it tensioning effect and aloe vera to calm the reds(€ 13.99 / 60 units).

Glycolic Acid Toner, Mario Badescu

From the favorite brand of the Kardashian we also rescue a product focused on glycolic acid in the form of an exfoliating tonic.It also contains Pomelo and Aloe Gel extract.So in addition to exfoliating, cooling and stimulating dry complexion and even helps reduce the scars caused by acne (€ 20.55).

Glycolic Acid, The Inkey List

It is a tonic that fights dilated pores and illuminates the skin.Exfolia glycolic acid gently eliminating dead skin that causes dehydration of skin surface (€ 8.50).

Liquid Gold Lotion, Alpha H

This night treatment helps to regenerate and reaffirm the skin thanks to a multi-action formula based on soy protein and licorice.It acts on the different levels of aging to revive tired skin and wrinkles, reducing the roughness of the dermis and improving hydration (€ 39.95).

Sébium Sérum, Bioderma

This night serum contains 15% of high tolerance glycolic acid and dermatological safety.

Neoretin Discrom Control Peeling Despigmentante, Cantabria Labs

It is a depigmenting peel based on chemical and homemade enzymatic assets that exfoliates the skin and fighting hyperpigmentation.And it does so thanks to glycolic acid in combination with other acids-care if your skin is sensitive or you are not accustomed-such as shikimic, citric and salicylic acid and the mczyme-c complex enzymatic agent (€ 22).

Hyaluron-Filler Noche Peeling&Serum, Eucerin

Eucerin has also launched a powerful night weapon to fight wrinkles while sleeping.Hyaluron FlerMolecular weight for the fine lines of the epidermis and high molecular weight, to act in deeper layers (€ 39.90).

Toallitas limpiadoras Glycolic Fix, NIP+FAB

They include 60 wipes that act as cleaning patches.They improve the tone and texture of the skin since they function as innovative exfoliating facial pads.The result: a soft and perfect complexion thanks to, among other ingredients, glycolic acid combined with hamamelis and hyaluronic acid (€ 19.45).

Caudalie Vinoperfect, crema de noche correctora de manchas

Caudalie night cream to perfect mature skin spots improves in its formula, including a bio-peeling complex and glycolic acid to exfoliate and renew the skin.It unifies it and leaves it soft and fresh while you sleep (€ 38.45).

Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, Murad

Illuminating serum with glycolic acid to combat the effects of stress that solves hyperpigmentation problems and balances the tone in the most out -of -the -ups.It is antioxidant and leaves the shining skin (€ 84.45).