Everything You Should Know About Glycolic Acid Cream
Facial Cleanser, moisturizers, eye creams – these are only some of the skin care products we can add to our skin routines since the list goes on and on. What we pay close attention to, however, are the ingredients that these skin care products consist of, and one of the most famous ones happens to be Glycolic Acid.
As we mentioned in our previous article which you can find here, Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring substance and it offers many benefits to the skin when used in skincare products – starting from rejuvenating to moisturizing. Glycolic acid is used as an exfoliant and falls in the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group which is naturally found in plants like sugar cane, beets, and pineapple. One’s skin can absorb it quickly since it has the smallest molecule of the acid group.
Nevertheless, Glycolic acid doesn’t only provide one with instant rejuvenation as it has also been shown that it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, and if you use it continuously, it can actually stimulate skin healing while also reducing signs of environmental damage.
Among others skin issues, glycolic acid, according to dermatologists, improves skin matters such as blackheads, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and hyperkeratosis. It is also known to remove excess oil and it relieves dry and scaly skin conditions.
What You Should Know Before Using GA
You should always keep in mind that skin types vary from one another – what might work perfectly fine for one skin type, might, in fact, cause damage to another person’s skin with the same skin type. Before using a particular product you should always read its prescription first so you can get a close understanding of the side effects, allergies, and what skin type that particular product is best for.
According to L’Oréal, since AHAs, as glycolic acid increases your skin’s sun sensitivity, you should keep in mind to always follow up the usage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher after applying products that consist of glycolic acid. Nevertheless, this isn’t the only precaution you should take when using glycolic acid, you should also make sure to reapply the sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming also spend less time in the sun, seek shade and cover ur exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and blocking sunglasses.
Glycolic Acid Cream
In case what you are looking for is to step up your glycolic skin care regimen then what you should consider is adding glycolic cream to the skin care daily routine.
These creams are thought to improve the look and feel of your skin since they consist of a higher concentration of glycolic acid than the basic cleansers or washers do.
Why Use A Glycolic Acid Cream?
According to Glycolic Acid, the difference between these creams and the other ones we usually use for our skin care, is that glycolic acid is not supposed to be washed off the face. In fact, your skin absorbs it all day or all night and this way your skin will gain many benefits.
Keep in mind that when you use glycolic acid you should also use a sunscreen, and, the good thing about some of these creams is that they contain sunscreen. What does glycolic acid do? Well, by using it your skin will end up with a fresh skin underneath since it removes the top layer and this way your skin can become more sensitive when out in the sun. That is why it is recommended to cover the parts that you have applied glycolic acid.
In case you have made it a habit to use glycolic acid washes and cleanser, then by using glycolic creams, the results will be more exciting as they consist of a higher concentration of glycolic acid than cleansers and washes. Take, for instance, if a wash contains just 8 to 10 percent of glycolic acid concentration, then a cream can contain up to 30%.
How To Use A Glycolic Acid Cream
According to Glycolic acid, it is advised that if you are planning on using glycolic acid cream then it is best if you begin by using it only at night. You can do this by applying a light layer of the glycolic cream while following it with moisturizer for two weeks.
After four weeks have passed and you don’t notice any side effects of the cream, then you are safe to use the cream during the day as well. Initially, you should apply the cream on a bare or a freshly cleansed skin, then after that, you should put on moisturizer and sunscreen (or a moisturizer that contains sunscreen) and finally makeup(if you want to.)
It is advised to start the glycolic acid cream regimen with a product that has a low concentration of glycolic acid (around 10% or less.) If your skin is happy with the result, then you can find a product with a higher concentration, however, keep in mind that the maximum concentration recommended for at-home use is 30%.
Why glycolic acid?
The best thing about glycolic acid is that it is ideal for any skin type. For those who fall into the dry skin type, glycolic acid is the go-to as it replenishes and balances the skin since it removes a dead layer of skin so this way the newer, suppler skin can be revealed. While, for those who fall into the oily skin type, glycolic acid is a go-to as it helps in balancing and soothing the skin, finally, so the skin stays more balanced in the evening you should even it out and the oils dissipate.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.
Before you go: Skin Products And Home Remedies For Oily Skin.