Ingredient Spotlight: Glycolic Acid For Acne Skin

 

Skincare acids are fast becoming staples in everyone’s skincare routine.

Glycolic Acid is a fan-favourite among all the other acids and it is formulated into a wide variety of skincare products, from cleansers, peels to serums. This powerhouse ingredient features extraordinary skin rejuvenating benefits so it is no wonder that Glycolic Acid is at the top of everyone’s list. In this month’s edition of Ingredient Spotlight, we uncover Glycolic Acid’s potent efficacies and find out how it can help treat acne.

 

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from certain fruits and vegetables such as sugarcane and grapefruit. It delivers gentle yet effective chemical exfoliation by breaking down the bonds between the outermost layer of skin cells which then gets rinsed off when we cleanse our face. As a result, it creates a mild peeling effect that reveals healthier and youthful-looking skin.

In addition, Glycolic Acid has the simplest and smallest structure out of all AHAs. This makes it “easy for it to penetrate your skin and be super effective,” says Kenneth Howe, M.D., dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City. Its ability to deliver deep exfoliation makes its an effective acne-fighting ingredient.

 

How Glycolic Acid Rescues Acne-Prone Skin

If you suffer from acne-prone skin, Glycolic Acid is a versatile ingredient worth looking into due to its multifaceted range of efficacies.

 

1. Gentle Chemical Exfoliation

Acne is primarily caused by clogged pores congested by excess sebum and dead skin cells build-up. Therefore, an effective exfoliating skincare product is key to slough off pore-clogging impurities. According to Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, Glycolic Acid “works by un-gluing dead skin cells from each other, which clears out your pores.” Keeping your pores decongested will greatly reduce breakout occurrences and keep your skin clear.

 

2. Strengthen Skin Barrier

Complexion with blemishes tend to have a compromised skin barrier. Inflammations and exacerbated skin sensitivity can lead to a weakened and thinner skin barrier that is less efficient at retaining moisture which slows down the healing process of blemishes. Glycolic Acid stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen which in turn strengthens the skin barrier. Moreover, it boasts anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that eradicates harmful bacteria and neutralises the action of free radicals for stronger, firmer skin.

 

3. Glowing Clear Complexion

Your journey to healthy skin continues well beyond eliminating pimples. Glycolic Acid is a well-known skin-brightener as its exfoliating effect helps to tackle hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring and age spots. It revitalises the skin from the inside out to combat dullness and uneven skin texture. Elevate your skincare regimen to the next level with this potent multitasking ingredient.

 

How To Use Glycolic Acid

Even though Glycolic Acid is found in many forms of products such as cleansers, peels and serums, it is recommended for new users to incorporate just one product formulated with the ingredient in their skincare routine.

Our LumiGlow Fruit-Derived AHA Exfoliant is an effective skin cell renewal and retexturising concentrate that is a skincare staple for glowing skin. When introducing it into your routine, do a patch test on your skin to rule out any allergic reactions. Use it only 2 – 3 times a week in your evening skincare routine. Avoid using this solution with physical scrubs as they can irritate your skin. You may pair Glycolic Acid with gentler acids such as Salicylic Acid but not with harsher ones like Retinol.

Photosensitivity may be a potential side effect to watch out for. If you find that your skin burns more easily in the sun when using Glycolic Acid, use it only during your evening skincare routine and protect your complexion against harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen.

Glycolic Acid is a must-have exfoliator for everyone’s skincare routine, whether or not you are struggling with blemishes. The key to approaching this ingredient is to start small and gradually increase your dosage so that your skin has time to adjust to a new ingredient.

 

Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!

Follow us

Instagram | Facebook