Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a valuable ingredient in creams, peels, and cleansing skincare products. It is one of the few molecules that can adapt to all skin types, which is one of its incredible advantages.
If you want to incorporate glycolic acid or products containing this component into your skincare routine, check out these tips that we have prepared for you.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid, also known as fruit acid, is a completely natural ingredient derived from plant sugars. It is also a form of AHA, known as glycolic acid alpha-hydroxy acid. Because its molecular structure is smaller than that of other AHA acids, it penetrates the skin much better. Glycolic acid, which cleanses and refreshes the skin, is one of the most effective chemical exfoliants for achieving healthy skin.
How does glycolic acid work?
Glycolic acid acts on the cells in the outermost layers of the skin at a molecular level. Glycolic acid weakens and dissolves the bonds between cells known as keratinocytes, effectively cleansing the skin without fatigue. This process removes the layer that covers the pores and obstructs the skin's respiration, as well as allowing skincare products to penetrate the lower layers of the tissue without corrosive chemical processes. As a result, the cell cycle in the skin tissue is accelerated, supporting the formation of new cells.
What does glycolic acid do?
We mentioned that the most important property of glycolic acid is that, due to its small molecular structure, it cleanses the skin without causing irritation.Glycolic acid, which gently cleanses the sebum, impurities, and dead cells accumulated on the skin without causing irritation, rejuvenates the skin's appearance with a soft touch. To summarize the benefits of glycolic acid for the skin in more detail, we can say:
- Thanks to its skin-cleansing structure, glycolic acid aids in cell renewal. Thus, it simultaneously exhibits anti-aging effects and minimizes the appearance of skin imperfections.
- It has a healing effect on skin infections. It is suitable for skin conditions such as acne, fungi, and psoriasis.
- Glycolic acid, which cleanses the dead cells of the skin, prevents impurities from clogging the pores. Therefore, there is no need to struggle with acne and blackheads caused by clogged pores, and it achieves maximum effectiveness from the skincare products applied to open and cleanse the pores.
- Glycolic acid, which can penetrate to the cellular level, enhances the skin's collagen production and thereby strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
- It hydrates the skin and helps with scaly skin caused by excessive dryness.
Who can use glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid has a pleasant property. It is suitable for almost all skin types and all age groups. It should only be tested on a small area before use on sensitive skin. Additionally, oily skin tends to prefer glycolic acid due to its intense cleansing properties.
At what age is it advisable to start using glycolic acid?
Acid-forming products generally support the skin's natural structure and can be used from adolescence, when the skin is most affected by hormonal changes.Glycolic acid-containing skincare products are preferred during adolescence, as this period often involves struggles with the formation of blackheads and acne. Much more effective products, such as pure glycolic acid serum or peels, are recommended starting from the mid-20s. After this period, glycolic acid can be incorporated into daily skincare rituals at any age.
How to use glycolic acid
Glycolic acid can be used in serum form and can be incorporated into the formulations of various skincare products. Here you can choose based on the desired results.
- Serums containing glycolic acid have a high concentration of this component. Therefore, its effects can be observed more quickly.
- Sensitive and thin skin generally prefers a facial cleansing gel enriched with glycolic acid, toner and moisturizer. Such products can be used continuously.
- Chemical peels, known as glycolic peels, are professional skincare treatments that are not suitable for all skin types, as this is a process that puts a strain on the skin. It is advisable to consult a qualified professional for glycolic peels.
If you are looking for ways to incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine most effectively, we have prepared the following product recommendations for you:
Reward your skin with the Maruderm 7% Glycolic Acid Uniform Skin Tone toner, which contains glycolic acid.
Vegan Formula, free from parabens, SLES, and SLS.Glycolic acid helps to cleanse the skin of dead skin cells, oil, and impurities. At the same time, it helps to reduce the appearance of pores on the skin and defend against signs of aging.
- Glycolic acid is one of the most well-known AHA acids, accelerating natural skin renewal and helping to create a more even skin texture and tone.
- It is specifically recommended for pigmentation spots and wrinkles.
- In this medium-strength tonic, you will find 7%, which is ideal for use 2-3 times a week or even daily, depending on your skin's sensitivity.
What should be considered when using glycolic acid in skincare?
Since glycolic acid is a strong component, you need to pay attention to a few points after use.We can list these as follows:
- It is also advisable to use a high SPF sunscreen throughout the day after use.
- Glycolic acid and derivatives of vitamin A should not be used together. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid all forms of vitamin A, especially retinol, for a while in your skincare ritual.
- After using glycolic acid, do not forget to apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
- Do not use too many products containing glycolic acid at once, as this may exceed the level of glycolic acid that the skin can tolerate unnoticed. However, you can combine several low-intensity glycolic acid-containing products in a routine.
If you prefer a highly concentrated formula, make sure that the other products in your skincare ritual do not contain glycolic acid.MaruDerm offers the best care products for this purpose! You can also examine MaruDerm products by determining the structure and needs of your skin, and here you will find everything you are looking for your complete care routine.