Glycolic acid is a product frequently used in skincare products, especially those used for anti-ageing, hyperpigmentation and problem skin.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugarcane. Glycolic acid works as a chemical exfoliator, speeding up cell turnover. It does this by dissolving the bonds between dead cells, allowing skin to recover more quickly, bringing out fresher, softer and brighter skin. And who doesn’t want that?
Glycolic acid for acne and breakouts
Glycolic acid has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which is why it helps to treat or prevent acne and breakouts. Glycolic acid prevents your skin’s pores from clogging and stops the acne cycle from starting.
Many acne treatments, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be very drying. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, doesn’t strip your skin’s lipids. Lipids are a healthy fatty acid that makes up your skin’s barrier and keeps your skin hydrated. The last thing you want when you’re battling breakouts is dry skin too!
Glycolic acid for anti-ageing
Glycolic acid is the most popular AHA for anti-aging because it’s the strongest of the alpha hydroxy acids, and when used appropriately, it can produce great results. One of the reasons glycolic acid is so effective is because of its size – it is one of the smallest AHA molecules s found in skin care. Glycolic acid’s molecules penetrate the surface of your skin deeper than other AHAs with larger molecule sizes, like lactic acid. This deep penetration increases collagen synthesis, which prevents fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the thickness and firmness of your skin. A great option if you’re looking for an anti-aging skin solution.
Glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation
Glycolic acid fades mild pigmentation, like driver’s arm, age spots and mild melasma and pigmented acne scars.
Pigmentation is darkest on the surface of your skin, but the skin underneath is less pigmented. Glycolic acid exfoliates and removes dead skin cells. With consistent in-clinic treatments and support from at home products, glycolic acid will help to fade pigmentation.
Will glycolic acid irritate or harm my skin?
Exfoliation with glycolic acid can cause slight irritation until your skin gets used to the ingredient. We recommend introducing glycolic acid to your skincare routine gradually to minimise the chance of any irritation.
How long before I start to see the effects of glycolic acid?
If you are having in-clinic treatments for a specific condition, like pigmentation, acne or scarring, you will require around 3-6 treatments before you start to see improvements.
Skin cells take 28 days to turn over, so when you are using products containing glycolic acid, there is a 28 day journey to start seeing improvements.
Glycolic acid treatments and skin care products
Glycolic acid is available in two treatments at Bloom. We offer two different glycolic skin peels, with different professional strengths:
- asap Glycolic – helps to soften lines, wrinkles, hydrate the skin and stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin.
- INNO Aesthetics Glycolic – chemical peel that promotes epidermal cell turnover, balances skin’s moisture levels, and improves it’s texture.
Glycolic acid is also available in the following skincare products sold at Bloom:
- Face washes
- Moisturisers
- Skin care pads
Spotlight on: Cane + Austin glycolic acid range
Cane + Austin is a skincare brand developed by an American dermatologist, Dr Craig Austin. Their range includes a number of products containing different strengths of glycolic acid. One of our favourite products, and bestseller, are the retexture pads, which we offer in two different strengths, Miracle Pads 10% and Miracle Pads 30%.
We recommend using these retexture pads because they are one of the only at-home facial treatments clinically proven to fight acne or breakouts, improve overall texture, remove blackheads and minimise enlarged pores. These pads also lighten hyperpigmentation, brighten and strengthen skin. They are incredibly easy to use, simply swipe the pad over a clean face, avoiding the eye area. Retexture pads are non-drying, non-irritating, paraben and fragrance-free.
