AHA Glycolic Acid

AHAs are known to effectively exfoliate and revitalize dull and uneven skin, giving it a fresher and more radiant appearance.

There’s a whole host of factors that can impact the look and feel of skin, such as damage pollution or other environmental factors.

More about AHA Glycolic Acid

If you find your skin appearing dull, uneven, or rough to the touch, consider incorporating an alpha-hydroxy acid – often referred to as AHAs – into your skincare routine. There are a few different types of AHAs that you’ve probably heard of (malic and lactic acid are two of the most well-known). They each work in a similar way, which is by dissolving the top layer of skin to reveal new cells underneath, helping to even out the overall tone of skin while imparting a radiant glow. However, there’s one particular AHA that’s most widely talked about, is the most common within the skincare sphere, and that has the most scientific backing: glycolic acid.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Loved for its ability to slough away dead skin cells to leave skin looking fresher and brighter, glycolic acid is a known dermatological ingredient. Out of all the different acids, glycolic is the smallest amongst all AHAs, meaning that it’s able to reach the epidermis to dissolve intercellular cohesion, promote desquamation and encourage cell renewal.
First and foremost, it’s an extremely effective exfoliator, and by shedding the dead skin cells at stratum corneum level (the skin’s outermost layer) it’s able to improve everything from texture and tone to fine lines and wrinkles.
How regularly you use glycolic acid really depends on the strength of the formula you’re using. Most of our products with glycolic acid, such as the SkinActive Charcoal Face Serum, are formulated to be used on a daily basis for a gentle yet effective peeling effect.

When using a product with glycolic acid, it is advised to avoid sun exposure and apply at least SPF30 the morning after use. To prevent irritation, the application should be spaced out, and in case of persistent irritation, the use of the product has to be stopped. Depending on the product, it can also be recommended to avoid using it around the eye area.

While glycolic acid can be beneficial for any and all skin types, particularly effective for those with dull, oily, or acne-prone complexions, it’s important to note that, even if you’re seeing instant results, using glycolic acid more regularly than recommended won’t make it work faster. Instead, it will just cause redness, sensitivity, and a higher chance of damaging your skin barrier. If you are prone to sensitivity or have dry skin, overuse can lead to irritation so always make sure you follow the product instructions on the glycolic acid that you’re using.