As surprising and scary as it might sound
Acids in skincare can do wonders to your skin.
There are a plethora of acids to choose from
and each can solve a different skin concern.
Hi I’m Shruti and today we will be discussing
a popular Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHA - Glycolic Acid
So sit back and relax!
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are derived from plants and
other natural sources such as fruit, milk and sugar cane.
AHA’s are widely used in beauty products
in a variety of forms ranging from
cleansers, toners to even scrubs.
AHA’s are chemical exfoliants that are
water soluble in nature.
This means that it allows significant exfoliation
and sloughing off dead cells by breaking the
glue that holds the dead skin cells together.
This makes them the go-to ingredient in anti-aging
beauty products to combat the signs of ageing,
pigmentation and even enlarged pores.
The different types of AHAs include: Glycolic acid
Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid,
Mandelic Acid and Malic Acid.
Whichever acid you choose to opt for, the
concentration should be at a maximum of 15%.
Now that we know the basic outline, let's
dive into how Glycolic acid - the popular
AHA is used in skin care products.
This is the most common type of AHA which
is naturally derived from the sugar cane,
sugar beets and even pineapple plants.
It is known to be the best performing acid
from the lot because of its ability to penetrate deep
into the skin due to its small molecular size.
Our skin tends to become pigmented over time
due to age spots, sun damage or even old acne scars.
What Glycolic Acid does is get rid of this
excess stored pigment by exfoliating this
damaged layer which helps evening out the skin tone.
Mature Skin tends to suffer from skin wrinkling
and which is why Glycolic Acid is perfect,
as it prevents transepidermal water loss and
helps in drawing and locking the moisture
from your skin.
Some even say that this penetration is so
deep that the acid stimulates collagen production
reducing pigmentation and making the skin look plump.
It works best on normal, oily
combination and mature skin types.
People with dry and sensitive skin are often
left with irritated skin upon its use, since
this is a slightly harsh exfoliator.
All these reasons make Glycolic acid the strongest
but also the harshest of the AHA's, especially
if your skin can't tolerate the strength.
Hence if you are a first timer, allow your
skin to acclimate with the product and start
with smaller concentrations of 2-3%, just once a day.
Scrubs, masks, moisturizers and serums can
also be infused with this acid and its best
to follow the instructions and method of application,
designated to each product.
If you’re applying as is, use it post your
cleansing and toning routine.
In liquid form, it's best to use a
cotton pad for application.
If you’re just starting off, its best to
begin with a glycolic acid cleanser which
does not sit on your skin for too long and
will be washed off easily.
Because of the exfoliation that this acid offers
the skin becomes more sensitive to sun damage so it’s
imperative to include sun protection in your regime.
Facial peels and lotions with a concentration
of AHA’s upto 10% should always be used
under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Apart from a slight tingling sensation, peels
can also cause mild to severe skin irritation
and if left on the skin for a prolonged period
of time, it can cause burns as well.
Also keep in mind that since glycolic acid
is an exfoliator pairing it with other exfoliating
ingredients can be a little problematic for your skin.
Although they are best used in conjunction
with gentler acids like salicylic acid, using
it in tandem with stronger ingredients like
retinol should be completely avoided.
It’s also important to note that if the
use of products with these acids leads to flaking.
So never ever pick your skin as this
can lead to scarring and even hyper pigmentation.
Like I've said before, the key to any successful
skin care regime, especially in the use of
acids is understanding the needs of your skin.
Even though people might use it for the same
purposes, the quantity, frequency and concentration
could vary on their skin types and skin concerns.
I hope this video was helpful and informative
Until next time, Stay Tuned and Stay Glamrs!