Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is the exfoliant secret that has changed our skincare routines completely. This natural substance plunges to the base levels of your pores to unclog them at a far deeper level than a basic skin treatment. Cosmetic Capital offers the best Glycolic Acid pads, toners, lotions and serums from skincare leaders such as Nip + Fab.

As we look to cleanse dead skin cells from our face, traditional skincare products may not penetrate deep enough to give a full cleanse. Glycolic Acid, especially in home-treatment products such as pads and scrubs, are less harsh than chemical Glycolic Acid peel treatments. As a result, they have become crucial elements of skincare routines.

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What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is a type of Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane and is part of the Acids family (including Lactic Acid and Citric Acid).

But it’s different to other Acids as it can penetrate skin deeper and more effectively due to it’s molecular weight, which allows it to unclog pores from their base levels.

What does Glycolic Acid do?

Glycolic Acid works as an exfoliant. It helps to remove dead skin cells from your face and renew the brighter layers underneath those cells. Glycolic Acid loosens the bonds between the dead skin cells, which allows those dead skin cells to fall away.

Glycolic Acid also has the added benefit of increasing collagen production in the skin. This is due to the Acid being so small it can get deeper within the skin. This assists in making the skin feel firmer and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

By working together, Glycolic Acid makes skin feel smoother and firmer, while also appearing more radiant.

Can I mix Glycolic Acid with Retinol?

Glycolic Acid and Retinol are two favourites in treating skin concerns, but can you use both at the same time?

Generally, it is advised to tread on the side of caution when mixing these two active ingredients. While technically you can use both together, you may suffer from skin irritation if you do this.

The best suggestion is to use only Glycolic Acid or Retinol at the one time. Don’t mix these ingredients in one sitting. However, you are able to use them together at separate times, for example use Glycolic Acid in the morning and Retinol in the evening.

Certain skin types can withstand using both ingredients at the same time, but it is highly recommended to be careful when going down that path, in case they overwhelm your skin.

Can I mix Glycolic Acid with Hyaluronic Acid?

Glycolic Acid works best with Hyaluronic Acid. By using an Hyaluronic Acid treatment after applying your Glycolic Acid product, you will undo any drying side effects of the Glycolic Acid and restore balance to the skin.

What strength of Glycolic Acid should I use?

Glycolic Acid is available in a range of different strengths. While the higher percentage products (above 20%) are usually only available in beauty salons, your skin may still take time adjusting to the new ingredient.

We recommend starting with a low strength Glycolic Acid product to allow your skin to get used to the new ingredient, otherwise you may suffer from some initial skin irritation.

You can find low strength Glycolic Acid treatments from Nip + Fab, or higher strength options from Revox.

What are the benefits of Glycolic Acid?

By cleansing dead skin cells, Glycolic Acid has the main benefit of unclogging pores at a deeper level than traditional exfoliants. This leads to brighter, more radiant skin.

The added benefit of Glycolic Acid is the production of Collagen in the skin, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

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