While using any skincare product you need to be extra careful to ensure the product suitability on your skin. Amongst all other skincare ingredients glycolic acid works really well for your skin complexion but it should be incorporated slowly and safely otherwise it would cause skin irritation when applied without any precaution.
Glycolic acid is a well known alpha hydroxy acid which helps in clearing out the buildup from the pores of the skin. It works by dissolving the cellular bonds of dead skin cells and other impurities. When the buildup of impurities including dead skin cells get cleared from the skin it makes the skin bright and even toned.
Using a glycolic acid wash is the best choice for skincare as the contact time is less and the product delivers action and gets rinsed off. It reduces chances of skin irritation or peeling. Still it should be used wisely and incorporated slowly in your daily routine.
While choosing glycolic acid face wash in your daily skincare routine you need to consider your skin type and your concern first. Also you need to choose the right concentration of glycolic acid for your face.
What glycolic acid is and its purpose?
Glycolic acid significantly belongs to the class of alpha hydroxy acids or AHA. It is mostly derived from sugarcane. This AHA is different from other AHAs like lactic acid and mandelic acid because of its smaller molecule size which allows it to easily penetrate and perform chemical exfoliating action.
It is a water-soluble exfoliant and performs well for skin surface cleansing by dissolving the impurities. It does so by cutting down the bonds holding dead skin cells and clears them out. It also clears out the dirt and excess sebum in the same manner.
The main purpose of glycolic acid is to reduce skin dullness and unevenness. It helps in clearing out the pigmented dead skin cells and allows the appearance of fresh skin cells. It accelerates the cell renewal process which helps in reducing dullness from the skin. This makes the skin appear naturally radiant and brightened over time.
Understanding different skin types
For knowing the suitability of glycolic acid on your face you need to first understand your skin type and the need of glycolic acid for you.
- Oily and acne prone skin: When the skin starts producing sebum in excess and it sits on the face creating congestion. Also acne prone skin is a result of frequent clogged pores and bacterial infections.
Using glycolic acid based face wash helps a lot for these two skin types as it helps clear the buildup of dead skin cells and keeps the pores clear. Daily use is recommended for these skin types.
- Combination skin: A blend of oily and dry or normal skin skin co-exist at the same time and requires gentle cleansing.
Using glycolic acid can balance the skin and can be used regularly in mild concentrations.
- Normal skin: The skin has a balanced skin canvas which is not too dry or oily and requires gentle cleansing.
Using glycolic acid can be ideal for normal skin on a daily basis and helps your skin a lot.
- Sensitive skin: It can be triggered due to any factor because of the compromised skin barrier which makes skin inflamed or irritated when any unsuitable trigger affects the skin.
Using glycolic acid requires care as immediate exfoliation can sometimes irritate the skin barrier even more.
- Dry skin: The sebum production is very less or minimal which ideally makes the skin appear dry, flaky and dehydrated.
Using glycolic acid could sometimes strip the natural oils from the skin and cause skin dryness.
Choosing the right concentration
For opting glycolic acid face wash in your daily routine you need to select the right concentration of glycolic acid in the product and adapt your skin to that first.
- For sensitive skin or dry skin: Use very mild concentrations of glycolic acid which does not strip the moisture barrier. 2% to 5% is a mild concentration and helps as a gentle cleanser for the skin.
- For normal or combination skin: 5% to 8% of glycolic acid could be used as it helps in gently lifting up the buildup of impurities and dullness. It could be used by slightly oily skin types as well.
- For excess oily skin: 10% or more could be used for excess oily skin but it should be used with caution and monitor the safety of the product.
Guideline for incorporating glycolic acid face wash in your routine
Before using it on a daily basis you need to conduct a patch test to check the suitability of glycolic acid on your skin. It is advised to use it once then observe for about 48 hours to check any signs of skin irritation or breakouts. If your skin adapts well to glycolic acid based face wash then start using it in your daily routine but in moderation and mild concentrations first.
- Firstly wash your face with lukewarm or cold water. Do not use hot water.
- Then take some amount of face wash in your hand.
- Apply it to the face gently by massaging it.
- Rinse off the face wash with water.
- After that use a lightweight hydrating moisturizer.
- Apply sunscreen during the day time, it must not be skipped.
Final thoughts
Glycolic acid is a beneficial chemical exfoliant which works well for your skin clearance but moderate use of it is advised and it should be used with care. Using a gentle cleanser formulated with glycolic acid could help your skin. It is advised to conduct patch tests for your product and then adapt it in your routine.