As we age, our skin goes through inevitable changes, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. However, thanks to advancements in skincare, there are powerful ingredients that can make a significant difference, and glycolic acid stands out as one of them.
Particularly beneficial for mature skin, glycolic acid offers a range of advantages that help rejuvenate and revitalize:
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s naturally found in sugar cane. Chemically speaking, it’s a small molecule, which means it can easily penetrate the skin. Because of its small size and specific chemical structure, it is especially good at exfoliating skin. It works by breaking the bonds between skin cells, allowing the old, dead ones to gently shed off.
The 5 Main Benefits of Glycolic Acid:
Exfoliation Powerhouse: The primary benefit of glycolic acid lies in its excellent exfoliating properties. As a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family, glycolic acid works to gently slough off dead skin cells on the surface. This reveals a fresher, more radiant complexion underneath. For maturing skin, regular exfoliation is important to counteract the natural cell turnover rate decrease with age.
Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen, the protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness, decreases in production as we age. Glycolic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis. This means that with consistent use, skin can regain some of its youthful bounce and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves Texture and Tone: Mature skin often struggles with uneven skin tone and rough texture. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid can help boost treatments that even out discoloration (such as age spots) and smoothen the skin’s surface. This results in a more uniform, brighter skin tone and a smoother texture.
Glycolic Acid: How to Use It
You can find glycolic acid in these products: night creams, renewing serums, cleansers, and eye creams. Ask your Total Wrapture skin technician to help you pick out products to introduce into your at-home skincare routine.
Our Level 1 Peel is a pharmaceutical-grade treatment that uses a combination of active ingredients to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, including glycolic acid.
Enhances Product Absorption and Treatments: One often overlooked benefit of glycolic acid is its ability to increase the efficacy of other skincare products, facials, and advanced skin care treatments. By removing the top layer of dead skin cells, it allows serums, moisturizers, RF energy, laser and other treatments to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
Addresses Advanced Skin Concerns: For those with mature skin, concerns might extend beyond the usual fine lines and wrinkles. Issues such as sun damage, enlarged pores, and unwanted wrinkles can also be prevalent. Regular application of glycolic acid can help in minimizing these concerns, making it a multifunctional solution for aging skin.
Can using glycolic acid reduce my need for professional skin care treatments?
Glycolic acid, being an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), primarily acts on the outermost layer of skin.
However, advanced facials such as laser skin-rejuvenating treatments target deeper layers of the skin and address a variety of concerns at the lower levels, including wrinkles, significant sun damage, scars, and more. They can also stimulate collagen production in a way that topical treatments can’t match.
Professional peels containing glycolic acid are a great monthly facial option for a higher concentration.
Embracing the natural aging process doesn’t mean neglecting to care for your skin. With power-packed ingredients such as glycolic acid, you can support your skin’s health, keeping it radiant and dewy for longer.
Whether you’re just beginning to notice the signs of aging or you’re looking to maintain your skin’s vitality, incorporating glycolic acid into your routine can offer a world of benefits. As always, remember to consult with a Total Wrapture skin care professional to determine the best concentration and products suited to your specific needs.