Radiant skin - think JLo in golden hour - will always be in fashion. While sadly we can't turn into the talented goddess, there are a few ways we can mimic *that* glow. You might drink your greens, practice some yoga, have some steamy sex (lucky you), or, you can opt for the fastest and most fool-proof method: some glycolic acid in your skincare routine. Although I highly recommend implementing all of the above.
Quick bit of science - glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and its chemical formula is: C2H4O3.
Read on for tips on this wonder ingredient.
WHAT SKIN ISSUES CAN IT HELP WITH?
Dull skin
Wrinkles
Acne
Hyper-pigmentation
HOW DOES IT WORK & WHAT DOES IT DO?
Glycolic acid works as an exfoliant on the outer layer of skin (epidermis) by reducing cell adhesion, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath - brilliant if you love immediate results from a product. This exfoliation reduces the build-up of dead skin cells, which clog pores and ultimately lead to pimple formation.
Glycolic acid is the most popular out of the AHAs because it has the smallest molecular size, so infiltrates into the skin the most easily - penetrating both the avascular epidermis and the vascular dermis
At higher concentrations when glycolic acid reaches the dermis (deeper into the layers of the skin - below the epidermis), it can increase collagen production; a protein which gives skin structure and plumpness (perfect for preventing & combating wrinkles). Note this would be a treatment administered in a clinic - definitely not DIY.
CONCENTRATIONS & HOW TO USE:
Concentrations at around 5-10% are the most common you will see on the market - this is a low concentration that can be used frequently - around a few times a week, but as always check the instructions to avoid ending up looking like a lobster.
A concentration of 5-20% will just be exfoliating the epidermis - to get the collagen stimulating & anti-ageing benefits you will need something higher than 30% from an in-clinic peel.
As we are exfoliating be sure to make sure you are also using an SPF 30+ (even when it is cloudy) to protect your skin.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dermalogica’s Rapid Reveal Peel - this also includes a few other AHAs in it too. It is stronger than most on the market so you should not use it in conjunction with other exfoliants.
DermaQuest Peptide Glyco Cleanser - this has a creamy formula so doesn’t feel drying on the skin.
Sesderma ACGLICOLIC Liposomal Serum and cream face wash – these are very high quality products used by clinicians, so you know you'll get bang for your buck.
SkinCeutical’s Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight. This fabulous if you have an event the next day, you just put it on the night before and your skin will literally be glowing for it. You can thank me later 😉
I love the glycolic acid products from PIXI too- they have a brilliant toner, overnight serum and these 20% peel pads, honestly they will leave your skin looking so luminous.
Et voilà! Let me know in the comments how you get on with your journey to glowing skin.
Lots of love,
Madeleine xoxo