admin Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide will be your skin’s new best friends. These top skin care ingredients are powerfully effective in improving the appearance of your complexion.
If you’ve been looking for products that can visibly improve the health and appearance of your skin, you’ve come to the right place.
You’ll especially appreciate the benefits of glycolic acid and niacinamide if your skin suffers from uneven texture and tone, breakouts, or signs of aging.
These amazing ingredients visibly improve the health and beauty of your skin and are suitable for most skin types. The best part? They can be used in combination.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of glycolic acid and niacinamide and how they can improve your skin!
Understanding Glycolic Acid: The Basics
What is Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that comes from sugar cane. It is a very small molecule, making it the tiniest AHA in skincare.
This unique property allows it to penetrate deep into the skin. However, glycolic acid is water-soluble, which means it still can’t penetrate as deeply as oil-soluble BHAs.
Glycolic acid has anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and antioxidant properties, resulting in exfoliating and rejuvenating abilities. It breaks down the adhesion of the outer layer of skin cells and causes dead skin cells to slough off, resulting in a brighter, more even, smoother complexion.
A powerhouse ingredient like glycolic acid comes with precautions, though. Despite the amazing benefits, overdoing it can leave your skin dry and irritated. So, how much is too much?
In general, products with a 5-10% concentration of glycolic acid can be safely used daily, while peels with a 20-30% concentration of glycolic acid should be used no more than once or twice a
week.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid has been extensively studied for its use in dermatology. Let’s explore the impressive benefits of glycolic acid for the skin:
1. Glycolic acid exfoliates
In general, products with a 5-10% concentration of glycolic acid can be safely used daily, while peels with a 20-30% concentration of glycolic acid should be used no more than once or twice a week.
2. Glycolic Acid Reduces Acne and Acne Scarring
Glycolic acid can help unclog pores and regulate acne breakouts. It also improves the appearance of acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, thus improving overall appearance.
3. Glycolic Acid Reduces Signs of Aging
Glycolic acid stimulates collagen production and promotes cell renewal, which fights photodamage in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Glycolic Acid Fights Hyperpigmentation
Glycolic acid reduces hyperpigmentation, thus improving uneven skin tone. It is also effective in fighting conditions such as melasma.
Who Benefits from Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a versatile ingredient that has been shown to be remarkably effective for a variety of skin conditions. Who can benefit from Glycolic Acid
Acne or post-inflammatory scarring
Skin aging due to photodamage or natural processes
Melasma
Glycolic acid should be avoided on highly sensitive skin unless directed by a dermatologist.
Glycolic acid fights photodamage, but it can also cause sun sensitivity. This is why you should use glycolic acid along with a product with a higher SPF or use glycolic acid at night.
