Skincare is a mysterious thing isn’t it? With so many products on the market, it’s hard to know which ones you should be investing your hard earned cash on. BHA’s, AHA’s, Acid this, Exfoliate that… Sometimes you just give up and go for the product with the most eye catching packaging, or just head for the cheapest on the shelf. But skincare doesn't have to be as daunting as it first seems. All you need to know is a few key ingredients to look out for to ensure you’re making the most of your skin type. Not to mention the impressive looks you’ll get when dropping your new found knowledge in general conversation from time to time.
So, What Exactly is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid, sometimes know as hydroxyacetic acid, is a chemical formula which is becoming increasingly more popular within a range of skincare products. Glycolic Acid is the smallest α-hydroxy acid, which you will sometimes see listed on a skincare product as an ‘AHA’. Despite being called a ‘acid’ which can at first sound rather daunting, Glycolic acid is usually isolated from natural sources such as pineapples and melons, which somehow instantly makes the solution seem slightly less scary.
What Does Glycolic Acid Do?
Glycolic Acid is praised for its capabilities to react with the top layer of your skin and clear out dead cells, revealing a brighter complexion and unblocking pores. It's basically a liquid version of those gritty face washes you've seen around, but a little more gentle to your skin. Perfect for treating fine lines, spots, dull and oily complexions, as well as a multitude of other benefits, this skin friendly acid is creeping its way in to our daily skincare routines. If you know your skin, or you've ever suffered from spots, acne scars, fine lines or a dull complexion then glycolic acid is the key skincare ingredient you've been looking for.
Mankind Recommends
We recommend any of the above products to start you on your glycolic acid adventures. The Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser is the perfect introduction to your skincare regime if you're, well, new to a skincare regime. Simply wash your face in the morning and evening with this non-foaming cleanser to reveal instantly refreshed skin. From the very first use your face will feel brighter, cleaner and we don't mean to brag, but absolutely radiant. If you're going for a more advanced skincare regime, then grab some Alpha H and a cotton wool pad. This cult classic can be applied last thing at night before bed and provides a gentle chemical exfoliation whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep. In the morning you can wake up looking like you've had a proper good nights rest, even if you have only had about 5 hours. A little goes a long way with this one, so don't be over zealous with the application! Finally, if you're looking for the perfect finishing touch to your clean shave, try The Cool Fix from Shave Works. This bad boy not only contains our new favourite Glycolic Acid, but also also has a healthy drop of Salicylic Acid too (don't worry, we'll cover what that is in a later Ingredient Focus). Shave Works have developed this as a targeted solution for ingrown hairs, rather than your whole face like the aforementioned products, so your perfect partner if you suffer from razor burn and trapped hairs.
And Finally....
When using any products containing glycolic acid we recommend that you use a product containing SPF the next day. Due to the resurfacing of your complexion, skin can become more exposed to UV radiation and can cause premature damage if not looked after correctly. Even your computer screen radiates small amounts of UV radiation throughout the day, so don't assume you can skip this crucial step in your skincare routine just because you're sitting in your office all day. SPF is your best friend every. single. day.
Have you discovered Glycolic Acid yet? What’s your favourite product which has this skincare saviour in it?
Let us know over on Twitter @Mankindcouk
