Glycolic Acid – The Wonder Ingredient

Anyone who has invested even a little in their skincare knows about the wonder ingredient – Glycolic Acid. Known for its exfoliating and skin renewing properties, this ingredient is a must-have in skincare. Fundamentals Skincare, a leading affordable and quality skincare company in South Africa, today announces its new 5% Glycolic Acid serum.

Natasha Davel explained that: “Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from sugar cane. It is one of the most widely used AHAs in skin care products. AHAs are natural acids that come from plants. They consist of tiny molecules that are very easy for your skin to absorb. This makes them ideal for smoothing fine lines, improving skin texture, anti-ageing uses, acne, dark skin patches on the face, and acne scars.”

How Glycolic Acid Works

Glycolic acid has the smallest-sized molecules of all the AHAs. This allows it to absorb into the skin and exfoliate it even better than other AHAs. This form of AHA works by speeding up cell turnover. In other words, it dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together. In effect, your skin is able to shed dead skin cells more quickly than it would on its own. It triggers your skin to make more collagen as well. Collagen is the protein that makes skin firm, plump, and elastic. It also gives your bones and connective tissues their strength.

“We all know by now that your skin makes less collagen as you age. Collagen is also destroyed when you spend too much time in the sun. Using glycolic acid each day can help prevent the breakdown of collagen,” added Davel.

The Benefits and More

1. Anti-ageing: It smooths fine wrinkles and improves the skin’s tone and texture.
2. Hydration: It plumps the skin and prevents it from getting dry.
3. Sun damage: It fades dark patches caused by sun damage and protects collagen from the sun.
4. Complexion: It brightens the skin when used regularly.
5. Exfoliation: It prevents ingrown hairs and makes pores appear smaller by helping the skin shed dead skin cells.
6. Acne: It cleans out pores to prevent comedones, blackheads, and inflamed breakouts.
7. Hyperpigmentation: It can fade dark spots caused by sun damage.

How to Use Glycolic Acid Safely

1. Always apply your sunscreen: Like all AHAs, glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
2. Allow your skin to get used to glycolic acid. Start by applying it just three times per week for a week or so. If your skin isn’t red or irritated, try using it four times a week for a week or two. Keep slowly building up use this way until you’re able to use it every day. If at any point your skin becomes irritated, give your skin a rest before trying again.
3. Accept the process: Your skin may feel a bit rough after your first few treatments. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product. You should slowly start to see smoother, more healthy skin.

“Glycolic Acid is a beautiful ingredient when used correctly. If you are unsure about where to start and how to incorporate this serum into your daily routine, our team offer you free skin consultations on our website to help effectively guide and support you through your skincare journey,” concluded Davel.