Find out what Glycolic Acid is and its
benefits for your skin
What is
GLYCOLIC ACID?
Glycolic Acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (or AHA) which is water-soluble and is derived from plants and other natural resources such as fruit, sugarcane and milk. AHA’s are used in all types of beauty products such as cleansers, toners or exfoliators. One of the Glycolic Acid benefits is that it has the smallest molecule size out of all other AHA’s, meaning it’s easy for your skin to absorb. In its pure form, Glycolic Acid is odourless and colourless.
What does
GLYCOLIC ACID DO?
Glycolic Acid is most commonly used as an exfoliant in skincare. It helps clear away dead skin cells to reveal the brighter skin layers underneath. Unlike other exfoliants such as face scrubs, Glycolic Acid doesn’t require harsh scrubbing because of its ability to penetrate your skin.
It’s also a humectant, meaning that it attracts and binds water to skin cells; this can help with anti-ageing and wrinkles as it plumps your skin. Glycolic Acid can also boost collagen production as well as hyaluronic acid within your skin.
Glycolic Acid is most effective when used on normal, combination and oily skin. However, if your skin is more sensitive or dry, it’s recommended that you’re more cautious when using this ingredient.
It’s also important to note that, because Glycolic Acid effectively peels away the top layers of old skin, it leaves your skin more vulnerable to external forces such as the weather. If there are strong UV rays, you need to be extra careful with the youthful layers of skin in the sun, and the same goes for any harsh weather conditions.
Glycolic Acid
Benefits
Glycolic Acid and
RETINOL
Because both Glycolic Acid and Retinol are considered to be two of the most important ingredients when it comes to slowing down the signs of ageing, it’s common to wonder if you can use Glycolic Acid with Retinol to get all the benefits.
In short, yes you can – but not at the same time. Using them together is a rather extreme skincare solution that can easily lead to irritated skin. You should start by using Glycolic Acid once a week.
Because NIVEA cares for your skin, it’s important to mention again that Glycolic Acid for skin shouldn’t be used at the same time as other strong solutions such as Retinol or Vitamin A. If you plan on using both, rather alternate them and also chat to your dermatologist before you do so.
How to use Glycolic Acid and
ADD IT TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Before you apply Glycolic Acid, you need to make sure your skin is free of any open cuts or sores. Start by washing your face with a mild cleanser or toner to remove any grease or oils, then apply the Glycolic Acid solution to a cotton pad. Gently apply the solution to your face and avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes, nostrils or lips. If you find that Glycolic Acid reacts badly with your skin or spills into one of these sensitive areas, you should rinse the affected area with a regular saline solution. The expected reaction is that after 3–5 minutes, the applied area will start to turn red. You should then rinse the treated area with water or a neutralising solution on a clean cloth.
Try to apply Glycolic Acid before you go to bed, if possible, as it increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Night‑time application gives your skin time to recover and heal overnight. If that’s not possible, you should always use an SPF moisturiser if you’re going to be outside, regardless of the weather.
NIVEA offers a range of products that make the most of the benefits of Glycolic Acid, including the NIVEA Clear Up Chemical Exfoliator, which combines the benefits of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide.
Because NIVEA cares for your skin, it’s important to mention again that Glycolic Acid for skin shouldn’t be used at the same time as other solutions such as Retinol or Vitamin A. If you plan on using both, rather alternate them and also talk to your dermatologist before you do so.
