Transform Your Skin With Glycolic Acid

Revitalize your skin and give it a youthful glow with glycolic acid. This powerful ingredient is derived from sugar cane, making it a safe and natural addition to your skincare routine. Glycolic acid helps to exfoliate, brighten, and smooth skin, giving it a more even tone while boosting hydration.

With so many uses, we’re taking a closer look at what it is, how it works, and the glycolic acid skin benefits on offer. We’ll also introduce you to our latest glycolic acid-enriched serum to totally transform your skin!

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in sugarcane, beetroot, and certain fruits. It's a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is a chemical exfoliant that dissolves the binding agent between dead skin cells, effectively removing them from the surface of the skin to reveal the new, youthful-looking skin beneath. Other AHAs include citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid, but glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size, allowing it to penetrate more deeply into the upper layers of the skin for maximum efficacy and minimal irritation. Most commonly found in topical skincare products, it has been found to be highly effective at improving the appearance of skin and assisting in the treatment of skin conditions like acne and hyperpigmentation.

What does glycolic acid do for the skin?

Glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells and excess oils. This has numerous benefits for the health and appearance of your skin.

Boasts powerful moisturizing agents

Glycolic acid for the skin is a humectant. These substances attract water from the atmosphere and bind to them, locking them into the top layer of the skin for peak hydration and a natural glow. But beyond its humectant characteristics, glycolic acid actually supports the function of the hyaluronic acid naturally produced within our skin, promoting skin hydration both on the surface layer of the skin as well as within skin cells.

Eliminates the need for harsh physical exfoliators

There are two types of exfoliants: chemical and physical. Physical exfoliants, like face scrubs and manual exfoliation through cloths and sponges, may cause irritation and inflammation. Chemical exfoliants, including AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, are generally milder and thus more suitable for sensitive skin, as they dissolve the glue-like substance that binds dead skin cells to the surface of the skin.

Helps reduce the look of sun-damaged skin

Harsh UV rays are known to cause signs of skin damage, like sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Fortunately, glycolic acid is an effective treatment for sun-damaged skin, as it can help fade discolouration and protect the skin's collagen from further damage.

It's important to note, however, that you absolutely must wear sunscreen and take other precautionary measures when using any AHAs, as they can increase sensitivity to the sun.

Improves the appearance of acne

Glycolic acid has been found to be an effective acne treatment and boasts antibacterial properties. It is especially efficient at treating comedonal acne, which is caused by clogged pores. When using it for severe acne, it is best used in peel form at 70% concentration. This can be done by a professional after consulting a dermatologist.

Minimizes visible signs of aging

Hydrated skin masks fine lines and wrinkles well, but the anti-aging benefits of glycolic acid go beyond hydration. As you age, your skin loses plumpness and elasticity, resulting in wrinkles, dullness, and sagging skin. Because glycolic acid stimulates the production of collagen and boosts skin cell turnover, the quality and appearance of elastin within skin cells are improved, leading to more vibrant, youthful-looking skin.

Incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare ritual

To incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine, start by choosing a product with a lower percentage of glycolic acid, such as a toner or serum. It's important to patch-test any new products first, as glycolic acid can be irritating to some skin types.

When applying an AHA product, use it only once or twice a week at first and gradually increase usage as your skin adjusts. Remember to use sunscreen during the day. You will also want to help soothe and replenish your skin during use by following each application with a deeply moisturizing cream or mask, such as our Lotus Dream Day and Night Creams.

Finally, avoid using glycolic acid products in conjunction with other exfoliants, such as physical scrubs or acids like salicylic acid. This can lead to over-exfoliation and irritation.

Choosing a product

What type of product you choose will depend on your skin type and goals. Professional chemical skin peels can help treat specific skin concerns, such as severe acne, deep wrinkles, and sun damage. For those looking for more radiant-looking skin, reach for Lotus Dream Serum. Enriched with glycolic acid, this replenishing serum will leave your skin looking brighter, feeling smoother, and seem more youthful.

Safe, effective, fresh

Inspired by nature and perfected by science, you are guaranteed safety, efficacy, and a delightful sensorial experience with every fresh product you purchase. Whether you're looking to boost the general health and appearance of your skin or hoping to target specific concerns, our range of collections offers something for every skin type.