InstaNatural 5 Reasons You Should Use Glycolic Acid

5 Reasons You Should Use Glycolic Acid

InstaNatural Team

 

5 Reasons Why You Should Use Glycolic Acid

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are ingredients best known for their exfoliating benefits in the skin. Glycolic Acid is one of the most effective AHAs because it’s molecular size is the smallest, meaning it penetrates the skin the deepest. Naturally derived from sugar cane, Glycolic Acid is one of nature’s most powerful multi-taskers. Touted for its benefits for skin types concerned with aging, discoloration or breakouts, the results of using Glycolic Acid can be seen far and wide. Check out our 5 reasons why you should be incorporating Glycolic Acid into your routine today!

1.) Powerful Exfoliator

Glycolic Acid is an effective exfoliating ingredient that dissolves the sebaceous glue that can bind dead skin cells together. While it’s not possible to physically shrink the size of the pores, it is possible to make them appear smaller. Glycolic Acid helps to minimize their appearance by reducing excess oil that collects within the pore wall, while also refining the surface of the skin. Working to clear away excess oil and debris, Glycolic Acid also helps to prevent clogged pores, breakouts, and blackheads.

Exfoliation

2.) Supports Healthy Production of Collagen and Elastin 

Collagen is a naturally occurring substance in the skin’s dermis and it gives the skin its firm and plump appearance. Elastin acts like a rubber band that allows our skin to expand, contract, and take on different shapes – a key factor in maintaining firmness and preventing lines and wrinkles. As we age, collagen production can slow and our levels of elastin can decrease. When this happens, lines, wrinkles and sagging skin can occur. Regular use of Glycolic Acid in the form of a cream will support healthy collagen production by creating a burst of exfoliation in the skin, supporting our natural cell turnover and signaling healthy collagen production.

3.) Even and Brighten Skin Tone

Hyperpigmentation – or dark spots - is caused by excess melanin production in the skin. Melanin is responsible for giving skin its color and many factors can contribute to excess production, resulting in dark spots and uneven skin tone. Often caused by the sun or trauma, hyperpigmentation is of the biggest complaints amongst aging skin. While Glycolic Acid can’t remove the melanin in your skin, it can help slough away the older, pigmented skin that already exists. At home chemical peels are a great way to target hyperpigmentation because they are formulated with higher concentrations of Glycolic Acid and buffered pH levels for enhanced results.

Even Skin Tone

4.) Reduces Blemish Scars

While Glycolic Acid is great to clear and prevent breakouts, many people have also seen a reduction in their blemish scars when using Glycolic Acid. The exfoliating benefits combined with the support in collagen production allows Glycolic Acid to soften the appearance of scars by sloughing away dead skin cells that can be building up, while also brightening discoloration for a more even tone. Grey shadows that can be apparent in ice pick scars begin to brighten, protruding hypertrophic scars soften, and newly revealed skin appears smoother and brighter than before.

5.) Prevents Ingrown Hairs 

An ingrown hair, also known as pseudofolliculitis, can occur when your skin grows over the opening of a hair follicle. This forces the hair to grow back or underneath the skin, which prevents it from getting to the surface. This often happens in men’s beards or around women’s bikini lines. The result can be painful bumps, which can lead to discomfort or inflammation. Glycolic Acid helps to slough away the skin cells that can block hair follicles, while also clearing the pore of any oil or debris that could make current ingrown hairs worse. A gentle Glycolic Acid Cleanser can be doubled as a body wash for areas of concern on the body such as the back, arms or legs. 

Shop Our Glycolic Collection

7% Glycolic AHA Toner 30% Glycolic AHA Chemical Peel Glycolic Cleanser

7% Glycolic AHA Toner      30% Glycolic AHA Chemical Peel        Glycolic Cleanser