What Is Glycolic Acid And How Can It Benefit Your Skin?

Hey Glossies! Today you’ll have opened your 13 th  Advent Calendar box and you’ll have been greeted with yet another must-have beauty product .  And with key ingredient  Glycolic  Acid , today’s product will be a perfect addition to your skincare routine ...  

If you haven’t opened  your Advent  Calendar   yet  today , look away now – we don’t want to ruin your surprise.  

But, if you’re already aware of what was inside box number 13, we want to share with you a bit more about the product and the incredible key ingredient  it includes !

About Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment  

Containing key ingredient glycolic acid,  Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment  works to  revitalise the appearance of dull, congested and sun damaged skin.   P enetrating the surface of the skin with tiny glycolic acid molecules  to  sink deeper into the skin than  any other  form   of AHA, t his product  b reak s  apart pore-clogging debris  and repair s  damaged complexions. After just   one use, instant radiance and skin clarity  are visible. And, b alanced with fermented prickly pear extract  which is  perfect for sensitive skin,  your complexion will also  feel   soothe d  and calm .  

What Is Glycolic Acid?  

Put into skincare terms, Glycolic acid is an AHA, or  Alpha Hydroxy Acid .   It’s both a  water-soluble acid  and  an  ingredient that  increases the skin’s luminosity  as a result of  exfoliating the very top dead layer  (the Stratum Corneum) of the skin.   So,   put simply, it’s a  miracle ingredient for a brighter, more radiant  complexion!  

Known  for its ability  to   smooth  dull, uneven   and even acne-prone skin AND reverse the unwanted  signs of ag e ing , this potent ingredient is found in a huge number of skincare products.  While many people might choose a scrub to exfoliate their skin,  Glycolic acid  (when used  at the right percentage and  used   appropriately ) , it's a much  gentler  alternative to ridding the skin of dirt, pollution and dead skin cells .

How Does Glycolic Acid Benefit Your Skin?  

Most people, whatever their skin type, can benefit f rom Glycolic acid.    The  skin-saving ingredient specifically  treats wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and acne prone skin , so if one or more of these is a skincare concern of yours, it's  a worthy addition to your morning routine .   

As we age, our skin  naturally  exfoliates  itself  slower , so a little extra helping hand can be needed – and this is where Glycolic acid steps in.   First and foremost,  glycolic acid is an exfoliant . It helps shed dead skin cells and  reveal the newer, brighter layers underneath  the dull top layer of skin.  And ,  by stimulating collagen production,  Glycolic acid also  helps  skin  feel firmer  and minimi s es  the appearance of  fine lines and wrinkles.  It also creates a  peeling effect that can make the skin appear smoother and more even !  

For people  prone to breakouts, Glycolic acid’s peeling effect means there is l ess debris and excess oil clogging the pores . And with clearer pores comes clearer skin.  And fewer breakouts  is  what we’re all after!

How  To  Use Glycolic  Acid  

If you're wanting to incorporate Glycolic  a cid into your skincare routine at home, you’ll more than likely opt for  over-the-counter products, like cleansers, serums and moisturi s ers  - just like the Sunday  Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment  you got today!  

If you  have sensitive skin,  we suggest you   start slow . Eas e  yourself into a Glycolic acid routine by using one product  with this key ingredient in  every other day . And then slowly  increase  the frequency when you  feel your skin can tolerate it.  

Expert tip:  AHA s  mak e  you r skin  a lot more sensitive to the sun (and can be super drying), so  ensure you definitely  use sun protection every single day  - no matter the time of year!  

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