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

What Is Glycolic Acid And How Can It Benefit Your Skin?
Emily Cotton
Beauty Editor4 years ago
View Emily Cotton's profile

Hey Glossies! Today you’ll have opened your 13th 

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.

 

Penetrating the surface of the skin with tiny glycolic acid molecules to sink deeper into the skin than any other form of AHA, this product 

b

reak

s

 apart pore-clogging debris

 and repairs damaged complexions. After just one use, instant radiance and skin clarity are visible. And, balanced 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 from 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 minimises 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 acid into your skincare routine at home, you’ll more than likely opt for over-the-counter products, like cleansers, serums and moisturisers - just like the Sunday 

Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

 you got today! 

If you have sensitive skin, we suggest you 

start slow

. Ease 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:

 AHAmake your 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! 

Subscribe to GLOSSYBOX

 

 

Disappointed to have missed out on this product as part of the 2020 GLOSSYBOX Advent Calendar? Don’t worry! Subscribe now and you’ll start receiving our monthly edition boxes instead. As a Glossy you’ll get five incredible beauty treats delivered to your door every month, as well as get access to plenty of other Glossy benefits such as discounts on our Limited Edition boxes and the GLOSSYBOX Skincare range!

Emily Cotton
Beauty Editor
View Emily Cotton's profile
I'm someone who loves getting glammed up, but I feel like I never have enough time. Frequently running between work, the gym and seeing friends means my makeup routine is quick and often touched up on the go. Therefore, beauty products that serve as multi-purpose are perfect for me - a blush that works for cheeks and lips is a must in my makeup bag!
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