A glycolic acid face wash is one of the most multitasking cleansers and a potent treatment you can incorporate into your skincare routine. Its formula sloughs away dead skin cells to provide you with an even, more radiant looking complexion revealing smooth skin beneath.
A clear, vibrant and smooth skin tone is one of everyone’s biggest skin dreams. However environmental stresses, the aging process, and your body’s natural accumulation of cells are inevitable. It often leaves your skin dull and discolored. Aging reduces the natural process of cellular shedding, which leads to an accumulation of old dead skin on top of the surface, causing your skin to appear dull and uneven.
Incorporating the glycolic acid face wash in skin care regimen could act as a game changing skincare that could transform your daily cleansing step into a highly effective treatment.
Glycolic Acid
It is a naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is commonly used as an exfoliating agent in skin care at vast levels. It is commonly synthesised in labs for better stability in the skin care formulations and is a water soluble organic compound. It dissolves the bond holding the dead skin, thus facilitating the dead skin removal and skin renewal process. It also boosts collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. It could be used in any of the forms such as face wash, face gels, face cleansers, Creams, moisturizers, toners etc. Frequency of usage must not exceed the required limit.
The product type face washes are better than the creams and moisturizer since they are rinse off type of product and not the leave-on type of product. Therefore they stay in contact with the skin for a very short duration of time. Hence tend to be a good product that could be used to target skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone etc.
How Often The Glycolic Acid Face Wash Can Be Used?
Identify your skin type first and then choose the concentration accordingly. If you are a beginner, use it once or twice a week. Refrain over usage. Choose low concentration first and then gradually increase, if needed. Else according to the skin concern.
Taking in consideration, the skin types, the frequency could be as follows:
- Normal skin: Using 3-4 times a week with 3-5% of concentration will be enough. Overusing may disrupt the skin barrier.
- Oily skin: For oily skin, consider using 5-10% concentration for once a day.
- Dry skin: For dry type skin, use 3-5% concentration. 1-2 times a week. Choose cream or ceramide based formulation. Ensure not to use more than 30 sec after application.
- Combination skin: 3-5% concentration in clear gel or foam type formulation. wash Use 3-4 times a week.
- Sensitive skin: Take 1-2% concentration, use it once a week.
The concentration of the product along with the skin type must be considered before incorporating it in your daily skin care regimen. Frequency of usage must not exceed the prescribed limit.
Best Practices For Application
In order to achieve the best results, use the following few tips
- Use the glycolic acid face cleanser on dry skin rather than then introduce water to lather and rinse.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and the area surrounding the eyes.
- Provide some time to the face wash to perform its action effectively. Do not rinse off the product immediately. Leave it on your face for at least 30-60 seconds. Do not exceed.
- While using on sensitive skin, do not keep it on the skin for more than 30 sec. Wash before that.
- Use lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it may strip off the natural oils from the skin. Cold water interferes with the exfoliating action of the glycolic acid face wash.
- Pat dry using a soft and clean towel. Avoid rubbing.
- Moisturize immediately after face wash.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Always ensure using a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
- Keep your morning routine protective. Ensure not to use any actives during the day time skin care routine.
- Use glycolic acid incorporated products during night time only.
- Refrain from overusing the product.
- Ensure to choose the prescribed concentration only.
- Choose the concentration according to your skin type and concern.
- Avoid overuse especially when you have sensitive skin.
- Strictly avoid usage of any physical scrub along with the glycolic acid face cleanser.
- Do not combine with any other actives simultaneously. Strictly avoid actives with higher concentration.
In case you see any of the following symptoms, redness, burning sensation, extremely dry skin, flaking, peeling, extremely tight skin, itching etc. These are strong signs of overexfoliation. Avoid using the glycolic acid face wash for some time. Additionally avoid other actives also for the next few days and focus on skin barrier restoration. If not considered in time, it could damage the skin barrier permanently and make it difficult for the skin to restore its barrier.
For the time being, use ultra gentle face cleanser, ceramide based moisturizers and mineral based sunscreen ensuring each product selected is gentle in nature. In addition, you may consider using hyaluronic acid face serum or glycerine to compensate for the water losses.
Conclusion
The benefits of glycolic acid face wash is truly transformative. Regular use of a glycolic acid face wash not only smooths rough, bumpy texture. But also initiates the skin’s natural cell renewal process. This acceleration in the cell renewal process unveils a fresh layer of skin beneath and effectively lightens the pigmentation.
Likewise aids in minimizing the prominent fine lines and facilitates other skin care products to penetrate much more effectively. Whether you are struggling with stubborn post acne marks, experiencing early signs of aging or simply aiming for a glowing skin; this gentle yet potent cleanser makes the way for smooth and glowing skin.
Special care must be taken while selecting the face wash infused with glycolic acid and for other skin care products also that are infused with glycolic acid. Identify your skin type priorly and then choose the concentration of the product accordingly.
