Glycolic acid and other chemical peels. Here’s what you should know!

Glycolic acid is one of those ‘miracle’ ingredients that’s now part of nearly every product from drugstore skincare like Neutrogena to niche skincare brands like The Ordinary & Pixi to even luxury skincare like Caudalie & Murad. 

Essentially, Glycolic acid is an AHA (Alpha-Hydroxi Acid) and is an effective chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants have a ‘peeling’ effect. They get rid off dead skin layers to reveal smoother & clearer under layers of your skin.

Glycolic acid is the most common chemical exfoliant, and beauty experts have often referred to it as the “holy grail” when it comes to correcting skin imperfections. When applied on to the skin, Glycolic acid is able to break bonds between dead cells and free them so they can be removed from the skin.

Glycolic acid has immense benefits for the skin, including:  

1. As an exfoliator, it gets rid of old skin cells thus, accelerating new skin growth for younger-looking skin.
2. It is highly recommended for acne-prone skin because it helps unclog pores by removing dirt which blocks them causing breakouts.
3. It helps reduce signs of aging by boosting the production of collagen and elastin which are essential for a firmer and plumper look.
4. Glycolic acid also helps treat other skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, and psoriasis while reducing the appearance of blackheads.
5. It also helps your skin absorb products such as serums and are medication, better.

Incorporating chemical exfoliants like Glycolic acid in your skincare routine and regularly getting facial treatments with this ingredient will help correct skin imperfections and brighten your skin complexion for a youthful glow.

While the term ‘chemical exfoliant’ may sound scary and aggressive on your skin, it is way safer on your skin in comparison to physical exfoliants. It causes much less irritation & dryness. 

The only downside to Glycolic Acid and other chemical exfoliants is ‘Overuse’ which makes your skin susceptible to sun and environmental damage. For most skin types, it isn’t necessary to have chemical exfoliants in your face wash, toner, serums & face masks. Most skincare products these days also have highly concentrated concoctions of chemical exfoliants, so it’s very easy to get too much chemical exfoliant on your skin which is quite damaging. 

Our recommendation is to do your research and get minimal chemical exfoliants into your daily skincare routine. If you’re dealing with issues like hyperpigmentation, scarring and clogged pores, you should get more potent chemical exfoliant treatments occasionally. 

At Ivory aesthetics, we provide personalised facial treatments that incorporate chemical peels such as glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid. Give us a call on 04 451 5554 for more information or you can book an appointment online by clicking here.