Say Goodbye to Manual Scrubs and Meet Glycolic Acid!
It’s time to stop using facial scrubs that rely on manual exfoliation. These scrubs can be rough and may irritate your skin. Instead, let us introduce you to a skincare game-changer: glycolic acid!
You might be wondering, “What exactly is glycolic acid?” or “How can it help my skin?” Don’t worry! We’ll answer all your questions and explain why glycolic acid is a must-have in your skincare routine.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid, commonly called AHA. It is naturally found in sugar cane and has become a superstar ingredient in skincare.
Among all AHAs, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size. This means it can easily get through the outer layer of your skin, making it more effective than many other acids.
How Does Glycolic Acid Work on Your Skin?
You’ve probably heard people rave about glycolic acid, but what does it really do? Here’s a breakdown of its benefits:
Exfoliation: Glycolic acid helps remove dead skin cells from the surface. This reveals fresh, glowing skin underneath. Its small molecules can even go deeper into pores to clean out dirt and impurities.
Anti-Aging: It boosts collagen production, a protein that keeps your skin firm and plump. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look younger.
Good for All Skin Types: Whether your skin is oily, dry, or sensitive, glycolic acid can be a good fit. Just remember to start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
Easy to Use: What used to be a spa-only treatment is now available in many at-home skincare products. You can use glycolic acid regularly without needing special equipment.
Why Should You Switch From Manual Scrubs?
Manual scrubs use tiny grains or beads to physically remove dead skin. These can sometimes cause tiny tears or irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive or prone to redness.
Glycolic acid works chemically to gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. This process is smooth and avoids the harshness of rubbing your skin with scrubs.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Safely
Using glycolic acid correctly is important. Here are some tips:
Start Slow: Begin with products that have a low percentage of glycolic acid. Gradually increase as your skin gets used to it.
Don’t Mix With Scrubs: Since glycolic acid exfoliates chemically, avoid using manual scrubs at the same time to prevent irritation.
Apply Sun Protection: Glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always wear sunscreen during the day, even if it’s cloudy.
Follow Instructions: Different products have different strengths. Follow the recommended usage to get the best results without side effects.
Best Glycolic Acid Products to Try
Ready to add glycolic acid to your routine? Here are some top products from REVOLUTION SKINCARE that make it easy to experience the benefits at home.
1. REVOLUTION SKINCARE Glycolic Glow Mud Cleanser
This cleanser is great if you’re new to glycolic acid. It gently removes dirt and excess oil while exfoliating your skin.
It contains kaolin clay, which absorbs oil and impurities without drying out your skin. Use it as a second cleanse at night or a refreshing wash in the morning.
How to use: Massage onto a damp face, avoiding the eyes. Rinse and pat dry.
2. REVOLUTION SKINCARE Glycolic Glossy Polish (At-Home Facial)
If you love spa facials but don’t have time to visit often, try this product. Use it 2-3 times a week to exfoliate and hydrate your skin.
It blends glycolic acid with gentle hydrated silica particles (no microplastics here!) and panthenol, which soothes and softens skin.
How to use: Apply to damp skin after cleansing. Massage in gentle circles, avoid the eyes, then rinse with warm water.
3. REVOLUTION SKINCARE Glycolic Acid Glow Polisher (Toner)
For a more concentrated glycolic acid treatment, try this toner. It exfoliates, brightens, and tightens pores.
This toner also has ginseng (a natural antioxidant), aloe vera (to calm skin), and witch hazel (to firm pores).
How to use: Pour on a cotton pad and sweep across your face. Always wear sunscreen after using this toner.
4. REVOLUTION SKINCARE 10% Glycolic Acid Glow Serum
Want a powerful glycolic acid product? This serum delivers a high dose of glycolic acid to exfoliate deeply and improve skin texture.
It also helps balance your skin’s pH and fade acne scars or dark spots over time. Note: Avoid if your skin is sensitive because this serum is strong.
How to use: Apply a few drops at night. Let it absorb, then continue your skincare routine.
5. REVOLUTION SKINCARE Glycolic Acid Glow Overnight Cream
For overnight renewal, this cream hydrates while gently exfoliating. It contains squalane and allantoin, which soothe and moisturize dry skin.
Apply a thin layer before bed and wake up to radiant, fresh-looking skin.
How to use: Smooth onto your face in circular motions as the last step of your nighttime routine.
Why Should You Add Glycolic Acid to Your Skincare?
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar because it improves texture, brightness, and overall skin health. It’s gentle yet effective, suitable for many skin types, and easy to use daily.
With regular use, you can expect fewer breakouts, smoother skin, and a youthful glow. Plus, it helps your other skincare products work better by removing dead skin that blocks absorption.
Final Expert Tips
Always patch test a new glycolic acid product on a small skin area before applying it all over.
Avoid using glycolic acid on broken or irritated skin.
Sunscreen is a must. Glycolic acid thins the outer skin layer, making it vulnerable to UV damage.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using glycolic acid.
Summary
Glycolic acid is a gentle yet powerful exfoliant derived from sugar cane.
It removes dead skin cells, boosts collagen, and improves skin brightness.
Suitable for all skin types, but sensitive skin should start slow.
Avoid manual scrubs while using glycolic acid to prevent irritation.
Always use sunscreen as glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity.
REVOLUTION SKINCARE offers a full range of glycolic acid products for beginners and pros.
Ready to glow with glycolic acid? Start slow, be consistent, and watch your skin transform. If you want, I can help you choose the perfect product for your skin type!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
