Glycolic Acid Cleanser

Glycolic Acid Cleanser

Cleansing is the first step in any effective skin care routine. Removing oils and impurities keeps the skin healthy and readies your complexion for further treatments. Glycolic acid cleansers go a step further by lifting away dead skin cells. This helps to brighten skin by uncovering the healthier skin cells underneath. What is glycolic acid? It's an ingredient in some anti-aging products that comes from sugar cane. Research shows it helps to reduce skin roughness, improve skin texture and lighten pigmented (darkened) areas. By removing pore-clogging dead skin cells, a glycolic acid cleanser may reduce the risk of outbreaks if you have oily or acne prone skin. Always choose a facial cleanser that's appropriate for your skin type. Gel or foaming cleansers are often formulated for oily types while cream cleansers are often formulated for dry and aging types. Dermatologists often recommend products with glycolic acid to patients that want smoother, younger-looking skin.

How to Get the Benefits of a Glycolic Acid Cleanser

If you use products that contain glycolic acid, always wear sunscreen daily. By exfoliating and removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some people experience skin redness, peeling and irritation when they use products that contain glycolic acid. One way to reduce this risk is to use a beauty cleanser that has a low percentage of glycolic acid initially until your skin can adjust. Some glycolic acid cleansers contain other skin-healthy ingredients like antioxidants that offer added skin benefits. Glycolic acid cleansers aren't just for your face. There are cleansers available for your body and scalp too. These help to exfoliate as they remove impurities. Also available are toners and moisturizers that contain glycolic acid. Using these products along with a glycolic acid cleanser may enhance the benefits you get. Since combining products with glycolic acid increases the risk of skin irritation, it's best to start with a cleanser and add a glycolic acid toner or moisturizer as your skin adapts. Some cleansers that contain glycolic acid are formulated with other ingredients that help to reduce inflammation and irritation. These can be helpful if you have sensitive skin. If you experience significant skin irritation while using a glycolic acid cleanser, see your dermatologist.