Embarking on a new skincare journey often comes with its own set of surprises, including the introduction of glycolic acid into your routine.

Let's delve deeper into understanding the role glycolic acid plays as a skincare ingredient and its potential impact on the skin purging process.

Derived from fruits like sugar canes, pineapples, and sugar beets, glycolic acid belongs to the Alpha Hydroxy Acid family. It offers a plethora of benefits when applied to the skin, primarily stimulating the skin's renewal process and eliminating dead skin cells. However, any sudden change in skincare routine, positive or otherwise, usually entails an initial adjustment period.

Glycolic acid functions by breaking down the skin's top layer, dissolving sebum and other substances binding the cells together, thus facilitating skin renewal. This process not only reduces the growth of acne-causing bacteria but also effectively combats fine lines, acne, blackheads, and oily skin, leaving behind a radiant complexion. It's worth noting that the efficacy of glycolic acid is optimal in lower concentrations, typically below 10%, and with the right pH levels.

In skincare products, glycolic acid boasts rejuvenating and moisturising properties, making it a popular ingredient in chemical peels and exfoliation treatments. Some studies credit glycolic acid in treating various skin conditions such as melasma, psoriasis, and seborrheic keratosis, along with diminishing the appearance of scarring, discoloration, ageing signs, and wrinkles.

Apart from accelerating the healing process of acne and promoting a clearer complexion, glycolic acid aids in collagen production, minimising the appearance of acne scarring, dark spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Its small molecular size allows for deeper penetration into the skin, ensuring optimal results.

For best results, it’s often advised to apply glycolic acid at night to synchronise with the skin's natural exfoliation and renewal process during sleep. This also minimises potential sun exposure, especially considering the accelerated exfoliation induced by glycolic acid.

Depending on the active concentration of Glycolic Acid in skincare products, it's important to introduce active ingredients such as Glycolic gradually, allowing the skin time to acclimate to their usage. Using products such as One Night Stand and Pore Relation sparingly at first, will help your skin build tolerance.

Skin purging refers to the skin's reaction to specific active ingredients, triggering cell turnover and bringing congestion to the surface.

This phenomenon often occurs in response to chemical exfoliants and retinoids,

leading to the shedding of dead skin cells and the emergence of clogged pores.

Contrary to popular belief, skin purging is a positive process that accelerates the removal of accumulated dirt, dead cells, and chemicals from the skin.

Differentiating between skin purging and acne can be challenging, as both involve breakouts. However, skin purging is typically a temporary response to new skincare ingredients, occurring shortly after their incorporation into the routine. In contrast, acne is a longer term issue stemming from skin inflammation and growth of acne and pimple-causing bacteria. Key differences may lie in the duration, type of breakout, and location.

With persistence, glycolic acid is a useful tool for the treatment of acne.

In conclusion, while the initial use of glycolic acid may lead to unwanted skin purging, its efficacy and benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.  With proper usage and incorporation into a well-formulated skincare routine, glycolic acid as well as other skincare actives can significantly improve overall skin health, promoting a smooth, radiant complexion!