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Layering active ingredients helps double down on efforts for good skin while combating pressing concerns. The only catch? These skincare acids ought to be compatible. Case in point, Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid restores your skin’s moisture reservoir, whereas Niacinamide with Salicylic Acid regulates sebum production for a balanced microbiome. This list is endless...
In this blog, we explore yet another pair of active ingredients – Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. A type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid exfoliates the skin, unveiling a bright, clear surface. On the other hand, HA draws moisture molecules to the skin for its prolonged hydration. So, can you pair these together? The answer is a resounding yes. Keep reading to learn how. But before we get to the big reveal, let’s learn more individually about Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
A type of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), Glycolic Acid is derived from sugarcane. Unlike Beta Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acid isn’t oil soluble. The active ingredient boasts a smaller molecular size, allowing it to percolate the skin and deliver best results. But what exactly can I use Glycolic Acid for
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
1. Exfoliation: The primary function of Glycolic Acid is exfoliation. For those unaware, exfoliation involves the shedding of dead-dried cells to ensure a smooth, radiant base.
2. Tackles dullness: By supporting the cellular renewal process, Glycolic Acid enhances your skin's latent brightness. It also fades pesky dark spots and pigmentation with time for an even complexion.
3. Softens fine lines and wrinkles: Topical application of Glycolic Acid boosts Collagen production in the skin cells. Use it regularly to fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and more.
What Are Some Potential Side Effects Of Using Glycolic Acid?
A handful of individuals may experience the following Glycolic Acid side effects.
1. Skin irritation: Folks with sensitive skin may experience redness, irritation, and itchiness on applying Glycolic Acid.
2. Dryness or uncomfortable tightness: The lack of proper moisturization may dehydrate the skin, leading to dry, flaky patches on the skin.
3. Allergic reaction: Some people may grapple with hives, breakouts, peeling skin, and more due to an allergic reaction to Glycolic Acid.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
A powerful humectant, Hyaluronic Acid holds water molecules to the skin for its long-lasting hydration. According to research, HA can bind X1000 in its weight to the dermis.
What Are The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid extends a gamut of benefits to the skin. The most common ones are as follows.
1. Hydration: As discussed earlier, Hyaluronic Acid binds water molecules to the skin. For those unaware, ample hydration supports the barrier, accelerates healing, adds to Collagen synthesis, and maintains overall skin functionality.
2. Soothes inflammation: Hyaluronic Acid also helps soothe inflammation, redness, rashes and more.
3. Reverses signs of aging: Regular use of Hyaluronic Acid softens fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and more. If you wish to begin your anti-aging journey, Hyaluronic Acid should be on the radar.
Compatibility With All Skin Types
The best thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that it bodes well for all skin types.
1. For people with dry skin, Hyaluronic Acid administers ample hydration to remove dry and rough patches.
2. For oily skin folks, topical application of Hyaluronic Acid prevents the sebaceous glands from going berserk.
3. A Godsend for sensitive skin, Hyaluronic Acid strengthens the barrier, soothes inflammation, and makes the skin look plump and soft.
Can Glycolic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together?
We have already revealed that Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid can be used together. The two skincare acids are a match made in heaven. Here’s how they complement each other -
1. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid minimize the risk of inflammation: As seen earlier, Glycolic Acid may cause inflammation, redness, and other flare-ups during exfoliation. The powerful humectant Hyaluronic Acid helps offset any such reaction on the skin.
2. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid ensure better hydration: Yes, you read that right. Glycolic Acid removes buildup from the pores (dirt, grime, and other impurities) ensuring better absorption of the Hyaluronic Acid serum. HA molecules seep into the deepest layer of the skin for sustained hydration.
3. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid improve skin texture: We know that Glycolic Acid helps shed dead cells to reveal a smooth, radiant surface sitting underneath. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid makes the dermis appear supple and smooth.
4. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid help reverse ageing: Using Glycolic and Hyaluronic Acid together doubles down on efforts for anti-ageing. While the AHA derivative facilitates healthy cellular regeneration, Hyaluronic Acid boosts Collagen production in the dermis over time.
How To Use Glycolic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Together
Now that you’re well-versed in the combined benefits of Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, here’s how you can use the pair in your routine -
1. Start by gently cleaning your face. Opt for a pH-balancing, gentle face wash that restores moisture molecules into the skin – preventing it from drying. We recommend Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid for the job. Also infused with Red Algae, the formula removes excess sebum and unclogs pores for a balanced microbiome.
2. Once your face is dry, dab a few drops of Glycolic Acid. Use a gentle hand while applying to prevent wear or tear on the skin. After 5 to 8 minutes, apply a thin layer of Hyaluronic Acid Serum to seal the hydration into the skin.
3. After the serum melds into the skin, apply a layer of moisturizer without fail. This formula in your skincare routine locks the treatment, soothes any flare-ups, and generally, makes your skin look gloriously soft.
4. The final step, apply 2 fingers’ worth of sunscreen. Glycolic Acid may cause photosensitivity in some individuals leading to skin sensitivities. A lightweight and broad-spectrum sunscreen helps avoid these concerns while ensuring infallible sun protection.
Best Practices And Tips For Using Glycolic Acid
While efficacious and mostly safe, topical application of Glycolic Acid may result in redness, inflammation, and flare-ups – in a handful of individuals. To avoid this problem, here are some best practices and tips you can use
1. Patch test the product: Before adding the new Glycolic Acid product to your routine, do conduct a patch test. Dab a small amount of the product on your neck and keep a close watch for any atypical activity.
2. Use a small concentration of the active: To help your skin get accustomed to Glycolic Acid, start out with a small concentration (5 to 10%) of the product. This will help minimize the risk of inflammation.
3. Frequency of use: Use any Glycolic Acid product only 2 to 3 times a week – nothing more. Using it daily can lead to extreme reactions, rashes, hives, and more.
4. Pairing with other actives: Avoid pairing Glycolic Acid with other strong ingredients like Retinol and Vitamin C on the same day.
Who Should Avoid Using Glycolic Acid?
Here are some people who should avoid using Glycolic Acid -
1. Folks with damaged skin or with an impaired barrier
2. People who have extremely sensitive skin that is prone to flareups
3. Individuals with chronic skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and active irritation
Product Recommendations
Reap the benefits of Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid using the following Foxtale products -
1. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid
The meticulous yet gentle serum works on a plethora of concerns. It blots excess oil, unclogs pores, and clears buildup to tackle different stages of acne. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid in the blend offsets any accidental inflammation while ensuring ample hydration to the skin.
2. Hydrating Serum
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid and 5 other humectants
With Hyaluronic Acid and 5 other humectants at the heart of the formula, this serums seeps deep to ensure long-lasting skin hydration. Lightweight, non-greasy, and blendable, use it to fight redness, inflammation and premature signs of ageing.
Conclusion
Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid are two skincare actives that pair exceptionally. While Glycolic Acid works as an exfoliant, humectant Hyaluronic Acid binds water molecules to the skin. Together, these two ingredients tackle premature ageing, improve skin texture, and soothe inflammation.
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