Our glycolic acid treatments
Glycolic acid is a leading active ingredient for revealing smoother, more radiant skin. At Oh My Cream, we promote its incredible properties to improve skin texture, reduce imperfections and promote a luminous complexion. Discover our skin care products formulated with glycolic acid for visibly softer, more even skin.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid belongs to the AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) family. Derived from natural products such as sugar cane, it is distinguished by its small molecular size, which enables it to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Its effectiveness derives mainly from its keratolytic action. This means that it dissolves the bonds between dead cells on the skin's surface, promoting their elimination. This guarantees smoother, more radiant skin and a visible reduction in imperfections.
How does exfoliation with glycolic acid work?
Glycolicacid works by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis. Unlike physical scrubs, which can be abrasive, chemical exfoliation distributes the product evenly, minimizing the risk of irritation.
This exfoliating action not only removes dead cells, but also stimulates cell renewal. In this way, it helps improve skin texture, making it softer to the touch and visually brighter.
Why choose glycolic acid?
There are many chemical exfoliants available, but glycolic acid remains a preferred choice for a number of reasons:
- Proven efficacy: Its small molecular size enables rapid and effective absorption.
- Adaptability : Suitable for different skin types, especially dull, blemish-prone skin.
- Versatility: Can target several skin problems simultaneously, such as blemishes, pigment spots and signs of aging.
Glycolic acid: anti-aging and brightening
Glycolic acid's action doesn't stop at exfoliation. It has remarkable anti-aging properties thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen production. This process is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Thanks to its lightening effect, this acid helps to reduce pigmentation marks. Whether caused by the sun or hormonal disorders, these dark marks can be significantly reduced with regular use of products containingglycolic acid.
Glycolic acid and imperfections
Glycolic acid is also effective against blemishes. Regular exfoliation prevents pores from clogging, reducing blackheads and pimples.
How can you incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine?
Choosing the right product
Glycolic acid is easily integrated into a skincare routine thanks to formulas adapted to all needs. At Oh My Cream, experts in clean beauty , we have selected three expert treatments to reveal smoother and more radiant skin:
- Good Genes - Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Serum : A serum that gently exfoliates, refines skin texture, and boosts radiance day after day. Ideal for daily use, it's even suitable for sensitive skin thanks to its balanced formulation.
- Glycolactic - Ren Clean Skincare New Skin Radiance Mask: Perfect for a new skin effect, this mask combines glycolic acid with other AHAs for effective exfoliation, while respecting skin balance.
- Indie Lee Radiance Renewal Pads : Simple and practical, these pads, pre-soaked with glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid exfoliating solution, provide powerful exfoliation. They're perfect for those looking for a quick step to incorporate into their evening routine.
Thanks to these products, glycolic acid can be easily integrated into a routine for brighter, more even-toned skin and a refined texture, without the risk of aggression.
Precautions to be taken
As with any exfoliating product, a few precautions are necessary. Make sure you do a skin test to check that your skin reacts well toglycolic acid. A small dab behind the ear or on the elbow is sufficient.
Never forget the importance of sun protection. Exfoliation makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays, so daily application of sunscreen is essential to prevent further damage.
Glycolic acid peel at home
A glycolic acid peel is a chemical exfoliation that removes dead cells and stimulates cell renewal for a brighter complexion and smoother skin. Unlike professional peels, it's possible to opt for a gentle version at home, with treatments adapted to your skin's sensitivity.
Our recommendations:
- For beginners: opt for a peel mask with adjustable application time, which will enable you to dose the level of exfoliation received by the skin, such as Glycolactic Radiance Mask for New Skin, to be used once or twice a week.
- For a more intense action: choose a peel mask with adjustable application time, which will enable you to dose the level of exfoliation received by the skin. For more intense action: choose a peel with a higher concentration, up to 15% glycolic acid. The 15% Glycolic Overnight Glow Peeling Disks deliver a visible new skin effect.
We recommend you perform your peel in the evening, to limit the risk of photosensitization, and always apply sun protection the following day to protect your skin.
Mistakes to avoid
To reap the full benefits of glycolic acid, certain precautions are essential:
- Do not overuse : Excessive use can weaken the skin. Respect the recommended frequency and space out applications according to your tolerance.
- Avoid aggressive combinations : Don't immediately combine glycolic acid with powerful active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C. Introduce them gradually to avoid any risk of damage to the skin. Introduce them gradually to avoid irritation.
- Don't neglect moisturizing: After a peel, apply a moisturizing and soothing treatment to reinforce the skin barrier and maintain skin balance.
Thanks to these tips and the skin care products selected by Oh My Cream, you can easily incorporate a gentle, effective peel into your routine to restore a radiant complexion and visibly smoother skin.
Frequently asked questions about glycolic acid
Is glycolic acid suitable for all skin types?
Although effective for most skin types, some very sensitive or reactive skins may experience discomfort. In this case, starting with low concentrations and observing skin reaction is essential. Alternatively, there are less aggressive AHA alternatives such as mandelic acid.
Glycolic acid is particularly suitable for normal to combination and/or oily skin with imperfections. On the other hand, it is not recommended for highly reactive skin or in the case of aggressive dermatological treatments.
For normal to combination skin, it is ideal for illuminating the complexion and refining texture.
For oily and blemish-prone skin, it helps regulate excess sebum and purify pores.
For sensitive skin, use with caution, starting with a low concentration (5% max.) and spacing out applications.
How often can I use glycolic acid?
Frequency depends on product concentration and individual skin tolerance. For beginners, once or twice a week is sufficient before progressing to more regular use, daily or every other day.
When can I expect to see results?
With regular use, the first changes are often noticeable after just a few weeks. For more significant improvements, such as the reduction of pigmentation spots or wrinkles, several months of treatment may be required.
Glycolic acid is an invaluable asset in our quest for perfect skin. Thanks to its exfoliating, anti-aging and brightening properties, it offers a complete solution for a variety of skin concerns. Incorporating this AHA into your routine could well transform your skin, making it more radiant and even-toned than ever. Feel free to explore our collections at Oh My Cream to discover the best glycolic acid products for your needs.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
A molecule with powerful exfoliating power, glycolic acid "nibbles" at dead cells on the surface of the epidermis and slightly below. It helps to :
Boost radiance for an immediate "new skin" effect.
Unifies the complexion by reducing pigmentation spots.
Smooth fine lines and improve firmness.
Unclog pores and prevent imperfections.
Particularly recommended for treating pigmentation spots, blotchy complexions, blackheads and other imperfections, glycolic acid also promotes cell renewal, as well as collagen and elastin synthesis. Multi-active, glycolic acid is an essential ingredient in any anti-aging beauty routine.
How do I use glycolic acid?
Choose a suitable product (serum, lotion, mask) with a concentration of between 5 and 10% to start with.
Apply in the evening to clean, dry skin.
Add a moisturizing cream to limit the risk of irritation.
Use SPF 50 sun protection during the day, as it can sensitize the skin to the sun.
Gradually increase the frequency, depending on your skin's tolerance.
Glycolic acid can be found in many different types of beauty products: it's easily found in exfoliating lotions and very commonly in glycolic acid peels. It can also be found in targeted skin care products, such as night care products designed to boost skin radiance or eliminate old imperfections.
Our favorite glycolic acid products
The Good Genes Sunday Riley , a powerfully formulated multi-function serum that acts as a skin perfector to diminish residual marks, smooth fine lines, plump and boost radiance.
Dermalogica Daily Liquid Peel Exfoliant , a peel with a powerful blend of acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, phytic acid, tranexamic acid, salicylic acid and gluconolactone) and enzymes, to smooth the appearance of fine lines and visibly minimize pores and even skin tone.
The Ren Skincare Glycolactic New Skin Radiance Mask , a cocktail of fruit acids (including glycolic acid) for almost instant skin renewal! This mask should be applied once or twice a week and left on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
The 15% Glycolic Overnight Glow Peeling Discs from Goop Beauty are cotton discs soaked in a solution of glycolic acid (15%) and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate, refine skin texture and brighten the complexion.
What are the contraindications to using glycolic acid?
As with any exfoliating active ingredient, redness can occur with a glycolic acid peel, especially if the peel is highly concentrated in acid. Similarly, the application of a glycolic acid peel may cause a slight tingling sensation. This is perfectly normal! However, if you feel intense tingling or a burning sensation, your skin is probably not tolerating glycolic acid. Don't panic, just rinse your product off immediately with clean water and switch to less concentrated products or those based on another exfoliating active ingredient, such as BHA.
Glycolic acid and the sun don't mix... In fact, it is a photosensitizing active ingredient. It is therefore advisable to apply glycolic acid products in the evening, and to wear sun protection in the morning. As a general rule, don't carry out this type of peel when you know you're going to be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. In other words, glycolic acid should be avoided during the summer vacations, and reserved for the autumn!
Why and how to perform a glycolic acid peel?
When we talk about peeling, we mean a chemical exfoliation based on fruit acids, the most common peel being the glycolic acid peel . A glycolic acid peel exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells to promote cell regeneration and thus obtain clearer, smoother and more even skin.
There are different degrees of peel strength, more or less deep, depending on the concentration of glycolic acid (but also other exfoliating active ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid). There are both gentle peels with 5% glycolic acid and more concentrated peels, with a dose of 15% glycolic acid. So, if you have sensitive skin or have never used this type of exfoliant before, it is best to opt for gentle peels. Conversely, if you are used to using exfoliating products on your face, you can easily use more concentrated peels.
Obviously, the more concentrated the peel, the more spaced out the uses are. You should never use a glycolic acid peel more than twice a week (unless it's very gentle), as this can cause skin sensitization. Finally, like any exfoliating product, and to avoid it being counterproductive, it's best to use it in the evening to limit any risk of photosensitization. We also recommend always using sunscreen as a supplement.
The results of glycolic acid peels can be seen very quickly. But for lasting results, nothing beats regular use (while taking care not to over-exfoliate your skin, of course ;-) ).
What's the difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid?
Glycolic acid (AHA) exfoliates the skin's surface and is ideal for radiance and blemishes. Salicylic acid (BHA), on the other hand, penetrates pores to treat imperfections and excess sebum. The two can be combined for a purifying, radiance-enhancing effect. Read all our advice on salicylic acid in our article dedicated to this powerful anti-imperfection active ingredient.
If you need personalized advice, particularly to know which type of glycolic acid peel to choose, do not hesitate to contact our Beauty Coaches via our chat or by email at contact@ohmycream.com .
