Glycolic acid: what is it and how does it give you that glowing skin?

A proven, effective cosmetic ingredient for your skin is glycolic acid. What it does? It has a positive effect on pigmentation, skin aging and dry skin. In the old days, French ladies of the court would take a bath of wine for beautiful skin (doesn't sound wrong huh), but these days you can exfoliate your skin with glycolic acid. Maybe less fun than bathing in wine, but easier.

So is it an acid?

Although you learned in chemistry class that acid is not nice for your skin, glycolic acid is one you want to use just the same. It's an organic acid from cane sugar. Glycolic acid is made up of small molecules that easily penetrate your skin. The acid enters the top layer of skin, where dead skin cells are piled up waiting to finally be removed. Using glycolic acid may cause your skin to flake and peel slightly at first, but with the result that the dead skin layer disappears.

Adios dead skin cells, hello fresh skin

So, glycolic acid helps you remove the dead skin cells from your skin. It exfoliates your skin. When you're young, you don't need any help with this process yet. But after you reach the milestone of thirty, this is where your skin can use a hand in removing dead skin cells. But don't click this text away if you are not yet in your thirties! The dead skin cells removed by this product will not make your skin a lot fresher in your thirties. Also, the chance of skin flakes and impurities decreases when using glycolic acid. In other words, glycolic acid works super well against acne and pimples, so it's also recommended for younger people!

What glycolic acid does

For upbeat skin, without a dull look, an exfoliant is the way to get fresh and smooth skin again. Not only does it help remove dead skin cells, but it also allows your skin to retain moisture more easily. Not to mention, superficial pigmentation spots disappear like snow in the sun. Speaking of sun, glycolic acid also works as a sunscreen. But then you have to use a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50. That way you have less chance of aging symptoms or skin cancer. If you use more than 15% glycolic acid, it also promotes the formation of collagen and elastin. Yup, glycolic acid is a good thing you can use after your thirties.

So, glycolic acid helps you with more than just removing dead skin cells, namely:

-Reduce superficial pigmentation spots
-Better moisture retention
- Preventing blemishes
-Get a smoother skin
-Better absorption of your skin care products
-Firming up your skin (with a high percentage of glycolic acid)
-Balancing and healthifying your microbiome

Glycolic acid with AHA: what is it and what does it do?

Another word that could use some explanation: AHA is alpha hydroxy acid. For dry skin, AHA is perfect. This is because it works mainly on the skin surface and does not go into the depths. There are several AHAs, namely glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, citric acid and mandelic acid. Of these, glycolic acid is the champion, research has shown. In fact, next to lactic acid, it gives the best results for every skin type and every age.

Routinely's serums with glycolic acid are suitable for these skin types
Your cell division gets slower and slower as you age. This means that the skin renews itself less and less quickly. The result? A dull and grey skin. Your skin therefore needs help from the age of 30 to remove dead skin cells. It doesn't matter what type of skin you have, because every skin type benefits from removing dead skin cells. Do you have sensitive skin? Then our skincare experts recommend patch testing first. With this method you first test small drops on your skin. You do this by applying the product under your chin and on the inside of your elbow. Your skin should tingle slightly after application, but it should not become very irritated or red.

What is the difference between the Everyday exfoliating serum and Sunday exfoliating serum?

The names give it away: the Everyday exfoliating serum is there for daily use. In fact, it contains 2.5% AHA, which makes the serum gentle enough to provide your skin with a wonderful care every day for your skin's daily glow. In addition, the product has a hydrating effect and is very suitable for sensitive skin. Sunday exfoliating serum has 7% AHA, among other things, which ensures that you can fight dead skin cells only 2 to 3 times a week.

How to use the exfoliating serum.

Routinely's products are known for their refined and modern formula. This makes them softer than most exfoliants, but no less effective. This makes the chances of skin irritation extremely low. Nevertheless, we always recommend - especially if you have sensitive skin - to start with a low dose. You can increase the amount as soon as you notice that your skin can handle it well. Apply 2 to 3 drops at a time, on your cleansed skin. So with the Everyday exfoliant serum, you can do this once or twice a day. With the Sunday exfoliant serum 1 to 3 times a week (for the lazy or smart among us).

Always finish your routine with a cream with at least SPF 30. Sunscreen protects skin cells from accelerated aging and other cell damage caused by UV radiation from direct and indirect sunlight. It also ensures that skincare products can do their job properly. Do you use cell renewal-accelerating ingredients including AHAs? Then lubrication is extra important. Without that layer of dead skin cells, your skin is just a bit more sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen can prevent hyperpigmentation or skin irritation.

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