Why Glycolic Acid Should Be On Your Skincare Radar

Glycolic Acid Benefits

During recent interview with sir john, resident celebrity makeup artist for L'Oreal Paris, we learned all about this self-proclaimed "skincare freak"'s love for glycolic acid. But what made our ears quickly perk up was his statement that if you want to see a quick change in the look of your skin, this is the ingredient to look for. Once skincare skeptics, we turned to a dermatologist to find out more. “Glycolic acid is the most common fruit acid,” explains Dr. Lisa Ginn, board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert. The acid, she says, has been around for more than 20 years and is derived from sugar cane, and was the first step towards a fountain of youth that was real, without the fluff.

"The top layer of your skin, your stratum corneum, is the key to how dull or dewy your skin will look," Ginn says. “When you are young, it is renewed in about 28 days, but from the age of twenty, the rate of turnover slows down. The skin needs to grow back and fluff up, and when it doesn't, you get dead skin cells and a dull, dull look." What does she recommend for this boring dilemma? As you may have guessed, glycolic acid. “Glycolic acid helps smooth out the top layer of skin,” she says. "You can find it in a variety of products, including creams, serums, and cleansers."

The top layer of your skin, your stratum corneum, holds the key to how dull or dewy your skin will look. When you are young, it is renewed in about 28 days, but from the age of twenty-five, the rate of turnover slows down. The skin needs to grow back and fluff up, and when it doesn't, you end up with dead skin cells and a dull, dull look.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal

Want to include glycolic acid in your daily skin care routine? The latest L'Oreal Paris collection - Revitalift Bright Reveal - will help you with this. The brand's first dermatologist-inspired skin care line contains vitamin C, pro-retinol and glycolic acid to help brighten the complexion. The collection includes four outstanding products that can be used together or individually as part of an already established skin care regimen (note: we recently received free samples at a launch event and I personally used this line to its fullest and couldn't be happier my current glow!)

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Wash

Formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin C, volcanic particles and glycerin, this foaming daily cleanser gently exfoliates skin for a more radiant complexion while removing impurities.

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Wash, $ 6.99

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peeling Pads

These textured pads (10 in total) with 30% glycolic acid gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, reducing dullness and roughness, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peeling Pads, $ 19.99

Revitalift Bright Reveal Dual Action Brightening Night Moisturizer

This dual action night moisturizer combines glycolic acid, vitamin C and pro-retinol in a single dual chamber pump. A moisturizer can help improve visible radiance and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Revitalift Bright Reveal Dual Action Brightening Night Moisturizer, $ 19.99

Revitalift Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

A moisturizer plus SPF is a must in any skin care routine, and this product, containing glycolic acid, pro-retinol and vitamin C, fits the bill. No wonder our two beauty editors included it in their morning routine!

Revitalift Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30, $ 19.99