Aiming for brighter, smoother skin? Then you might want to consider adding glycolic acid to your beauty routine. This chemical exfoliant is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA, which sloughs off the top layer of your skin to even out its tone and reduce unwanted texture. It's also helps your skin renew itself faster! Convinced? Here are glycolic acid-infused products for you try out:
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
P1,250, Rustan's
For a quick swipe of exfoliation, soak a cotton pad with this resurfacing toner which contains 2% of our star ingredient. Don't worry about it drying out your skin, because it has no alcohol! After that, allow it to absorb for a minute before moving on to the rest of your skincare.
In Her Element Glow Job 5% Glycolic Gel Cream
P775, In Her Element
If you're a glycolic acid veteran, then your skin wouldn't mind if you left this cream on overnight. With 5% glycolic acid and moisturizing oils like jojoba and sunflower oil, it'll address your dark spots and flakiness without wringing your face dry.
Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peel
Rustan's
Combining glycolic acid and vitamin C in one product is already a feat, but Murad also made sure each application of this at-home peel is gentle enough for all skin types. That said, it still contains 10% AHA, so it's a decent alternative for when you're too busy to drop by your derma for a proper peel.
Herbivore Botanicals Prism Natural Fruit Acid 5% Exfoliating Glow Potion
P3,510, Sephora.ph
This lightweight, vegan formula combines natural fruit acids (lactic, malic, citric) to clarify and hydrate the skin. The aloe and rose water are there to soothe sensitive skin as well, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
P700, Calyxta
For a quick yet effective round of exfolation, apply a thin layer of this mask on freshly cleansed skin. Let it sit for a maximum of 10 minutes (or less if it's your first time!) before rinsing it off. Because this contains such a high percentage of AHAs and BHAs, it's crucial to only use this at night and only twice a week. It sounds like a lot, but that combo will help you release your inner glow!
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
P850, Watsons
Korean brand Cosrx offers a gentler option for those of you who aren't a fan of that glycolic-induced tingling sensation. Used like a toner, the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid gently exfoliates at the proper acidic pH of 4.0 to effectively refine skin texture.
This story originally appeared on Preview.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Femalenetwork.com editors.
