Glycolic acid, an organic, carbon-containing molecule typically derived from sugar cane, is an Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Other AHA family members include malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid.

Glycolic acid, an organic, carbon-containing molecule typically derived from sugar cane, is an Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Other AHA family members include malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid.

Glycolic acid is a small water-soluble molecule. When put on the skin, it acts as a humectant and can penetrate readily to revitalize dull and acne-prone skin. It is a common ingredient in many skin care products where it works as an exfoliator, cleanser, or toner used to curb anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and dryness.

How glycolic acid works
Glycolic acid is made of small molecules which help it penetrate the skin deeply. It unbinds dead skin cells, bringing newer, healthier skin to the surface. Glycolic acid also has antibacterial and antioxidant activity, which can also help improve your skin’s appearance, especially when you have acne.

Effects of glycolic acid on the skin
As a plant-derived active ingredient, glycolic acid possesses many benefits for the skin. It is good for almost all skin types except very sensitive skin or patients with rosacea.

? Exfoliation: This is one of its main functions. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid helps to separate the connections between keratinocytes (skin cells) in the skin’s outer layers, including dead skin cells and the next skin layer. In this way, it creates a peeling effect by artificially speeding up cell turnover and bringing newer cells to the surface, making the skin appear smoother. This is due to its relatively small molecular size, making glycolic acid a more potent exfoliator than the other alpha-hydroxy acids.

? Fights Acne: Acne is caused when excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog up pores and hair follicles. Glycolic acid has the ability to invade the hair follicles and loosen any built-up sebum and proteins that could otherwise lead to blackheads and breakouts.

? Stimulates collagen production: Collagen is a fibrous protein that helps to keep skin tissue firm and resist wrinkling. Glycolic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen production, which will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

? Acts as a humectant: It can draw water molecules from the air and lock them on the skin, replenishing lost moisture. This makes it an ideal ingredient in moisturizers when used at low strengths.

? Curbs hyper-pigmentation: Hyper-pigmentation is a term used to describe darker patches of skin. Glycolic acid exfoliates and removes darker, dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to reveal a new layer of skin with an even skin tone. With repeated use, this process curbs hyper-pigmentation.

Glycolic acid also causes better absorption of other acne medications like retinol and other anti-aging products and antioxidants like Vitamin C. In addition, it sets up your skin for better makeup application.

Incorporating glycolic acid in your skincare routine
Glycolic acid is one of the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in the skincare industry. This acid occurs naturally in sugar cane but is most effective when synthesized in a lab because its potency and concentration are optimized for skincare. Glycolic acid is the key ingredient to look out for when it comes to shopping for face masks or peels and anti-aging moisturizers, as it is ideal for smoothing out and refreshing your complexion.
Glycolic acid makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. You are advised to apply it in the evenings to give it time to do its work without damaging your skin in the sun. It can be incorporated into your skincare routine by finding suitable products that contain between 8-30% of Glycolic acid. Your routine can include this AHA as:
? A face wash or exfoliant
? A mask or peel
? A toner

Dermatologists recommend slowly introducing your skin to glycolic acid. At first use, slight stinging or redness is normal, but the skin will get accustomed to it over time. While there are numerous benefits in using this magic ingredient, there are some things to take note of:

? It is advised to use it only as much as your skin can tolerate, that is, reducing the amount when the skin begins to feel too sensitive.

? Glycolic acid products make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s extra important to wear sunscreen when using it.

? Glycolic acid, as with any type of exfoliator, can dry out the skin. To counter that, it is advised to seek out products that also have moisturizing ingredients to offset the acid’s drying effects.

Did you know that you are more likely to pick the worst ice-cream flavour when presented with 15 different flavours, than if you were given only 7 options? Same goes with makeup.

Sometimes, having a variety of options leads to confusion, especially if your makeup is intended for personal use only.

That is why it is best to keep your makeup kit light and organised. Not only does it save you time, but it also helps you make better decisions.

Makeup starter or pro, having a well-organised makeup bag translates to good makeup. If your makeup bag is a maze, every time you dip your hand in, you come out with multicoloured stains on your hands, and it is no surprise that your makeup will look so clumsy.

So if you want that really clean, effortless beat, start by cleaning up your makeup bag. Here are the essentials that should be in your makeup bag.

Top 7 Makeup Essentials
Depending on your style and skin type, the most important makeup element differs. For some, it’s the brows, for others, it’s the winged liner. Whatever your preference is, here are the essential makeup tools that can help you achieve a flawless look.

1. Moisturiser- Yes, yes, I know you’re in a hurry, but you don’t have to look it. Starting your makeup off with a moisturiser is a wise step, and it pays off long after the makeup starts to rub off. A well-moisturised skin will provide an excellent base to build your makeup on. It minimises cracking and the formation of fine lines.

2. Primer- What use is all of that makeup if it is going to come off in 30 minutes. Listen, we need to plan for the future and not just for the moment. That is why you need to prime your face before you apply foundation. Chances are that people can’t tell the difference, but what do you want to feel when you look back at your pictures? Definitely not regret. Go get that primer, girl.

3. Brow pencils- Now, this is a staple. They are more than just eyebrow fillers. They can be used to line your lips, create artificial freckles, beauty spots, moles, you name it. If your intention is to create space in your makeup kit, or perhaps you’re creating a much smaller one for travels and weekends out, you should pick up the brow pencil that comes in the shade closest to your real hair.

4. Concealer- Many people get tempted to leave their concealer behind because “they’re not trying to wear so much makeup”. Quite the paradox if you ask me because using a concealer helps you look like you didn’t just plaster foundation all over your face. You want your makeup to be properly highlighted and your brows defined. That’s why you’ll be adding a concealer to your new makeup kit.

5. Foundation- Of course, you’re going nowhere without this guy, unless you’re off to the circus. Your foundation has a unique way of bringing all of your makeup together. It is an excellent base for makeup. Since you’re packing light, a matte foundation is the better option. With a matte foundation, you can step down with the setting powder and not worry about sweating through your makeup.

6. Eyeshadow palette- This probably is my favourite item in a makeup bag, but it is more than just the fun colours. If you want to dress to kill, an eyeshadow palette is probably the most dynamic item in your arsenal. Eyeshadows add depth and a touch of creativity to your makeup. Plus, with the right hues, it may become a blush, a highlighter or even a lip stain.

7. Powder- Severely underrated and underappreciated, your brown powder is one item you should not step out without. Apart from being a quick fix for your when your skin starts to get oily, a good powder polishes your makeup and gives it that finish it deserves. Wearing powder is like walking around with a Snapchat filter in real life.
To add a bit of your personality to this selection, you may throw in your eyeliner, luminizer, a few shimmers you’ve fallen in love with, and whatnot. The bottom line is the fewer the options, the better. So avoid taking too many shades of lipstick.