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My Reward PointsWith consistent use, glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid obtained from sugarcane, is well known for improving the texture and tone of skin. It smooth the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles leads to a more even skin tone and improved brightness. Making a homemade glycolic acid lotion for face is now a more appealing and cost-effective alternative to store-bought products, due to the rise of do-it-yourself skincare trends.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells and oils to remove them from the skin. It is a naturally occurring chemical found in several fruits, beets, and sugarcane. In its pure form, glycolic acid is colorless and odorless, and experts classify it as an alpha-hydroxy acid.
Is Glycolic Acid Lotion Good for Your Skin?
Alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid exfoliate dead skin cells. Additionally, it may help heal sunburns and treat dark spots on the face, acne scars, acne, and aging skin.
Benefits of Using Glycolic Acid Lotion for Skin
A glycolic acid lotion exfoliates by loosening dead skin cells, smoothing texture, brightening the complexion, and reducing acne and aging signs to reveal fresher, more radiant skin. Here are its many advantages:
1. Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells
When glycolic acid lotion dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, smooth, new skin is exposed. It promotes cell turnover for smoother, brighter skin.
2. Brightens Dull Skin
Professionals prescribe glycolic acid for oily, acne-prone, dry, dull, sun-damaged, and aging skin. Initial glycolic acid treatments targeted greasy or acne-prone skin; now dermatologists prescribe it for all skin types, depending on the formulation.
3. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Glycolic acid reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and other mature skin concerns. Sugarcane's alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid, is the smallest and strongest, and can easily enter the skin.
4. Smooths Skin Texture
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin to reveal a smoother layer. For that lovely glow we all adore, this increase in cellular turnover improves skin texture and minimizes fine lines.
5. Fights Acne and Prevents Breakouts
With its potent exfoliating properties, glycolic acid is a dependable ally for oily or acne-prone skin, helping to minimize breakouts by removing dead cells from pores.
6. Improves Absorption of Other Skincare Products
Glycolic acid facilitates the absorption of other skincare products. As skincare products penetrate deeper, their effects and the glycolic acid lotion benefits increase, making other serums or moisturizers work better.
7. Promotes an Even Skin Tone
Acne spots, UV damage, and hyperpigmentation can all be efficiently removed with glycolic acid, and its regular use helps lighten dark spots, and imperfections and level out skin tone.
Ingredients You'll Need for Making Glycolic Acid Lotion
To make glycolic acid lotion, you will need a variety of ingredients, including glycolic acid solution, base lotion or cream, among other additional ingredients. It is quite simple to make, and here is what you need in detail:
Glycolic Acid Solution
Glycolic acid solutions contain water, humectants, antioxidants, plant extracts, and sugarcane alpha-hydroxy acid. Formulations vary, but glycerin, amino acids, and other skin-hydrating and soothing ingredients are included.
Base Lotion or Cream
A pre-made lotion or DIY mix of water, oil, and emulsifier forms the base for glycolic acid lotions, providing structure and helping protect skin from potential irritation and reducing discomfort.
Additional Ingredients
DIY glycolic acid lotions need ingredients other than glycolic acid to be stable, secure, and effective and these include essential oils, carrier oils, vitamin E oil, and preservatives.
Process of Making Glycolic Acid Lotion
Ingredients
- Premade lotion: ½ cup
- Glycolic acid liquid: 1 teaspoon
- Vitamin E oil: ¼ teaspoon
- Lavender essential oil (optional): 2 drops
Process
- Fill a clean, dry jar with 1/2 cup of your favorite readymade moisturizing lotion.
- Add 1 tsp of glycolic acid liquid to the lotion and mix thoroughly.
- Next, mix in 1/4 tsp of vitamin E oil.
- Add one or two drops of lavender essential oil to the lotion to finish it off with a nice scent (optional).
- Keep the lotion in a dark, cool place in an airtight, clean container.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Lotion Effectively?
In order to avoid irritation or excessive exfoliation, it is recommended to begin with a small amount of lotion, and gradually increase the frequency of application. Glycolic acid might make skin more sun-sensitive, so apply sunscreen. Consider the following points:
1. Recommended frequency of use
Starting with two to three times a week is advised if you are new to using chemical exfoliants or direct acids. You can gradually increase the frequency of glycolic acid lotion uses, as your skin becomes more tolerant.
2. Tips on application
The three main rules for applying a homemade glycolic acid lotion are to start cautiously, use the lotion at night, and prioritize strong sun protection the following day.
3. Pairing with sunscreen
Use the glycolic acid lotion primarily at night and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning.
4. Aftercare
The most crucial aftercare steps following the application of a homemade glycolic acid lotion are sun protection, maintaining adequate hydration, and avoiding additional potent active ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Making Glycolic Acid Lotion
Glycolic acid lotion faults include utilizing high concentrations, overusing, and disregarding sun protection. Create a safe and effective composition with a low concentration, and include sun protection in the product's usage instructions to avoid these difficulties.
1. Using Too Strong a Concentration
A weakened skin barrier, extreme irritation, and redness can arise from using a high concentration at the start of the procedure.
2. Skipping the Patch Test
You risk having a negative response on your face if you don't test the lotion on a small patch of skin beforehand.
3. Overusing the Lotion
An excessive amount of lotion application might result in over-exfoliation, which can cause redness and peeling of the skin.
4. Neglecting Sun Protection
Due to the fact that glycolic acid makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, avoiding sunscreen can result in damage caused by the sun.
Conclusion
In order to promote clearer, healthier-looking skin, glycolic acid lotion exfoliates dead skin cells, brightens dull skin, smooth texture, minimizes fine lines, combats acne, evens out skin tone and increases the absorption of other skincare products. See what suits your skin the best by experimenting with our recipe and be patient, as consistent use over time will yield the best glycolic acid lotion results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I use glycolic acid lotion every day?
Ans. Yes, but be cautious. Daily usage of glycolic acid at 1-5% concentrations is safe for robust skin. Beginners or those with sensitive skin should start 1-2 times a week and increase as skin adjusts.
Q. How long will my glycolic acid lotion last?
Ans. Glycolic acid lotion lasts about 9–12 months after opening, compared to 1–2 years unopened. Proper storage is essential, and it should not be used beyond 12 months or its expiration date.
Q. What should I do if my skin becomes irritated?
Ans. If a DIY glycolic acid lotion irritates your skin, stop using it, rinse with cool water, soothe with a gentle moisturizer or aloe, avoid scratching, and protect the sensitized area from sun exposure.
Q. Can I use glycolic acid lotion on my body?
Ans. Glycolic acid lotion can be used on the body to exfoliate and smooth skin, but start slowly, use sunscreen, and be cautious on sensitive areas or if prone to irritation or hyperpigmentation.
