Skin Care
7 Secret-Weapon Ingredients For Making Your Skin GlowAcid-based products are the key to radiant skin. Here, find the right acid for your skin type |
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Comes from: sugar
Strength: 3/5
Why: Because it's often used in professional chemical peels, glycolic acid has a bit of an ass-kicking reputation. However, it's much milder than you might think. It's moderate in strength and is a highly stable molecule, so it maintains its potency if it's exposed to oxygen, UV light and temperature fluctuations. It can treat a variety of skin issues including acne, fine lines, dullness and hyperpigmentation.
"Almost all skin types would do well with an exfoliating cream that contains glycolic acids to help turn over skin cells, leaving the skin healthy and soft," Tanzi says. "It's the best of the alpha hydroxy acids because it helps to exfoliate most skin types nicely without too much irritation."
Most over-the-counter products have an eight to 10 percent concentration, while concentrations of in-office treatments vary.
Buy: Bliss Multi-'Face'-Eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Mask, $50
Cover image via Imaxtree
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