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Here's Why You Need Glycolic Acid in Your Skin Care Routine

The superstar ingredient has the power to treat any and all of your complexion concerns... enough said. Find it in these seven skin-saving products
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Glycolic Acid Peel
Try: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $88 for a 30-day supply

There's a reason this at-home peel is a cult classic. Formulated with a combo of glycolic acid plus other alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (not to mention a whole slew of additional anti-agers like retinol and resveratrol), these are gentle enough for daily use. At-home peel pads are the ideal way to reap the benefits of glycolic acid and can easily be worked into your routine, notes Hooper. Use this glycolic acid peel to minimize pores, fine lines and dullness.

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Glycolic Acid Toner
Try: Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic 10% Toning Complex, $40

"Glycolic-acid based toners are great for anyone with oily skin," says Hooper. "They feel weightless and can help reduce shine." Not to mention that the ingredient also helps eliminate blackheads and whiteheads by keeping pores clear and clog-free. This formula scores major points for the addition of witch hazel (to tighten pores), along with chamomile and aloe vera, so that skin feels soothed, not stripped.

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Glycolic Acid Mask
Try: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari BabyFacial, $80

With a whopping 25 percent glycolic acid, this at-home mask is a close substitute for an in-office peel. And while yes, 25 percent is a high concentration to find in an OTC product, this formula also includes a whole batch of calming and soothing ingredients -- think antioxidant-rich matcha and redness-reducing niacinamide -- so that even the sensitive set can use it. Use weekly and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing and following up with the (included) marula oil. Snag one while you can; since launching in Sephora on January 10, this newbie has already sold out three times.

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Glycolic Acid Night Cream
Try: Glytone Age-Defying Antioxidant Night Cream, $90, or L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Dual Overnight Moisturizer, $19.99

A glycolic acid-based night cream is choice for those looking to reap the wrinkle-fighting benefits of the ingredient: "It's a fantastic way to help build collagen over time," says Hooper. Glytone's formula also has the added benefits of skin-smoothing peptides and antioxidants to combat damaging free radicals. L'Oreal's night cream combines glycolic acid with retinol and vitamin C to battle wrinkles and dark spots.

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Glycolic Acid Body Lotion
Try: Exuviance Retexturing Treatment, $42

Talk about a body lotion with benefits. Standard moisturizing suspects (vitamin E, shea butter) are coupled with 10 percent glycolic acid, making this a great leave-on exfoliator. Slather it all over your bod anytime skin is superdry and flaky, or to treat keratosis pilaris (aka K.P. or chicken skin). Those unsightly bumps on the backs of your arms pop up when excess keratin blocks the hair follicles; glycolic acid works to keep those follicles clear and your skin bump-free.

BY MELANIE RUD CHADWICK | FEB 7, 2017 | SHARES
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