Why Glycolic Acid Needs to be on Your Skin Care Radar

The Benefits of Glycolic Acid

During a recent interview with Sir John, L’Oreal Paris’ resident celebrity makeup artist, we learned all about this self-proclaimed “skin care freak’s” love of glycolic acid. But, what made our ears perk up fast was his claim that if you want to see a quick change in the appearance of your skin, this is the ingredient to look for. Ever the skin care skeptics, we turned to a dermatologist to learn more. “Glycolic acid is the most common fruit acid,” explains Dr. Lisa Ginn, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert. The acid, she says, has been around for more than 20 years, comes from sugar cane, and was the first step down the fountain of youth that was real with no fluff.

“The top layer of your skin, your stratum corneum, holds the key to how dull or dewy your skin will look,” Ginn says. “When you’re young, it turns over in around 28 days, but beginning in your early to mid twenties, the rate of turnover slows down. Skin is supposed to grow up and fluff off, and when that doesn’t happen you get dead skin cell build up and a dull, lackluster appearance.” What does she recommend for this dull dilemma? You guessed it, glycolic acid. “Glycolic acid helps to smooth out the top layer of skin, ,” she says. “You can find it in a host of products including creams, serums, and cleansers.”

The top layer of your skin, your stratum corneum, holds the key to how dull or dewy your skin will look. When you’re young, it turns over in around 28 days, but beginning in your early to mid twenties, the rate of turnover slows down. Skin is supposed to grow up and fluff off, and when that doesn’t happen you get dead skin cell build up and a dull, lackluster appearance.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal

Interested in incorporating glycolic acid into your skin care routine? L’Oreal Paris’ latest collection—Revitalift Bright Reveal—can help you do just that. The brand’s first dermatologist-inspired skin care line is formulated with vitamin C, Pro-Retinol, and glycolic acid, to help reveal a more radiant complexion. The collection includes four standout products that can be used together or separately as part of your already established skin care routine (Side note: we recently received complimentary samples at a launch event and I’ve personally been using the line in its entirety and couldn’t be more pleased with my current glow!)

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser

This daily foaming cleanser—formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin C, volcanic particles, and glycerin—gently exfoliates to help reveal a more radiant complexion while dissolving away impurities.

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser, $6.99

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads

With 10 percent glycolic acid, these textured pads—30 in total—gently exfoliate the skin’s surface to help diminish dullness and rough-looking texture while reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads, $19.99

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer

This dual-action night moisturizer combines glycolic acid with vitamin C and Pro-Retinol with one pump of its dual chamber. The moisturizer can help improve visible luminosity and reduce the look of wrinkles.

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer, $19.99

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30

A moisturizer plus SPF is a must-have in any skin care routine and this one formulated with glycolic acid, Pro-Retinol, and vitamin C fits the bill. It’s no wonder two of our beauty editors list it as a step in their morning routines!

Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $19.99