One of the most common questions we get asked at our studio is “What product(s) can I use at home to help reduce:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Age spots and scarring
- Restore and even out skin tones
This month we shine the light on three ingredients, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, and Retinol, which are formulated to take care of the skin conditions mentioned above plus more. You’ll also learn about where these three super ingredients derive from and how they can be a trusted component to your daily skincare routine. Let’s go!
Glycolic Acid
First up on the skincare superhighway is Glycolic Acid (GA). According to Dermstore, GA was introduced to the beauty world in the 1990s and was one of the first affordable exfoliants to be incorporated into take-home products and as a key ingredient in chemical peels found at your dermatologist’s office. When I first heard about Glycolic Acid as a consumer, I had visions of a horror movie dancing through my head, but rest assured, it’s is nothing like Night of the Living Dead. GA actually comes from sugarcane, and it’s part of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family that is a naturally occurring “fruit acid” found in a ton of foods. How it works is it breaks down the glue-like substance on the outer most layer of your skin, removing all those unwanted dead skin cells. The result is rejuvenated healthier-looking skin.
Exfoliation isn’t the only superpower Glycolic Acid possesses. It’s also known for treating scarring, fine lines/wrinkles, age spots, and uneven/discoloured skin tones. But it doesn’t even stop there!! GA can also restore moisture back into your skin and has been known to boost collagen production, which will leave your skin looking plumper (remember those fine lines we talked about earlier). We do recommend consulting your skincare professional (or our amazing staff here at Bellagena) before you start using GA to ensure it’s right for you and your skin.
Vitamin C
Next up on our skincare product spotlight tour is Vitamin C (VC), which is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants. It’s cultivated to protect our skin from the harsh environmental elements (including the sun) that we are exposed to daily, all while leaving our skin smoother and brighter looking.
Vitamin C has many of the same restoration and healing powers as Glycolic Acid but is a gentler option due to it being an Ascorbic Acid, which is commonly found in a barrage of fruits and veggies, including oranges, grapefruit, and even broccoli. VC not only helps to remove unwanted dead skin cells, but it can also assist with reducing scars, fine lines/wrinkles, dark spots and other hyperpigmentations. Plus, it is another product that supports the production of collagen, our skins BFF. If you have dry or sensitive skin, we recommend looking for a Vitamin C serum that has less than 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, especially if you’re planning to use it in the morning and at night.
Retinol
The final stop on our tour is Retinol, which stems from the Vitamin A (VA) family. Just like Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid, it’s healing properties includes the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles due to boosting collagen productions. But it also has two other defining factors. The first is stimulating the creation of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves your overall skin tone, and the second is the positive impact it can have on reducing acne.
It’s important to know, Retinol use can come with certain side effects. Typically you may experience mild irritations, such as dryness or sun sensitivities as your skin adjusts to the new product. But, if you notice intense flaking and redness, or burning (especially if you have sensitive skin or have conditions like eczema or rosacea), we recommend discontinuing use and consult your dermatologist for an alternative solution.
At Bellagena, we have an incredible selection of professional skincare products developed by Sanitas Skincare and Image Skincare. Both lines will leave your skin looking stunning. Still have questions about the products featured in this article? Stop in or give us a call. Our staff are always happy to answer your questions and to help you find the right skincare products.
Still have questions about the products featured in this article? Stop in or give us a call. Our staff are always happy to answer your questions and to help you find the right skincare products.
