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The majority of people think skin care is a hardcore 10 steps routine which is far away from the truth. In reality, a simple skin care routine consists of gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen which protects from sun damage.
With our fast paced lives, our skin is constantly exposed to pollution and excessive sun which entirely contributes to dullness, uneven skin and rough texture of skin. That’s why many people go for a glycolic acid face wash which helps in gently exfoliating the skin and removes the accumulated dead skin cells.
But it is acid which makes the skin more sensitive to sun which is why combining it with sunscreen becomes extremely important. As a sunscreen having spf 30 or higher with broad spectrum helps in protecting the skin from UV rays.
Therefore in this blog we get to understand about glycolic acid, why you need to combine it with sunscreen, how to use the glycolic acid face wash and mistakes to avoid will help you properly combine the face wash with sunscreen that helps in improving skin texture while preventing sun damage.
What is Glycolic Acid?
It is an extensively used ingredient used in the cosmetic industry as a gentle cleanser. It can penetrate the skin deeply and quickly as it has the smaller molecular structure out of all alpha-hydroxy acid which makes it a potent chemical exfoliant.
It actively exfoliates the skin outer surface which totally removes the gathered dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and boosts the renewal process that replaces the old skin cells with fresh skin cells which brightens the skin tone and improves the skin texture.
In addition, face wash stays only for a little bit of time on the skin which reduces the chances of any skin related problems which makes it a great option for people who want gentle exfoliation without adding any ingredients, serum or toner.
Why Need to Combine it with Sunscreen?
Even though both glycolic acid face wash and sunscreen offer different benefits, combining both of them helps in maintaining a smooth and brighter skin while also protecting the skin from further damage.
A glycolic acid face wash helps in gently exfoliating the skin’s outer layer which totally removes the dead skin cells and improves the skin texture and gives brighter complexion. On the other hand a sunscreen with spf 30 or higher having broad spectrum helps protect the skin from UV radiation.
Studies have proven that UV rays contribute to tanning, fine lines and uneven skin tone so protecting from sun damage is very important. But glycolic acid makes the skin more sensitive to sun harm which is why it is important to use sunscreen after using the glycolic acid face to prevent any sun damage.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Face Wash?
If you are new to glycolic acid, then it is best if you start with using it 2 or 3 days in a week and escalate slowly with time if your skin is feeling fine. You can consider the following routine in your daily life:
Morning Routine
- Start your day with a gentle cleanser that removes the excess oil, dust and other impurities from your skin and prepares your face for further skincare steps.
- Use a gentle, oil free moisturizer after cleansing the skin.
- Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with spf 30 or above to protect the skin from sun damage.
Night Routine
- Begin with washing your face with a glycolic acid cleanser as directed by the cream which removes dead skin cells.
- Use a hydrating and non-comedogenic moisturizer on the face to prevent skin dryness.
Sunscreen is an Essential Part
If you are someone who is using exfoliating acids on the skin, then applying sunscreen should become your daily habit. Use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum that provides protection against UVA and UVB radiations and should have spf 30 or above.
You should apply enough sunscreen so that it covers all the skin areas which will be exposed to the sun and you should reapply if you are sweating, washing your face etc. In addition sunscreen is beneficial all year long even during winter.
Can it Helps with Fine Lines and Skin Texture
One of the main reasons why glycolic acid becomes such a popular ingredient is that it improves the skin texture. As it gently exfoliates the skin which removes the gathered dead skin cells from the skin’s surface that helps in giving a more softer and even skin texture.
Moreover consistent use of glycolic acid also helps in improving the appearance of fine lines. However you should keep in mind that face wash is a rinse off product, so it should be seen as a supportive element and not as a treatment.
Mistakes to Avoid
One should avoid these following mistakes to prevent their skin from any skin related issues.
- Mixing way too many active ingredients can totally destroy your skin barrier and even cause burning and skin peeling.
- Over cleansing the face can strip away the skin’s natural oil and leave the skin feeling dry.
- Ignoring the neck area while applying the sunscreen can totally cause sun damage on the neck.
- Using low spf sunscreen can not fully protect the skin from UV radiation.
The Bottom Line
Glycolic acid face wash is a great addition to someone skincare routine who is struggling with dullness, uneven skin tone or rough skin texture because it helps in removing the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and gives a more even and softer skin texture. However as the acid exfoliates the skin, this makes the skin more sensitive to sun.
This is why applying sunscreen after exfoliating becomes very important to protect your skin from harmful UV radiations. Having an understanding what is the need to combine the sunscreen with glycolic acid face wash and mistakes to avoid helping you to safely use the glycolic acid and totally protecting your skin from sun damage.
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