Products in Drugstores That Have Glycolic Acid
Resurfacing your skin with an exfoliating product can help to slightly diminish the size of wrinkles on your skin's surface, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 4. Over time, this may result in a younger and more flawless look. Glycolic acid is a commonly used exfoliant, helping to remove skin cells without relying on physical scrubbing particles that can sometimes leave your skin scratched and damaged.
Clean & Clear Cooling Daily Pore Toner
Toner can help remove any oil, dirt or makeup that you might have missed while you were washing your face. Clean & Clear's toner combines the power of both glycolic acid and salicylic acid, reports skincare expert Paula Begoun. The former helps exfoliate the surface of your skin while the latter may help to combat acne. Begoun notes that the cooling sensation comes from menthol, which may be too irritating for sensitive skin.
- Toner can help remove any oil, dirt or makeup that you might have missed while you were washing your face.
- Begoun notes that the cooling sensation comes from menthol, which may be too irritating for sensitive skin.
Avon Anew Clinical Retexturizing Peel
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Avon is known for marketing its skincare products on a door-to-door basis, but its skincare treatments can also be found in many drugstores. The editors of "InStyle" magazine picked Avon's peel as one of the best exfoliation kits for home use 23. In his review of the peeling treatment for the magazine, dermatologist Brad Katchen said it uses glycolic acid at a low yet effective concentration, so you can exfoliate your skin without irritating it.
Neutrogena Health Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cleanser
The efficacy of Neutrogena's anti-wrinkle and anti-acne cleanser is "very good," says Begoun. She notes that it has a gentle effect when helping to remove cosmetics and other surface debris without leaving the skin feeling excessively dry, like many other cleansers. It contains exfoliating glycolic acid plus blemish-fighting salicylic acid, hence the claims in the product name.
Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System
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Neutrogena's three-part anti-acne kit is one of many acne treatments available in drugstores, but it's also the best one, according to the editors of "InStyle" magazine 23. Dr. Mary Lupo, a dermatologist researching the product for the magazine, said its use of glycolic acid and other exfoliating chemicals helped to win her favor. The kit consists of a cleanser, toner and lotion that work together to enhance your complexion.
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References
- "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me"; Paula Begoun; 2009
- InStyle Magazine: Avon
- InStyle Magazine: Neutrogena
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes
- National Institutes of Health PubChem. Glycolic acid. Updated February 1, 2020.
- Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
- Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'Arco V, et al. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Alpha hydroxy acids. Updated May 7, 2019.
- Al-Talib H, Al-Khateeb A, Hameed A, Murugaiah C. Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris. An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(2):212–216. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175273
- Abels C, Reich H, Knie U, Werdier D, Lemmnitz G. Significant improvement in mild acne following a twice daily application for 6 weeks of an acidic cleansing product (pH 4). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2014;13(2):103-8. doi:0.1111/jocd.12086
- Kaminaka C, Uede M, Matsunaka H, Furukawa F, Yamomoto Y. Clinical evaluation of glycolic acid chemical peeling in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study. Dermatological Surgery. 2014;40(3):314-22. doi:10.1111/dsu.12417
- Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2013;6:281-8. doi:10.2147/CCID.S34029
- Takenaka Y, Hayashi N, Takeda M, Ashikaga S, Kawashima M. Glycolic acid chemical peeling improves inflammatory acne eruptions through its inhibitory and bactericidal effects on Propionibacterium acnes. Journal of Dermatology. 2012;39(4):350-4. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2011.01321.x
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Joshua Duvauchelle is a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening specialist. His articles and advice have appeared in dozens of magazines, including exercise workouts in Shape, relationship guides for Alive and lifestyle tips for Lifehacker. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga and urban patio gardening.