I’ve been a fan of glycolic acid products since the first time I tried them. So, what is it? Glycolic acid is a natural ingredient extracted from sugar cane. However these days it is often created in labs synthetically. It is one of the skincare ingredients known as AHA’s, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Glycolic acid is one of the more common alpha hydroxy acids, and it has a reputation of being one of the safest forms of alpha hydroxy acids.
Glycolic acid works in skincare as an exfoliator. When you use a glycolic acid product, it works to gently get rid of the dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin. This allows the “fresh” bright skin to come to the surface. This is a good thing when one has dull or dry skin making skin look papery, and helps promote a younger fresher appearance. Glycolic acid also works to brighten discoloured skin, like age/sun spots and other hyperpigmentation. Glycolic can also help those of us with acne and blocked pores and blackheads.
Another benefit of glycolic acid is that since it removes dead skin cells and helps clear out pores, any other skincare you use can be more effective. Because glycolic strips skin of dead skin cells, leaving “virgin” skin behind, sunscreen is an absolute must if you are using it in your skincare routine. It comes in many forms – creams, serums, lotions, cleansers and toners. Many experts say that cleansers with glycolic acid are not effective but I beg to differ. I’ve used Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Cleanser and LOVE how it makes my skin feel smooth and clean.
Reversa is a Quebec based skincare line that comes from the same labs that created Ombrelle sunscreen (purchased by L’Oreal). Reversa products are around glycolic acid, and thank the skincare gods for that. I am in love with every single product in the photo above and use them all the time – when I’m not testing things out for you, dear reader.
The Reversa Corrective Night Cream is the bomb dot com and one of my favourite night treatments. It has 4% glycolic acid, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin, and contains an anti-wrinkle peptide which boosts the synthesis of 6 skin-rebuilding essentials. The glycolic acid to exfoliates promote skin cell renewal, leaving your skin looking and feeling healthier and more youthful. It’s a time release formula, which helps reduce any stinging sensations that may occur.
The Reversa Skin Smoothing Cream 10% is a staple in my beauty arsenal. I use it at least a few times a week to keep my skin smooth and clear. With 8% glycolic acid, it’s penetrates the skin with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), scientifically proven to stimulate exfoliation and promote the renewal of skin cells. By increasing cell turnover, it allows healthier cells to rise to the surface of the skin more quickly, giving the skin a healthier, younger-looking appearance. Their special delivery system helps smooth the skin and reduces the stinging sensation sometimes experienced by people with sensitive skin using glycolic acid for the first time. Its moisturizing ingredients include vitamin E to increase the skin’s moisture level and help prevent dryness.
The Reversa Anti-Spot Nightcare, which I alternate with the Corrective Night Cream, is also great and is specifically designed for skin tone. In addition to 8% glycolic acid, it contains plant extracts and kiwi fruit that work together to reduce the production of melanin (the brown pigment which gives spots their colour).
Reversa Multi-Tasking Care is the only non glycolic acid product in the bunch, but I love it! It sinks in and moisturizes beautifully – I love using it on my neck and décolletage. From their site: Reversa now offers the multi-tasking care with teprenone (Renovage™), an innovative and high-performance ingredient developed through scientific research. Teprenone helps delay the appearance of marks of time on the skin and reduces the marks already present. It acts simultaneously on all signs of aging to visibly reduce their appearance.
The Reversa Skin Smoothing Body Lotion 10% is AMAZING. Bumps on the backs of your arms? Gone. Rough knees and elbows? Buh-bye. Not to mention what this can do for rough callused feet. I force my husband to let me rub this on his feet (what’s with men and creams anyways?) and now him going sock free is not terrifying. Ingrown hairs from waxing? Beat them before they start by regularly using Reversa Skin Smoothing Lotion on problem areas to keep pores clear. It’s also great for using on the chest area if you get acne – I do occasionally- from heaver oilier body lotions. I love to use this once a week head to toe, and again, all my other lotions and potions are more effective.
Tip: glycolic acid can cause a tingling sensation or even burn a bit. Be sure to test before using it on your whole face.