Acne and clear skin, the two terms that can’t exist together like ever. Acne occurs out of nowhere and disrupts the idea of clear skin. No one wants acne but still it breaks out. Breakouts often leave behind clogged pores, uneven patches due to acne marks and rough skin. This can make the skin appear dull and makes it impossible to achieve clear skin easily. Such reoccurring breakouts and dullness on the skin can often make people conscious about their skin.
Several formulations exist in the market. But a clear skin gel has been proven to be most efficient for dealing with breakouts and skin texture. It helps in getting a clear skin with time. Glycolic acid is one such ingredient that can help reduce the chances of clogged pores which prevents breakouts and helps in getting a smooth texture overall with time.
Gel based formulations are very lightweight and easy to use so using a glycolic acid gel for acne is a better way to get clear skin and reduce chances of breakouts than other heavy formulations.
Reasons behind acne and rough skin
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns that occurs because of clogged pores of sebaceous glands. It happens because of dead skin cells, dirt and excess sebum accumulation which blocks the pores. Acne breakouts happen because of other reasons as well but these are the major reasons for acne. Oily skin types are more prone to acne. Makeup and skincare buildup often gets mixed with sebum and dust and clogs the pores.
Acne often causes roughness in skin texture. When dead skin cells get accumulated on the skin it creates an uneven canvas. Excess secretion of sebum can get mixed up with dirt and clog the pores which creates bumpy skin. Inflamed acne also slows down the natural dead skin shedding process. Also post acne marks form a pigmented spot on the skin.
Glycolic acid’s value for skin clearance
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. It is generally derived from sugarcane. This AHA is unique from the rest because of its smaller molecule size which makes it easily penetrate and perform exfoliating action. It is a water-soluble exfoliant and performs well for surface cleansing. It does so by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface which helps in declogging the pores on the surface.
How does a gel formulation become more effective?
A clear skin gel is a better formulation because of the following reasons
- Gel based formulations are very lightweight and non greasy in texture which makes them absorb easily into the skin, that makes it suitable for acne prone and rough skin.
- They can be incorporated into a daily skincare routine with ease because they do not feel heavy or difficult to use daily.
- Gels help in delivering active ingredients very quickly and efficiently which helps in achieving targeted delivery.
- Gels are water based formulations instead of oil base which reduces the chance of clogging pores.
- Gels have a light texture which makes it spread evenly on the skin and give a smooth finish instead of patches.
Positives of using a glycolic acid gel for acne
Glycolic acid gel for acne can be used effectively in reducing acne breakouts and rough skin which helps in getting a clear skin texture.
- Unclogs pores: Glycolic acid is an AHA with small molecule size so it goes deep and clears pores by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. It helps in removing them from pores.
- Oil buildup control: Regular exfoliation with glycolic acid helps in preventing oil mix up with dead skin cells. This helps in preventing buildup.
- Reduces PIH: Glycolic acid is known for fastening the skin renewal function which helps in removing the discolored patches with time and removes acne marks.
- Improves texture: Glycolic acid helps in reducing the appearance of enlarged pores with time. It also helps in calming the rough patches on the skin. Declogging pores reduces the bumpy texture of the skin.
- Better layering: Glycolic acid helps in making skin a smooth textured surface which makes it easy to layer products easily without making it look patchy or uneven.
How to use a glycolic acid gel for acne?
To achieve results you have to use the clear skin gel in proper way
- Firstly wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Then pat dry.
- Apply gel on targeted areas using your fingers. Take small amounts only.
- Let the gel get absorbed into your skin.
- If required apply a moisturizer and while going out apply sunscreen always.
Additional tips
- Start with a less complex routine to analyze its effect on your skin like using just 2-3 times a week.
- Do not over-exfoliate with such ingredients.
- Don’t skip SPF during the day while going out.
- Conduct a patch test first to get an idea of its suitability on your skin.
- Avoid pairing with other activities like retinoids.
Last Thoughts
Getting a clear is not difficult, it is achievable but you need to analyse and search through the ingredients. Glycolic acid is one such ingredient that can help you to achieve acne free and smooth skin with time.
An exfoliator like glycolic acid has been considered great in the skincare world for its known benefits. When it is incorporated into a gel formulation it makes it more effective and functional. Just use it consistently to see visible results in some time.
