We generally think of skincare routines as following a certain pattern throughout the year (like exfoliating in the fall to get rid of dead skin cell buildup from excess sebum in the summer, slathering on thick moisturizers in the winter to combat dryness and so on). And while general guidelines are certainly not a bad way to keep your routine in check, more often than not, the lines don’t need to be as rigid as you might think.
In fact, cutting back on chemical exfoliants in the winter and only relying on super-thick balms and creams to keep our dry skin under control can lead to an excess buildup of product and dead skin cells, clogged pores and congested skin. How can you help your complexion out? By continuing to use chemical exfoliants like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum in the winter (albeit on a less frequent basis) to speed up your skin’s natural cell turnover process and slough off dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface, causing rough texture and a dull complexion. So, yes, despite what you may have heard, glycolic acid is not a summer-only addition to your skincare routine.
What is glycolic acid?
This small but mighty molecule falls under the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family of chemical exfoliants and is the smallest of the group, which also includes lactic, citric and malic acids. Glycolic acid dissolves the bonds between skin cells, allowing you to slough away the dead skin cells that sit on top, resulting in clearer, more glowing skin. It also has impressive anti-aging and acne-fighting properties, thanks to its ability to speed up skin’s cell-turnover rate.
How should glycolic acid be used in the winter?
Proceeding with caution is key here. A glycolic acid peel can be an amazing and transformative tool for sloughing away any flakiness or excess buildup of dry skin that comes with winter, but it’s important not to overdo it. Using L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum just once or twice a week is enough to keep your skin in tip-top shape and breathe some life and luminosity into your complexion this winter. Follow up with hydrating moisturizers and serums. As long as it’s used correctly, glycolic acid is one of the most underrated winter skincare tips out there.
What types of results can you expect?
After just one use, you’ll notice that your skin looks renewed and feels softer, especially in the T-zone, an area that’s prone to excess sebum production and clogged pores. After a week, you’ll see that your complexion is visibly brighter (yes, even in the winter!), and after two weeks, dark spots (which can often sneak up on us in the winter, when our skin is generally paler, making them more noticeable) will appear faded.
