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Oct 3, 2023 3:56:02 PM / by GlyMed Advanced Aesthetic Institute

Are you looking at the different ingredients in skincare products and thinking that the word “acid” sounds a little intimidating? While it can feel counterintuitive, acids used in skincare are very beneficial for your skin, especially if they’re curated for your specific needs.

Here’s how skincare acids can be valuable for your skincare routine.


WHAT ARE SKINCARE ACIDS?

Active skincare acids are ingredients used in skincare products that target specific skin concerns effectively. They are organized into three main categories:

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): These water-soluble acids primarily target the skin's surface. They reveal a smoother, brighter complexion by breaking the bonds between dead skin cells during exfoliation. By making the skin plumper and more hydrated, AHAs can reduce hyperpigmentation—plus, they’re safe for all Fitzpatrick Skin Types.

  • Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Though BHAs also work to break apart dead skin cells, they are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate deeper into the skin. Because of their ability to enter your pores, BHAs excel at targeting acne lesions.

  • Trichloroacetic Acids (TCAs): This synthetic acid is used in professional chemical peels and can penetrate even deeper into the skin. TCA helps with more severe skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation and deep wrinkles.

Skincare acids can originate from natural sources and scientific labs. Natural sources include fruits (e.g., citric acid from citrus fruits), sugar cane (glycolic acid) and willow bark (salicylic acid).

Meanwhile, synthetic acids, engineered in laboratories, offer precise solutions to specific skin concerns. Each acid possesses unique properties that, when used correctly, can noticeably improve skin health and appearance.

However, always exercise caution when using skincare acids and seek professional guidance to determine the frequency of use.


HOW YOUR SKIN CAN BENEFIT FROM ACIDS

From removing dullness to battling breakouts, acids in skincare are an important step to achieving and maintaining a clear complexion. They offer many benefits, such as:

  • Removal of dead skin cells

  • Brightening and evening out skin tone

  • Treating acne lesions

  • Hydrating and plumping the skin

  • Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Understanding the specific functions of each acid can help you use them effectively. If you're unsure of where to start, ask one of our GlyMed Pros. With the right knowledge, you can find products that will add to your skincare routine.


TYPES OF SKINCARE ACIDS

Here are some of the most common acids used in skincare.


ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)

Ascorbic acid, better known as Vitamin C, aids in the regeneration of skin cells. Found in our Vitamin C Cream, this powerful antioxidant is a key ingredient commonly used in serums, moisturizers and face masks. Its reputation for rejuvenating the skin and effectively combating signs of aging makes it a valuable addition to any skincare routine.



CITRIC ACID (AHA)


This excellent source of Vitamin C successfully brightens skin and reduces signs of aging. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it works to exfoliate the skin gently, improving skin tone and enhancing overall skin radiance. Our Age Defying Masque uses citric acid for its antioxidant benefits while adding balance to the overall formula.


FULVIC ACID

Fulvic acid is hailed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for soothing irritated skin and boosting skin health. Commonly found in skin creams, lotions and serums (like our Restoring Fulvic Elixir), fulvic acid reduces redness and promotes a balanced complexion.


GLYCOLIC ACID (AHA)

Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. Commonly used in cleansers such as our Glycolic Facial Cleanser, this powerful skincare acid targets dullness, uneven texture and fine lines.


HYALURONIC ACID

This hydration powerhouse aids in retaining moisture to result in plumped-up, youthful-looking skin. It's a popular ingredient in skincare—found in moisturizers, serums and masks—because it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in moisture.

Products like our Ultra Hydro Gel take advantage of this fact to replenish dehydrated skin.


LACTIC ACID (AHA)

Using a gentle exfoliating action, lactic acid sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, smoother complexion. It's often found in daily exfoliators and brightening serums where it works to improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation.


SALICYLIC ACID (BHA)

Salicylic acid can penetrate pores and dissolve excess sebum. That’s why this powerful ingredient flourishes in acne treatments like our Purifying Cleanser.

If you need help understanding how to achieve your goals through skincare acids, try asking a GlyMed Pro. Our skincare professionals understand the science behind each product.



HOW TO INCORPORATE SKINCARE ACIDS INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Using skincare acids isn’t a complicated science. It can be quite an easy process once you know how to do it properly. Here are tips on how to work them into your skincare routine:

  • Start Slow: Introduce one new product at a time to assess how your skin responds. If your skin responds well, you can add another acid-based product after a few weeks. Just be sure to follow application guidelines as overusing skincare acids can lead to compromised skin.

  • Wear Sunscreen: Exfoliating acids, especially AHAs and BHAs, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Daily application of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

  • Choose the Right Products: Having the wrong concentration of acid in a product can lead to irritation and inflammation. Start with the lowest concentration you can find and work your way up.

  • Ask Questions: Talk to a skin expert, like one of our GlyMed Pros, to find the perfect combination for you. They can assess your skincare needs and recommend the right products.

Using skincare acids can make a significant difference in your skin. Our products at GlyMed Plus contain the purest form of these active ingredients to purify your skin and revive its natural beauty. Shop our products today for great additions to your skincare collection.


GLYMED ADVANCED AESTHETIC INSTITUTE


The Power of Skincare Acids
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Aug 15, 2022 8:56:20 AM / by GlyMed Advanced Aesthetic Institute

INGREDIENTS AND TREATMENTS FOR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN Summer is ending all too quickly, but even as the days get shorter and you’re not spending as much time in the sun, signs of sun damage may be lingering under the skin. UV damage is the number one culprit of premature aging, and while it’s always best to prevent sun damage with correct SPF usage, there are still ways to reverse sun damage before and even after it appears on the surface of your skin. A combination of professional treatments and a tailored-to-you at-home regimen can keep your skin healthy, protected, and young for years to come. Learn more about the ingredients and treatments you can incorporate into your skincare to repair and reverse sun-damaged skin. REVERSE SUN DAMAGE WITH THESE INGREDIENTS RETINOL (VITAMIN A) It’s no secret that we love our retinol here at GlyMed. And for good reason too! Not only does it help with acne and aging, but it can repair and reverse sun damage deep within the skin before it ever reaches the surface. Since sun damage isn’t visible right away, it’s easy to assume there’s no need to combat it now. But the fact is that sun damage can linger under the skin for years at a time. To repair and prevent the appearance of damage on the skin, you may benefit from a product that works inside the skin, such as micro-encapsulated retinol. Micro-encapsulation allows the active ingredient to penetrate deeper into the skin and release over time making the retinol more effective at repairing damage under the surface while being gentler on the skin. Retinol works on sun damage by encouraging cell turnover and increasing collagen production, both of which help set damaged skin cells on a healthier course. With the regular and correct use of retinol, you’ll find fewer fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and a more even tone and texture. Featured in: Retinol Rejuvenation Serum NIACINAMID (VITAMIN B3) Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient, but don’t let that fool you, it can work wonders for skin that’s been exposed to the sun a few too many times. Niacinamide can treat hyperpigmentation, build keratin, rebuild healthy skin cells, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, all of which are essential for preventing and repairing sun damage that leads to premature aging. Due to its gentle nature, you can incorporate niacinamide into almost any skincare routine. Mists, serums, and moisturizers with niacinamide can be used morning and night, while masques are an excellent way to add an extra dose here and there when your skin barrier is compromised, or it just needs some extra love. Featured in: CBD Skin Mist, CBD Age Delay Dew, CBD Hydratherapy Masque with Micro-Silver, and CBD Soothing Serum with Micro-Silver VITAMIN C Lines and wrinkles can form on the skin due to oxidative stress from pollutants and environmental aggressors, such as the sun’s UV rays. When an antioxidant such as Vitamin C is applied to the skin, it combats oxidative stress, slows the aging process and protects the skin from further environmental aggressors. Adding Vitamin C to a skin care routine promotes delayed aging, lightening hyperpigmentation and fighting inflammation. It’s important to note that some may have experienced sensitivity to Vitamin C, which can cause irritation, or in more severe cases, worsen acne. The reason for this sensitivity is that low-quality Vitamin C can quickly become unstable and throw off the PH balance of the skin. This is rarely the case with GlyMed Vitamin C products, as we only use the highest quality and most stable forms of Vitamin C we can source. If you’ve never used Vitamin C or had a bad experience in the past with another brand, we recommend patch-testing our product and then easing your way into using it to see how the skin takes to the product. Vitamin C products should be applied in the morning with sunscreen for optimal protection and at night to combat the oxidative stress your skin may encounter during the day. Featured in: Pigment Brightening Serum, Vitamin C Cream, Vitamin C Serum, Protective Skin Serum with Ceramides (Cell Protection Serum), Peptide Firming Cleanser, and Vitamin C Cleanser ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAS) - GLYCOLIC & LACTIC ACIDS Regulating and encouraging the natural exfoliation process of your skin can improve the signs of sun damage, so AHAs (chemical exfoliators) can be highly effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, texture, fine lines, and wrinkles that have been caused by sun exposure. When choosing a chemical exfoliating product, you can choose one or a mix of different kinds of acids like glycolic, lactic and mandelic. Although no matter what AHA you are using it’s important to note that they can sensitize the skin if not incorporated into a skincare routine properly. Here are some tips for using your AHA products correctly:

  • Apply and reapply sunscreen every day, even on days when you are not using an AHA in your regimen.

  • Since AHAs cause sun sensitivity, it’s best to only use them at night and opt for gentler active ingredients in the morning.

  • Add AHA into your skin care gradually, only using it 1 – 2 times per week and working your way up to more frequent usage as your skin shows higher tolerance.

Featured in: Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid, Accelerator Gel with 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid and Resurfacing Night Cream with 15% Glycolic Acid TYROSINASE INHIBITORS - BEARBERRY, LICORICE ROOT, KOJIC ACID & MULBERRY EXTRACT For someone who is currently dealing with or is prone to hyperpigmentation caused by the sun, some of the most effective ingredients are tyrosinase inhibitors. These ingredients communicate with your melanocyte cell (the cell that creates and overproduces pigment) to keep skin even and clear of spots. The natural tyrosinase-inhibiting ingredients used in GlyMed formulas are a natural and much gentler alternative to hydroquinone, another skin-lightening agent. Since hydroquinone often causes sensitivity and tends to strip the skin, we default to our beloved bearberry, licorice root, kojic acid, and mulberry extract to keep the skin brightened without causing over-sensitivity. While these ingredients are gentler, some of our formulas that include these tyrosinase inhibitors may still contain ingredients that cause photosensitivity. Please note that proper sunscreen use is a must with our tyrosinase inhibitors, as it is with any and all skincare regimens! Featured in: Diamond Bright Skin Illuminator, Pigment Brightening Serum, and Daily Skin Clarifier CHEMICAL PEELS FOR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN Chemical peel treatments are highly effective for reversing sun damage when coupled with the proper at-home treatment. While all chemical peels provide powerful exfoliation that can reduce signs of photodamage, the following professional-only chemical peel solutions are some of the best GlyMed has to offer for sun-damaged skin:

  • Professional Peptide Perfection Exfoliator - Uses mandelic acid and epigenetic peptides to gently exfoliate the skin and fight environmental aging.

  • Professional Exfoliator with 30% Lactic Acid - Combines the exfoliation and skin brightening power of 30% lactic acid with active tyrosinase inhibitors to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase firmness and elasticity, and reduce pigmentation.

  • Professional 5-Berry Solution with 7% TCA - This TCA and antioxidant peel is the ideal solution for photo-aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This formula combines 7% TCA and the reparative, protective, and anti-aging benefits cranberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and bearberry.

  • Professional Vitamin A Solution with 10% TCA - A strong exfoliator that includes 10% TCA, 10% glycolic and 5% retinol to resurface the skin by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin.

  • Professional Pigment Lift Solution with 15% TCA - This 15% TCA solution paired with powerful natural tyrosinase inhibitors is renowned for its results in treating, correcting, and controlling pigmentation, wrinkles, and overall photodamage

Reach out to a GlyMed professional today to inquire about their chemical peel services to see if one of the above treatments would work for you! REVERSING YOUR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN WITH GLYMED If you’re ready to feel the best in your skin, GlyMed is here. With revolutionary pharmaceutical-grade formulations, GlyMed is a leader in the skincare industry that can treat all skin types and conditions, including sun-damaged skin. Contact your local GlyMed Pro today to schedule a consultation and to chat about GlyMed’s extensive product line! GLYMED ADVANCED AESTHETIC INSTITUTE


Reversing Sun Damage
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Oct 4, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by GlyMed Advanced Aesthetic Institute

Most people associate aloe vera with soothing sun-damaged skin. However, if you’re able to properly utilize this powerful ingredient, you can offer many more benefits for your client’s skin.

WHAT IS ALOE VERA?

Aloe vera is one of 300 aloe plants, a succulent species that grows in tropical, semi-tropical and arid climates. Renowned for its thick, pointed leaves filled with a gel-like substance, aloe vera possesses exceptional hydrating, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Aloe vera has been a trusted ally in skincare and medicine for millennia. Ancient Egyptians called it the "plant of immortality" and used aloe vera for skin ailments like sunburns and ulcers. Its healing virtues were acclaimed in the Greek herbal medicine tradition—and was even one of Cleopatra's famous beauty secrets.

THE NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF ALOE VERA

Aloe vera’s nutritional profile boasts a long list of health benefits, encompassing about 200 bioactive compounds, including:

  • Vitamins: Aloe vera is packed with essential vitamins, including the A, C, E and B complex groups, all known for their potent antioxidant properties.

  • Minerals: It is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc.

  • Amino Acids: Aloe vera has many amino acids, including threonine, leucine and isoleucine. These amino acids can be used in skincare products, such as our Essential Serum (Amino Acid Serum with PC10), to protect a client's skin hydration and stratum corneum.

There are also compounds such as polysaccharides, anthraquinones and phytosterols working synergistically to enhance aloe's healing prowess. Their main functions include stimulating the production of white blood cells and reducing inflammation.

OPTIMIZING THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA FOR SKIN

Aloe vera’s intense hydrating abilities offer many benefits for a client’s skin—especially in the form of high-quality professional skincare products.


SUNBURN AND INFLAMMATION

Aloe vera's natural cooling properties offer immediate relief to overheated skin. Products like our Vitamin C Cream take advantage of aloe vera's ingredients to reduce your client's redness or swelling. They also greatly assist in post-care after a chemical peel or dermabrasion when the skin needs to heal.


HYDRATION

Using aloe vera for skin hydration can greatly enhance your client’s skin. It contains a powerful moisturizing agent called glucomannan that binds water to the skin, locking in moisture for longer-lasting hydration.



ANTI-AGING

The amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins in aloe vera also work to promote a younger-looking complexion. Its phytosterols can encourage collagen production, while its polysaccharides help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals.


ACNE

Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal ingredient for acne treatment. Our Clear Exfoliant Cleanser (Exfoliant Wash) contains aloe vera and helps to unclog pores and reduce acne lesions.


HYPERPIGMENTATION

As a natural depigmenting agent, aloe vera is an ideal addition to any skin-lightening product. Its antioxidants and amino acids help reduce the appearance of dark spots on a client's skin by inhibiting melanin production.


ECZEMA AND DERMATITIS

Aloe vera effectively treats skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This greatly helps to reduce redness, itching and swelling. The moisturizing power of aloe vera can even improve the appearance of dry patches on your client’s skin.


PSORIASIS

The combination of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in aloe vera makes it an effective psoriasis treatment, reducing any redness and itching while soothing your client’s dry skin.


MINOR WOUNDS

Aloe vera can heal your client's minor wounds and skin abrasions caused by everyday activities, sunburns or dryness. Our Comfort Cream is enriched with aloe vera to help heal upset skin after waxing, chemical peels and more.

4 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING ALOE VERA PRODUCTS

High-quality products ensure that your clients are taking advantage of all the benefits of aloe vera for the skin. Here are five steps you can take to assess the quality of the aloe vera products you're using on your clients.


1. CHECK THE LABEL

While looking for products that list aloe vera as an ingredient, check the entire ingredient list. Aloe vera's benefits are enhanced when combined with other natural ingredients. However, some products may contain artificial colors, fragrances or additives that can cause irritation or have no additional benefits. Check for these on the label and avoid them by using higher-quality alternatives.


2. ORGANIC CERTIFICATION

Organic products are checked more thoroughly than conventional ones, ensuring that only quality ingredients make it into the product. Look for certifications that mention this when selecting aloe vera products if your client has more sensitive skin.


3. EXAMINE THE UTILIZATION OF ALOE

Many parts of the aloe plant can be used in skincare. One is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, a potent form of aloe vera that science has shown is more effective than the traditional Aloe Vera Gel. Looking for this ingredient over others can ensure you're selecting first-rate products.



4. QUALITY CONTROL Does the company you're buying from have strict quality control regulations? Be sure to check out the company before you purchase any aloe vera products from them. Nothing is more important than your client's health and safety! If you're looking for high-quality aloe vera for sensitive skin, look no further than GlyMed Plus. With pure natural botanicals and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients you can trust, you'll improve your client's skin condition and soothe irritation in no time. Check out our products today to find valuable additions for your treatment room.

GLYMED ADVANCED AESTHETIC INSTITUTE



Understanding the Benefits of Aloe Vera in Skincare
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