I'm a little obsessive when it comes to having healthy skin, and although Differin has cleared up most of my acne, I still didn't have that glow that I've been seeking. So on Saturday, I went to a med-spa to discuss my options. After looking at my skin, the esthetician suggested Jan Marini Bioglycolic cleanser (about $30). Now, normally I'd never spend this much for a cleanser, but because I don't currently have a glycolic acid product in my daily regimen, I decided to give it a whirl.
After just a few days, I'm hooked. This is already making a difference. I'm starting to have that shiny-but-not-oily glow that I covet, and my skin feels soft and smooth. And even though it doesn't irritate my skin, know that this is serious stuff: the cleanser contains 12% glycolic acid, which is a pretty hefty concentration. To use the cleanser, you put a small amount on dry skin — it can't be wet — and massage it into skin for about a minute before rinsing.
I was worried that a glycolic product would be too harsh for my skin, especially considering my Differin use, but it's been great so far. If you're dealing with dull skin and regular exfoliants aren't doing much for you, I would definitely try this cleanser. Or for a more affordable version, try Aqua Glycolic Facial Cleanser ($14.49). Although I haven't used it, the ingredient list is nearly identical, with only a slightly less potent percentage of glycolic acid. Give either of these a try; I'm almost positive you'll have great results!
Ra-Re
Lila
Rag and Bone
Thanks Bella.
1thank you, I was just thinking about glycolic acid products!
2Bella- question for you: Glycolic acid is an AHA, right? So, aren't you NOT supposed to use it with retinoids (differin) because it will inactivate the effects you desire from the retinoids? Do you use the retinol at night and the glycolic acid cleanser only in the morning? I am getting really obsessed with these products as well lately, but don't want to take away any benefits by mixing the wrong ingredients. thanks
3I have a moisturizer with glycolic acid. I love it!!!
4I've been wondering about GA face wash for a while, but I also thought it would be a bit unfriendly to my skin. Will definitely check this out. Thanks for sharing!
5I just tried DermaDoctor Wrinkle Revenge 1 (I believe it's about the same % glycolic acid concentration) and I'm in love! It's about $25 for 7 oz, which I didn't think was bad!
6Juice Oraganics Brightening Cleanser is what I use – I don't knoe the glycolic acid percentage, but it's great on my sensitive skin!
7No pictures?! (
8Wow, sounds great! Can't wait to try! Thanks for the suggestion!!
9Sofi, I asked my guy about using a retinoid and he said it was fine. So far my skin has been OK, but I've also been laying off the Differin. If you are going to try both, I would ask your dermatologist, and then yes, like you said, use the retinoid at night and the glycolic product in the morning.
10I just recently had a BLU Light Treatment for my cystic acne, and now that my skin is recovering, I need to return to my aggressive skin care regimen. I've used several glycolic acid products in the past like MD Forte, and been happy with the results. I wonder if this will help with scarring?
What moisturizer are you using in conjunction with this? I'm having a hard time finding a moisturizer the keeps the moisture in my skin, but doesn't leave me feeling greasy.
11Katybug518, I test a lot of creams for the site, so it varies, but in general I use Prevage at night and a new Mark sunscreen moisturizer during the day. I would look for a cream that has hyaluronic acid in it; that will help trap moisture in your skin. I do think the glycolic acid would help with acne scars. A lot of people rave about Alpha Hydrox souffle, but it broke me out.
12I also have been looking into Glycolic acid products lately. For some reason I thought a wash isn't as effective because... you wash it off. So I had mostly looked at a liquid form. I found the DDF 10% toner which seems to be so good it's out of stock everywhere. Then I went on Amazon and found some made by Skin Ceuticals (I think) and it was 35% concentration. It sounds like serious stuff! Are they even allowed to sell such a high concentration to the public??? I bookmarked a couple of these Glycolic products, you can check them out on my profile.
13Oof, I wouldn't go with a 35% wash. That scares me. I didn't think a wash would be effective, but I leave it on my skin for about a minute, and I definitely get a bit of tingling fun. I haven't tried the DDF toner, but it sounds like it would be great.
14It's a Glycolic peel, not a wash. I guess you put it on and leave it on for a few minutes then remove. It does sound scary for an at home treatment but there's a part of me that's curious.
15Bella, is there anything taken internally that is great for keeping skin's elasticity? For example I think maybe fish oil capsules help with that. Maybe you could do a post on that.
I would be very thankful!
16Oh, a peel... that's still a really high concentration. I wouldn't do it personally, but I tend to be cautious anytime I see the word "peel." If you haven't had a peel done before, go to a spa first. It stings.
I take flax seed oil and B vitamins, and those seem to help my skin. But we all lose collagen and elasticity over time. I do think that eating lots of fruits and vegetables results in healthier-looking skin. Whenever I eat lots of blueberries or can afford to drink pomegranate juice all of the time, my skin just looks brighter.
17I have the aqua glycolic, and it didnt seem to do anything. I almost got a chemical burn from it actually.
18Thanks Bella! Do you take a multivitamin and a separate B vitamin? I am confused by all the numbers, like B12 etc.
19I take an all-in-one B vitamin that has a few B vitamins in it, but the flax seed is its own pill.
20Sounds nice!
21I got a facial around Christmas and bought this on the recommendation of the spa. IT IS AMAZING! I have very sensitive skin and this wash paired with the Jan Marini SPF moisturizer has done wonders for my skin. Before starting to use these products I used the same wash and moisturizer for years but never had the glow mentioned by Bella. This stuff gives me the glow and makes sure my pores stay clear. It's worth the price and I'm never looking back.
22I had a glycolic facial at a Med-Spa and the next day everyone said that my skin was glowing. It was kind of pricey ($100) and didn't last forever, so I'm very happy to hear some first hand testimony about over-the-counter products with glycolic acid. I will definitely give them a try.
23I just purchased this yesterday, I will let you know my thoughts
24Have been using this for about 4 days. Clear skin already. Seriously!
25Only using my SPF 15 Boscia lotion and my skin is not dry at all. And my skin is PICKY!
Loving this.
I came across this product profile while reaseacrhing AHA and BHA Cleansers; however, I was very surprised to see these products have parabens and other questionable ingredients.
I'm sure it must have slipped by the screeners on your site.
Bearcat
26bearcat,
first of all, the danger of parabens hasnt been indefinitely proven. its most likely just scare tactics by the all natural skincare sector. anyway, even if they were dangerous, they are used in EVERYTHING, even in food to preserve materials so if laws aren't passed then ur prolly fighting a losing battle. just remember that sunshine gives you cancer, flouride in water rots your guts, the smell of flowers is prolly bad for you. i say relax. just take a deep breath and let it go!
27Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.