“When we do our glycolic peels and show people [their skin] in the mirror right afterward, they’re shocked,” says Schultz. “One of the reasons it evens skin tone is because taking off dead cells makes the skin smoother and helps it reflect more light. Also, some of the cells it takes off are cells with too much brown in them, so it cuts down on brown discoloration.”
Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology group agrees, but adds that you can’t forget one key step: “An easy method of achieving even skin is using topical wipes or washes containing glycolic acid or topical vitamins C and E, which minimize the production of melanin, the substance that causes skin darkening, and even out skin tone. But as a must, use sunscreen! At least broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily,” she explains.
If your skin is vexed with redness, glycolic acid won’t, unfortunately, be your saving grace. “Frankly,” explains Schultz, “it’s not going to help redness most of the time. It helps with tans, browns—it makes your skin brighter. It’s literally an instant glow.”
To help remove pesky red blotchiness from broken capillaries, Hadley King, MD, dermatologist at Skinney Medspa, suggests taking a prescription route: “There is a prescription cream called Mirvaso that works similarly to how Visine works—it takes the red out by temporarily constricting the blood vessels that are causing the red color. It’s temporary, but the results can be remarkable.”
King says you can also try intense pulsed light (IPL) to even out both redness and brown spots. For other causes of redness, like acne-based rosacea and eczema, speak with a dermatologist about the right solutions for you.
Shop some high-performing products with glycolic acid below.
Ed note: Quotes have been edited for content.
Next up, the best nighttime moisturizers for dewier skin by morning.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Source: Byrdie – Lindsey Metrus