Beauty Basics: Glycolic Acid Soap

When I was in my 20's, I didn't have a strict skin care regimen. I basically did the toner-moisturizer routine and that was it. I didn't even use sunblock then. Now, I realize that I need to take better care of my skin, and I did a little research on the basic skin care regimen as advised by dermatologists.

It's really quite simple. Good skin care consists of cleansing, moisturizing and protection. However, when you consider the amount of available skin care products out there, it can get quite complicated. It really is overwhelming just to figure out what products to try. Thank God that we live in the age of internet, and all the information we need is readily available to us!

As we mature, we also need to exfoliate to encourage skin renewal. Exfoliation can be accomplished by physical methods such as microdermabrasion or chemically, using alpha hydroxy acids or AHA. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are examples of AHA. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, and penetrates the skin more readily than lactic acid. However, this also makes it a bit more irritating to the skin.

What this substance basically does is it dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, removing them and stimulating cell turnover and renewal. This allows newer skin to surface. Because you are exposing new layers of skin cells, it is particularly important to use sun protection when using AHA's. Otherwise, you will end up with hyperpigmented and irritated skin.

I decided to try out a glycolic acid soap, which I found at the local drugstore.

Teranex Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Soap is a product of Innoderm, which also produces hypoallergenic cleansers and baby soap. You can check out their range of products here.

Here is the product description from the website

Limiting the effects of visible skin ageing is a troubling task that mature women are faced with everyday and young ones should take precaution of because it’s never too young to fight skin ageing. 

Although we have to face facts and we can’t stop nature, we can lower its visible effects with the help of InnoDerm’s anti-ageing soap, TERANEX. 

TERANEX’s active ingredient is glycolic acid which is derived from sugar cane. Glycolic Acid is a natural skin defoliant and removes the “glue” that holds the damaged skin to the surface and results to a much-smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. 

Fighting wrinkles as well as blemishes and acne marks, TERANEX is intended to be your partner in protecting your skin from the effects of skin ageing. 

The soap is relatively inexpensive, and really lasts a long time. It is remarkably clear, and is unscented. I use this only once, at night time, to remove all the dirt and grime accumulated during the day. I lather it onto my face, and leave it while I take a shower, then just wash it off with cold water. It leaves my face feeling fresh and squeaky clean, without irritating it. I have been using this soap for almost a year now, and it has never caused any skin irritation or redness.

After starting on this soap, I rarely have breakouts and black heads, and my skin has a more even skin tone. As a cleanser, I think it does a remarkable job as well. Even my mom has started to use this soap, after seeing the results on me.

This is one very basic beauty product that I intend to keep around for a long time, at least until I find something better. I've been doing some reading and it seems that a lot of people prefer lactic acid, and that it is more effective as a whitening agent with the additional benefit of hydrating the skin. I will definitely be on the lookout for a good lactic acid containing product out there :-)

Are you also using AHA containing products? I'd love to hear your experience with them!

Thanks for reading this!