As a resident of Sri Lanka, you face your own set of beauty challenges. Our tropical climate with high humidity, strong UV rays, and constant temperatures means your skin gets an extra workout to keep your complexion in balance. Problems such as oily skin, congested pores, and hyper-pigmentation are common complaints among beauty enthusiasts, which are absolutely normal given our setting. Perhaps you have been looking for a solution to these beauty problems, and glycolic acid can be your answer.
Glycolic acid is a form of alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, which is gentle yet potent in removing dead skin layers, leaving brighter skin shining through. While other exfoliants may be too harsh on sweaty skin, using a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid in your skin care routine provides a gentler option and one which actually functions in harmony with your skin chemistry. In this tutorial, we will see exactly why using glycolic acid is a good idea when it comes to Sri Lankan skin.
Why Glycolic Acid is Perfect for Sri Lankan Skin
Fighting Humidity Breakouts
The tropical climate in Sri Lanka promotes excessive sebum production in the skin, resulting in clogged pores and acne. Glycolic acid works by penetrating the pores and dissolving the accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum which forms acne. Chemical exfoliation in this case works far better than manual exfoliation, which can break the skin barrier in a tropical climate and make acne worse.
Fading Hyper-Pigmentation & Sun Damage
The harsh tropical sun is another major contributor to post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (those dark patches left after a pimple) and sun damage in general. Glycolic acid works to increase cell turnover, which can help to fade these discolorations quicker than when left to fade on their own. For someone suffering from skin discoloration—common in tropical climates—the continued use of glycolic acid can work wonders for skin clarity and brightening.
Preparing Skin for Better Absorption of Products
One of the secrets of using glycolic acid is that it gives you a clean canvas to work with when it comes to your skin care routine. As a product removes dead skin cell buildup, your skin is able to better absorb your skin care products. In other words, everything you spend money on will work better for you.
Balancing Oil without over-drying
Although glycolic acid can be considered an exfoliant, it does not have the harsh effects of exfoliation like other exfoliating products in the market. In fact, it can help regulate sebum production because it won't cause your skin to overcompensate and produce additional oil, which can be a problem during Sri Lanka's tropical seasons.
The Best Glycolic Acid Products in Sri Lanka
The choice of a glycolic acid product will largely depend on your skin type and your skin requirements. At Cosmetics.lk, we have shortlisted products which work wonders in our tropical environment.
For Beginners: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
As a beginner in using AHAs, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 240ml is a great beginning option. This product will give you results without burning a hole in your pocket. With a concentration level measured at 7%, this toner will not prove harsh on your skin, making it perfect for a beginner. Several versions are available, such as the Canadian one, at Cosmetics.lk.
But if you want a smaller packaging option for travel or product testing, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 100ml is ideal for you. With this product, you can travel with glycolic acid without bringing a whole bottle with you.
For Advanced Users: Loreal Revitalift Serum
But if you are ready for a higher concentration, you can go all out with the Loreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Serum 30ml. With a concentration of 10% glycolic acid, this product is recommended if you have already used a lower concentration product and are now ready to intensify your treatment. Being a serum, you can apply this over other treatment products based on your preference.
Complete Routine: Loreal Glycolic Bright Collection
For an ultimate glycolic acid treatment, you can try using the Loreal Glycolic Bright line because it offers a complete skincare system. Loreal Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream SPF17 50ml is an important product when using glycolic acid because it contains glycolic acid but also protects your skin with SPF 17 when you go out into the sun in Sri Lanka.
Regarding nighttime skincare, the Loreal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream 50ml will allow your skin to heal and regenerate so that glycolic acid can do its magic. This product is also available in another variant on Cosmetics.lk.
Begin your skin care routine with Loreal Glycolic Bright Glowing Daily Cleanser Foam 100ml to remove excess oil deposited during sleep and in order to prep skin for other products.
For pores and texture correction, Loreal Glycolic Bright Glowing Peeling Toner 128ml is a great addition to your mid-skincare routine. It's more potent than a toner but less harsh than an exfoliator.
Bonus: Hair Benefits
Did you know glycolic acid can be used in hair care? The Loreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo 250ml and Conditioner 200ml have exfoliating properties to remove product residue and dullness resulting from humidity in your hair. Loreal Paris Glycolic Gloss Conditioner 150ml is ideal if you have thin hair.
Application of Glycolic Acid in a Tropical Environment Like Sri Lanka
Step 1: Start Slowly
Begin with an application frequency of once or twice a week, especially if your skin is sensitive or if you are in a humid climate where your skin is already struggling to maintain its barriers. Your skin will need time to adjust to a chemical exfoliant.
Step 2: Use it at Night
Although you can apply some glycolic acid products in the morning and night, applying it in your evening routine will work best in Sri Lankan sun because this way your skin can heal without exposure to UV rays.
Step 3: Continue with Niacinamide
A good companion for glycolic acid will be niacinamide, especially if you have tropical skin. Niacinamide will help improve your skin barriers, reduce sebum output, and make pores less noticeable. Applying a serum with niacinamide right after using a glycolic acid product will have a wonderful impact.
Step 4: Moisturize Generously
Do not mix with glycolic acid and do not apply moisturizer. Even oily skin requires hydration after exfoliation. Select a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't make your skin heavy in humid environments, like gel or matte hydration creams.
Step 5: SPF is Non-Negotiable
This point can never be overemphasized: glycolic acid is very sensitizing to the sun. A minimum SPF 30 sunscreen must be used daily, including on cloudy days. In Sri Lanka, with our proximity to the equator and strong sun intensity, an SPF of 50+ is advisable, but an additional sunscreen may be good to include.
Seasonal Adjustment for Sri Lanka
Monsoon Season Changes
As Monsoons see a lot of humidity in the atmosphere, which results in a higher chance of breakouts. Actually, you can slightly increase your usage of glycolic acid, but with caution. The glycolic acid toners rather than serums because these have a lighter consistency and will not be occlusive on congested skin.
Dry Season Caution
In drier months, cut back on glycolic acid usage. Your skin won't require as much exfoliation, and in drier months, over-exfoliating your skin can leave your skin barrier compromised. Go to a frequency of once a week or every 10 days.
Common Questions About Glycolic Acid in Tropical Climates
Q: Is glycolic acid too harsh for humid and tropical skin?
A: No, glycolic acid is actually perfect for humid climates because it removes congestion without irritating your skin, unlike other methods of exfoliating your skin physically.
Q: Can I apply glycolic acid during monsoons?
A: Yes, but you have to apply it cleverly. Light products such as toners are better than most serums during peak humid months.
Q: What else can I mix it with?
A: Use it with niacinamide for oily skin, hydrating serums for hydration, and always mix with SPF. Do not mix with other strong active ingredients such as vitamin C or retinoids at first.
Q: How soon can I see results?
A: Getting better texture and brightening can take 4-6 weeks of using this product on a regular basis. Hyper-pigmentation takes a lot longer to fade-8-12 weeks.
Glycolic acid is more than an exfoliant; it is a climate-specific solution for Sri Lankan skin concerns. Whether you struggle with post acne scars, oily skin, or a dull complexion, a good glycolic acid treatment can work wonders for your skin, clearing it up from being congested and stressed to radiant and bright.
Begin with The Ordinary’s product line. The key is to be consistent rather than intense with your skin regime.
Ready to unleash your glow? Browse our entire Glycolic Acid range on Cosmetics.lk today and discover your ideal product for tropical skin! Quick delivery and expert advice are all yours!
