Exclusive: Dermatologist Dr Rashmi Shetty Decodes Glycolic Acid For Skincare, Shares DIY Home Remedies She Swears By
We beauty girls are always experimenting with new skincare products every now and then and 2022 is the year of serums. This year, we’ve seen several serums making their debut in the beauty market and gaining popularity. After Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid and Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid has made its way to the top in the beauty market. Glycolic acid skin care products are quickly gaining popularity and while we beauty girls know exactly how it benefits our skin, we all have questions about this trending skincare ingredient. But fret not, we’ve got you some answers.
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We, at Hauterrfly, spoke to India’s leading dermatologist, an industry pioneer and author Dr Rashmi Shetty to tell us more about Glycolic acid as well as her favourite home remedies. And get this, she also decoded face yoga for us. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some expert-backed info about skincare.
Q. What is the sudden buzz around glycolic acid in skincare? How does it work on our skin and what concerns does it work on?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient that is an all-in-one solution to your greatest skin troubles – dark spots. So, what makes this ingredient so powerful in skin care? It belongs to the family of molecules called Alpha Hydroxy Acid and is the smallest and the lightest molecule in this family and works at two levels – one on a deeper level by penetrating the skin to remove melanin cell by cell, reducing dark spots. The second level it works on is the surface level by removing dead skin cells, thereby treating acne, to reveal bright and beaming skin.
Q. How do we determine if glycolic acid is for our skin type?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: Glycolic acid is a very safe and easy ingredient that suits most skin types. A patch test before using the ingredient on your face is important to understand how your skin reacts to the ingredient if it is in high composition, however, mild potency is suitable for all.
Q. Are there any don’ts or things we need to be mindful of when using glycolic acid?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: If you have sensitive skin, introduce the ingredient to your skincare routine gradually – one product at a time. Start with the serum at first, then the day and overnight creams, a couple of days later, for best results. Also, ensure the products have an optimal concentration required for daily home usage and are clinically, dermatologically and consumer tested. However, if you have irritated skin, ensure to treat, and heal the skin first under the guidance of an expert, and then incorporate actives into your skincare routine.
Q. What is the one skincare trend that you’ve seen amongst youngsters today that really bothers you?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: A bothersome skincare trend amongst youngsters I have seen recently is blinding following product reviews on social media by their favourite bloggers. They go all out hoarding skincare products comprising of different actives, influenced by social media. This one can be disastrous as you end up doing more damage than good to your skin. It is important for one to understand their individual skin type and concern, get expert guidance on the ingredients that suit their skin, and only then go ahead with integrating potent ingredients as part of their skincare routine. One size does not fit all – each person’s skin type is different and must be treated differently.
Q. What is the one DIY home remedy that even you swear by?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: One, apply coconut oil to your face for ultimate hydration. Two, a mix of honey and sugar works as an excellent exfoliant and suits all skin types.
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Q. We recently came across something called Face Yoga that one of the Bollywood Wives (Bhavana Panday) tries a few days before her vow renewal ceremony, to improve her skin. Does it really work?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: Yoga in general helps in blood circulation and drains away the lymphatic stagnation, so the puffiness of the face is reduced. Expansion and contraction of various facial muscles sure help to drain away the fluids from the face, making the face look more defined, but it does not reduce fine lines or wrinkles.
Q. What skincare goes into the travel kit of Dr Rashmi Shetty herself?
Dr Rashmi Shetty: I have dry skin, so I always carry my serums wherever I go. I like the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Serum and the Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I also love how niacinamide makes my skin feel so that is essential too. Not to forget, a salicylic acid spot corrector is always in my kit for an unexpected zit pop!
Well, get going ladies. Get your hands on your fave glycolic acid product and skincare away!
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