Radiance doesn’t disappear overnight; it’s affected by various factors that gradually impact the skin’s health and appearance. Why does the skin lose its glow? Some causes are internal, like the natural changes our skin undergoes over time, while others, such as sun exposure, are external. What are the main factors contributing to the loss of radiance in the skin? How do you get your skin’s radiance back? We tell you what factors make skin look lifeless and how glycolic acid and niacinamide can help you with this problem.
- Ageing: As we get older, the skin’s cell renewal process slows down. Dead cells then accumulate on the skin’s surface, making it look dull and less radiant. Without regular skincare, this build-up can lead to a rougher texture and a loss of softness over time.
- Sun exposure: UV rays are one of the biggest threats to skin health. Continuous exposure not only causes premature ageing but also damages DNA in skin cells, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone, which make the skin look more lacklustre.
- Pollution: Pollutant particles can penetrate the skin and oxidise cells, resulting in a lifeless appearance.
- Stress: Stress triggers processes that harm the skin, diminishing its natural glow.
- Poor diet: A diet low in essential vitamins and antioxidants can leave the skin looking dull and lifeless.
How can you restore skin radiance?
Dull skin can result from a mix of internal and external factors, making it essential to seek targeted solutions to restore its glow. Fortunately, certain ingredients can counteract these effects and bring back the skin’s natural radiance. Two key ingredients in this transformation are glycolic acid and niacinamide, which, when used together, can turn dull, lifeless skin into a bright, healthy-looking complexion.
The power of glycolic acid (AHA)
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, offers both exfoliating and renewing properties. When applied to the skin, it dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells in the epidermis, allowing for easier removal and revealing younger, more radiant skin layers beneath.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Gentle exfoliation: Glycolic acid provides mild exfoliation, crucial for stimulating collagen—a key protein for maintaining skin firmness and suppleness. As we age, collagen production slows, but regular use of glycolic acid can help counteract this process, leading to firmer skin that’s less prone to wrinkles.
Collagen stimulation: It encourages collagen production, enhancing the skin’s firmness and suppleness.
Even skin tone: Glycolic acid is highly effective at reducing dark spots and evening out the skin tone, often disrupted by ageing or sun exposure. By removing the upper skin layers, it reduces dark spots, helping achieve a more uniform and radiant complexion.
Pore minimisation: With its ability to decongest pores, glycolic acid minimises their appearance, contributing to smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Why use niacinamide with glycolic acid?
Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is a versatile, multifunctional powerhouse in skin care. It perfectly complements glycolic acid by balancing a powerful exfoliant with a gentler, restorative ingredient.
Benefits of niacinamide
Brightening: Niacinamide helps reduce hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone. By acting on dark spots, it brightens the skin, restoring its natural glow.
Calming effect: With its soothing properties, niacinamide helps reduce redness and irritation, making it ideal for use after glycolic acid, which can sometimes be a bit intense for certain skin types.
Strengthening the skin barrier: Niacinamide helps the skin retain moisture more effectively and protects it from harmful external factors, like pollution.
Pore minimisation: Like glycolic acid, niacinamide can minimise pore appearance by regulating sebum production.
How to combine glycolic acid and niacinamide in your routine
Glycolic acid and niacinamide can be combined in the same routine to maximise their effects, creating a powerful synergy for a radiant complexion.
Glycolic acid preps the skin by exfoliating and renewing cells. Niacinamide then soothes, evens out the tone and strengthens the skin barrier. This combination is ideal for achieving luminous, healthy-looking skin. Here’s a quick and easy routine with glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Start with a cleanser suited to your skin type. Apply Excellence Glycolic Serum, a targeted serum with remarkable skin-renewing effects, which stimulates cell regeneration, aids in the removal of dead cells and reduces imperfections. Finish with Blast Antioxidant & Cellular Protection Cream, formulated with niacinamide and liposomal vitamin C, which delivers a synergistic boost, promoting collagen and elastin synthesis, improving skin structure and adding radiance.
Ready to try this routine and restore your skin’s natural glow?
