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Love IT: Our Glycolic Acid Serum Targets Pores and Texture

Nail your IT Cosmetics anti-aging skincare routine for smooth

Remember those chemistry classes you took way back when? As enticing as it was to study the periodic table of elements, imagine how much cooler class would have been if acids in skincare were on the syllabus. Well, here you are however many years later and now you get the chance! 

Skincare is loaded with chemistry terms, like acids, pH balance, and unpaired oxygen atoms (ahem, free radicals we’re side-eyeing you). Although it can seem a bit confusing, you know what? It’s also really fascinating, especially when you consider that it all directly impacts the way your skin looks and feels. 

Today we’re deep-diving into glycolic acid—a shining hero ingredient in our game-changing Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum. This exfoliating hero works overtime to help refine your skin’s texture and minimize the look of large pores. Get your notepads ready!

What is Glycolic Acid?

Because it has so many impressive benefits, glycolic acid is a commonly used acid in skincare. This exfoliating powerhouse is part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and is derived from natural sources including sugar cane and fruits such as pineapple, sugar beets, unripened grapes, and cantaloupe. 

So, what does glycolic acid do, exactly? We’ll get into all its amazing skincare benefits below in more detail, but in short, this ingredient is designed to gently exfoliate the surface of your skin. 

Glycolic acid skincare products can range from concentrated serums—like Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum—to more aggressive medical-grade chemical peels, which are usually only available in professional settings. Glycolic acid formulations can also be found in pad form, as well as in lotions, creams, and liquid-based toners. 

When choosing a skincare product formulated with glycolic acid, first consider your skin type and don’t overdo it. Strong concentrations or overuse can lead to sensitivity, redness, or irritation. Always check with your dermatologist to help determine what products work best for your skin.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Skin

So, exactly what does glycolic acid do for your skin? Quite a bit, actually.

Minimizes Look of Pores

Big pores? Glycolic acid’s got you. This AHA helps reduce the appearance of large pores thanks to its effective exfoliation skills. Much like your go-to handbag, when pores are bogged down with unnecessary clutter, they can look large. But when you slough away dead skin cells, gunk, and excess oil from your skin’s surface, it may help improve the appearance of large pores and give your complexion a smooth feeling.

Refines Skin Texture

Rough texture? We don’t know her. Because glycolic acid gently exfoliates the surface of your skin, you’ll notice a visible improvement in your skin’s overall texture and tone when it’s consistently part of your everyday skincare regimen. Say hello to softer-feeling skin, less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles, and smaller-looking pores. 

Creates Smoother Surface for Makeup Application

Time to up your selfie game. The refined texture of your skin that comes with the introduction of glycolic acid into your skincare routine can help makeup glide on easier. Applying cosmetics, including cream-based products such as Celebration Foundation and Cosmetics Powder, is a breeze when you have a silky surface. Talk about a win-win!

Meet IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum 

If it sounds like we’re kind of obsessed with glycolic acid, it’s because it’s that powerful of an ingredient. Given that, we’re excited to tell you about Bye Bye Pores, a member of the Bye Bye Concentrated Derma Serums family. This skin-loving formula puts glycolic acid front and center and pairs it with another hydrating ingredient: hyaluronic acid. 

Together, this dynamic duo gently exfoliates skin to refine texture and improve the appearance of large pores while simultaneously helping support a smoother, supple feel. 

In addition to enjoying the skincare pay offs of this concentrated glycolic acid serum, you'll be happy to hear that it's dermatologist tested for safety, allergy tested, suitable for sensitive skin types, and non-comedogenic. 

Glycolic Acid Before and After Using Bye Bye Pores 

It Cosmetics Glycolic Acid Before and After Using Bye Bye Pores

IMMEDIATELY AFTER USING IT COSMETICS BYE BYE PORES GLYCOLIC ACID SERUM: 8 OUT OF 10 say skin is smoother & softer*

*Based on self-assessment results in an 8-week consumer study.

How to Use Glycolic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

How often you can use glycolic acid depends on the formulation. Some are highly concentrated and better suited for use once or twice a week. Our Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum is formulated for everyday use. 

When using Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum, we recommend cleansing your face and then gently patting dry. Add a few drops to the palm of your hand and then lightly press the serum onto your face. The formula has a silky feel, which allows it to spread onto your skin more easily. When using, make sure to avoid contact with your eyes and lips. (If you accidentally apply to these areas, just wash them with water or wipe it away with a damp cloth). 

If your skin is visibly irritated—maybe from an active acne breakout, rash, or sun exposure—skip the glycolic acid for now. Speak to your dermatologist about when and how often to incorporate products with this ingredient into your regimen. 

When to Use Glycolic Acid

As for when to use glycolic acid, this depends on the other products in your skincare rotation.

Because it can potentially lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin types, we do not recommend combining glycolic acid with other active ingredients. These include additional AHAs (lactic acid, kojic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), retinoids, and vitamin C. Instead, choose one active ingredient to use in the morning—such as vitamin C via Bye Bye Dullness Vitamin C Serum—and another active ingredient to use in the evening. 

We do not recommend using glycolic acid serums in the day because they can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun’s UV rays. However, if you do, use and reapply sunscreen. Also, if you have multiple actives you like to use at night—like your Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream and Bye Bye Pores—then alternate them every other night instead of using them at the same time. 

Bottom line: Glycolic acid is favored go-to for your evening skincare routine. Of course, everyone’s skin is different. When in doubt, speak to your dermatologist. 

Want to maximize your serum? Check out this helpful guide on how to layer serums. 

*Based on expert assessment using clinical grading of pores in a six-week study and of skin texture in an eight-week study.

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