Pigmentation. We all know it, we’ve all seen it, and let’s be real—most of us have probably tried every trick in the skincare book to banish it. Among the trending solutions: glycolic acid peels, also known as chemical peels (AHAs). The question remains: are these peels fixing the problem, or just covering it up? Because they are two very different things.
Let's start by understanding what’s going on beneath the layers of your skin, and how glycolic acid works––or doesn't––to fight pigmentation.
|
In This Article: |
What Exactly is a Glycolic Acid Peel?
Glycolic acid peels are a form of chemical exfoliation using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These peels work by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells that reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. And that's exactly what the problem is. It only works on the surface, exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, without targetting the root cause––overproduction of melanin.
That said, glycolic acid isn’t entirely without benefits. But, spoiler alert, it’s not the long-term answer you might be hoping for.
Let’s start by understanding what glycolic acid can do, even if it only gets half the job done before clocking out.
What Glycolic Acid Does
Glycolic acid works to exfoliate the skin’s surface and boost cell turnover—replacing old skin cells with fresh ones. This may lead to a temporary fading of dark spots and pigmentation. Yes, you read that right––temporary.
Before We Talk About What Glycolic Acid Doesn't Do...
Let’s take a step back and talk about why hyperpigmentation shows up in the first place.
The most common culprit behind hyperpigmentation is overproduction of melanin––the pigment responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. People with darker skin tones have more melanin, while those with lighter skin tones have less. When your skin starts producing too much melanin—whether due to sun exposure, hormones, or inflammation—you get hyperpigmentation, a.k.a. those uneven dark spots and patches we all love to hate.
What Glycolic Acid Does Not Do
Glycolic acid benefits? It is great at exfoliating the top layer of your skin, but it doesn’t stop melanin production, which is where the real problem lies. The result? You might notice a temporary fading of dark spots, but with the source of the problem left unaddressed, it’s only a matter of time before they return. What’s more? Not only does glycolic acid miss the root cause of hyperpigmentation, but it can also spell extra trouble for sensitive skin. If not used properly, it can irritate the skin and, ironically, even worsen pigmentation!
Enter Novology’s Cutting-Edge HNR-3 Technology
Using glycolic acid to target pigmentation is like using a book to fix a wobbly table. It might smooth things over for the moment, but it doesn’t address the underlying problem. That’s where our patented HNR-3 technology comes in. Developed after nine decades of research and in close collaboration with India’s leading dermatologists, HNR-3 is the multitasking skincare expert that attacks pigmentation right at the source. While other solutions like AHAs and BHAs focus on exfoliation, HNR-3 goes straight to the source and stops melanin production before new dark spots can form––helping you fade dark spots and keep them away for good.
HNR-3 technology is no band-aid solution. It works at the source to nip the problem in the bud.
What Is HNR3 Technology & How Does it Work?
HNR3 combines three powerful ingredients—Hexylresorcinol, Niacinamide, and Pro-Retinol—to tackle the root causes of hyperpigmentation effectively:
- Hexylresorcinol: An effective tyrosinase inhibitor, this ingredient has shown promising results in both in vitro and human trials, significantly improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation by blocking the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
- Niacinamide: A stable form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is found in many foods and offers a multitude of benefits for the skin. It helps brighten the complexion, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and improves overall skin texture, making it an excellent ally against dark spots.
- Pro-Retinol: This synthetic and stable derivative of Vitamin A delivers the benefits of retinol without the irritation often associated with stronger retinoids. It promotes cell turnover and helps fade hyperpigmentation while being gentler on the skin.
Why the Bi-Phasic Serum Is a Game-changer
- Double-Phase Delivery: The innovative bi-phasic design ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness, targeting both surface and deeper skin layers.
- Comprehensive Approach: The pigmentation serum not only works to lighten existing dark spots but also prevents future pigmentation by regulating melanin production and addressing inflammation.
- Gentle Yet Effective: This formulation balances potent active ingredients with soothing components, minimising irritation while delivering visible results.
- Non-Comedogenic: The Bi-Phasic Serum is tested to be non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores—perfect for those worried about breakouts.
- Suitable for Dry to Combination Skin: The Bi-Phasic Serum is tailored for dry to combination skin, offering hydration and nourishment without feeling heavy or greasy. For oily skin, our Pigmentation Reduction Serum would be the perfect match, providing the ideal balance of active ingredients without excess oil or heaviness.
Takeaway
While glycolic acid peels give your skin a quick boost by exfoliating the surface and fading dark spots, they only scratch the surface—literally. Addressing hyperpigmentation at its root calls for a smarter solution. Chemical peels have had their moment in the sun, but it’s time to pass the torch to a more capable contender. It’s time to trade in outdated glycolic acid for Novology’s multi-patented HNR-3 technology—designed to hit the issue at the source by regulating melanin production.
It’s time to do right by your skin.
