What is sugar in skincare?
Sugar appears in skincare in two quite different roles. As granulated sucrose it is the base of countless body scrubs; as a chemical precursor it is where glycolic acid – the most studied alpha-hydroxy acid – originally comes from, extracted from sugar cane.
Sugar is also a natural humectant, which is why a sugar scrub leaves skin feeling softer than a salt one, and why honey and molasses behave the way they do on skin.
What skin concerns does sugar treat?
As a body scrub it lifts dead cells and smooths rough patches on elbows, knees and legs. Its crystals are rounder and dissolve faster than salt, so it is the gentler of the two physical exfoliants.
For the face, the derived acid is what matters. Glycolic acid resurfaces, brightens, fades pigmentation and stimulates collagen – none of which a sugar scrub does. Scrubbing facial skin with crystals creates micro-tears and inflammation instead.
What ingredients are best paired with sugar?
In a body scrub, combine it with an oil – coconut, almond, jojoba – which cushions the abrasion and moisturises as you rinse. Use it before shaving, not after, and never on broken or sunburnt skin.
For facial exfoliation, use a formulated AHA: glycolic acid for resilient skin, lactic acid for dry or sensitive skin, or a PHA if acids usually sting. All deliver what a scrub promises, without the mechanical damage. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is adult acne?
Adult acne is acne that persists past the teenage years or appears for the first time in your twenties, thirties or later. It affects a substantial share of adults, and disproportionately women.
It tends to look different from teenage acne: fewer widespread blackheads, more deep tender lesions along the jawline, chin and neck, often on skin that is simultaneously dry, sensitive or already showing early signs of ageing.
What causes adult acne?
Hormonal fluctuation is the leading driver – menstrual cycles, coming off or starting contraception, pregnancy, perimenopause and conditions such as PCOS all shift androgen activity and sebum output.
Stress and cortisol, sleep debt, high-glycaemic diets, comedogenic makeup and skincare, friction, and certain medications compound it. Adult skin also heals more slowly, so marks linger longer than they did at nineteen.
What ingredients are best for adult acne?
The challenge is treating acne without wrecking a barrier that is also ageing. Retinoids do double duty here, clearing follicles and stimulating collagen at the same time.
Azelaic acid is excellent for adult skin because it handles lesions, redness and post-acne marks together. Add salicylic acid used sparingly, niacinamide to regulate oil and calm inflammation, and ceramides plus hyaluronic acid to keep hydration up. Skip harsh benzoyl peroxide concentrations and scrubs. Take our Skin Quiz.
