What is Liquid Gold and how to use it

Our cult favourite Liquid Gold has been around for more than 20 years, helping #alphaholics achieve their best skin yet. If you’ve just heard of Liquid Gold for the first time, welcome aboard. We’re so excited to share our cult product with you, and help you discover if it could be the answer to your skincare prayers. 

Let’s look at Liquid Gold in some more detail: What it is, what it does, and how to use it, as well as some of the common questions we’re regularly asked by both Liquid Gold newbies and veterans alike. We hope you find them helpful. 

What is Liquid Gold, and what does it do? 

In the very simplest of terms, Liquid Gold is a 5% Glycolic Acid chemical exfoliating tonic; a skin resurfacing treatment which works as a toner, exfoliator, serum, and a hydrator. Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that helps to break down the “glue” which keeps dead skin cells stuck on the outermost layers of your skin. In one simple stroke, it begins to break down these protein bonds so that dead cells will be shed, revealing fresher, younger and brighter skin underneath.  

Glycolic Acid is one of the most widely used AHAs due to its small molecular structure which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, taking other ingredients with it to boost hydration in your skin by stimulating the natural production of Hyaluronic Acid. As a result, skin is left brighter and clearer, with the reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation. 

So, what makes Liquid Gold different to other Glycolic Acid tonics? 

The secret to Liquid Gold’s efficacy and global cult following is all in its unique formulation at a low pH. The higher the pH of an Accelerating Acid formula, the less efficacious the exfoliation will be. 

Bioavailability refers to the % of an ingredient that’s actually available for the skin to absorb and utilise once applied, so with Liquid Gold sitting at around pH 2.8 – 3.0, it gives us roughly 90% bioavailability of hero ingredient Glycolic Acid.  

This means 90% of the Glycolic Acid in our formula is available for the skin to utilise. At a higher pH, this would drop away; at pH 4 it’s only 40%, and at pH 5 it’s just 0.6%. 

What other ingredients are helping to work this magic? 

At Alpha-H, we believe in fully rounded formulas to support your skin’s health and resilience. Liquid Gold also contains skin loving Licorice Root Extract and Silk Proteins to further enhance your results. Licorice Root works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation on the skin, while Silk Proteins help to prevent moisture evaporating from the surface and help to regulate oil production, maintaining natural hydration levels. 

So how do I use Liquid Gold? 

Liquid Gold is the ultimate lazy routine. Step 1: Apply to a cotton round. Step 2: Wipe over your face. Step 3: There is no step 3, you’re already done! 

Simply wet a cotton round with Liquid Gold and swipe over the face, avoiding the delicate area around eyes and lips. Any excess can be used on other areas of your body too! It’s great for keratosis pilaris on areas such as backs of the arms and thighs, and even the heels of your feet.  

Liquid Gold should be applied in the evening after double cleansing. For best results, don’t follow it with a moisturiser, as this will buffer the low pH and reduce the efficacy. 

How often should I use Liquid Gold? 

Thanks to its low pH, you only need to use Liquid Gold 2-3 nights per week. Using it every night could actually over-exfoliate your skin which we definitely don’t want to do. At Alpha-H HQ, we love to use Liquid Gold on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights because that’s simple and easy to remember. On the alternate evenings we apply our usual vitamins, moisturisers, and serums. 

If your skin is on the slightly more sensitive side, you can apply your preferred Alpha-H moisturiser or serum afterwards once your skin is touch dry. 

How long should I expect to see results? 

Some people often report noticing a difference in their skin after just one use of Liquid Gold! Waking to a brightened, smoother complexion the next morning. For most significant results to show, skin often needs a full skin renewal cycle which is around 28 days. 

Alpha-H also commissioned an independent clinical review of Liquid Gold – used within a balanced routine for 8 weeks. The results speak for themselves: Skin Elasticity was shown to be improved by 93% after the 8 weeks, and 88% of participants noticed a significant improvement in skin texture the end of the trial. 

To keep your routine consistent while using Liquid Gold, we recommend a pH balanced cleanser to activate your routine, and prepare your skin for optimal absorption of active ingredients. Our Balancing Cleanser removes all traces of makeup, cleanses, and respects the skin’s natural pH balance of 5.5. 

Round this out on the days in between Liquid Gold use with a range of nourishers and hydrators such as our Vitamin B Serum to support skin’s moisture barrier, and Essential Hydration Cream to replenish and nourish while you sleep. 

And of course, always finishing your morning routine with an SPF50+ to protect from damaging UV rays. Our Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, whilst hydrating the skin and priming ready for the perfect makeup application. 

Is Liquid Gold suitable for teenagers? 

As we age, this skin’s natural renewal process slows down, meaning into our later 20s and beyond dead cells can stay stuck on the skin’s surface for up to a couple of months. In fact, at any given time you could have up to 30 layers of dead skin sitting on your face, which can lead to skin taking on a dull appearance and sometimes even causing breakouts. 

When we are young and into our teens, our skin is really good at this process naturally - that’s why babies and children have such beautiful, soft and glowy skin. Leave your skin to do it’s work alone! 

Have more questions about Liquid Gold?

If you need some more help deciding if Liquid Gold could be the answer to your skincare prayers, we’re here to help. You can request a live Virtual Skin Consultation here.