What are the benefits of 20% glycolic acid?

Author: Taurean Renner  |  Last update: Friday, November 28, 2025

Evidence notes that formulations containing glycolic acid can help to reduce acne, improve skin texture, and prevent comedonal acne. Additionally, its exfoliating properties may help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

What does 20% glycolic acid do for your face?

20% Glycolic Acid for Effective Skin Transformation: Face exfoliating pads for face feature a potent formula with 20% glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliating ingredient. This concentration effectively removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reveals smoother and brighter skin.

Is 20% glycolic acid too much?

Higher concentrations of active non-neutralized glycolic acid above 20%, including those used in chemical peels, should be recommended and administered by skincare professionals to ensure safe and effective use.

How long can I leave 20% glycolic acid on my face?

HOW DO YOU USE IT: The 20 percent glycolic acid face peel is mild solution that's suitable for all skin types, and both beginning and experienced peelers who would like to maintain their results from stronger peels. This peel can be left on for up to 10 minutes, depending on the depth you'd like to peel at.

What percentage of glycolic acid is most effective?

Glycolic acid exfoliants

Concentration matters, too; amounts between 5 and 10 percent of glycolic acid are ideal (though there are more intense, rinse-off peels with higher concentrations of AHAs you can use at home).

6 Skincare Mistakes To Avoid With Glycolic Acid

Does glycolic acid tighten skin?

If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and tighten saggy skin, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that. Glycolic acid works as an antiaging product by regenerating collagen production. Younger skin is super rich in collagen, whereas it's the opposite of aging skin.

Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?

Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.

Is it okay to leave glycolic acid overnight?

Yes, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a glycolic night treatment that you can leave on overnight to allow it to absorb into your skin.

What are the side effects of glycolic acid?

Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.

How many layers of skin does glycolic acid remove?

The American Society for Dermatologic Study has confirmed that glycolic acid can be applied to the skin at two levels. In low or "superficial" amounts, this alpha-hydroxy acid penetrates only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it and reveal the new, less damaged skin underneath.

Do you moisturize after glycolic acid?

6. Always moisturize after use. Glycolic acid exfoliates and hydrates the skin, but it can irritate or dry out sensitive skin. Always follow your glycolic acid application with an additional light moisturizer to reduce the effects of dryness and irritation on the skin.

How to know if glycolic acid is working?

Signs that glycolic acid is working include smoother skin texture, fewer breakouts, and a more even skin tone. Some people may also notice a light tingling sensation on application, which is normal.

Can you use glycolic acid under eyes?

Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.

Does glycolic acid make you look younger?

It's an active smoothing ingredient that evens out the skin's texture and minimises the appearance of wrinkles by increasing cell regeneration and getting rid of excess dead skin cells to leave skin soft, clean and youthfully fresh.

Can glycolic acid remove old scars?

Conclusions: Glycolic acid peeling is an effective modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, but repetitive peels (at least six times) with 70% concentration are necessary to obtain evident improvement.

Does skin peel after glycolic acid?

What should I expect after a glycolic acid peel? You should expect your skin to have mild peeling and redness for 7-10 days following the peel. Mild redness may last 2-4 weeks. Specific aftercare instructions and products will be provided by your physician at Elevation Dermatology.

What not to mix with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.

How long does it take for glycolic acid to work?

How Long Does It Take For Glycolic Acid To Work? It can vary. Some products will give you results almost instantly or overnight however, most products will take a few uses to really see the true results. After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested.

Can I use vaseline after glycolic acid?

Moistuizing with Dermatolist's Choice hydrating cream or Vaseline is the first option. In the event you continue to experience redness or dryness after using glycolic acid, it's your chance to determine if that particular concentration of glycolic product is the best for your skin.

What to pair with glycolic acid at night?

Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.

Are you supposed to rinse glycolic acid off your face?

How Long to Leave Glycolic Acid on Face? Many Glycolic Acid products are leave-on treatments that absorb into your skin and work their magic! However, if you're using a Glycolic Acid Peel, you may need to rinse it off.

Should glycolic acid be refrigerated?

Some active ingredients like Retinol, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are best left at room temperature as drastic changes can impact their integrity. A good rule of thumb is to chill formulas that aim to hydrate and soothe, whereas exfoliants and anti-agers are best stored at room temperature.

What moisturizer to use after glycolic acid?

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Applying it after glycolic acid can help replenish the skin's moisture barrier.

Which acid is best for dark spots?

Salicylic acid

It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.

What does glycolic acid do to hair?

It Can Reduce Breakage

Many people experience hair breakage, making it difficult to grow the hair thick and long. Glycolic acid can nourish and hydrate the hair, which, in turn, prevents tangling, making it easier to style the hair without it breaking off.

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