Glycolic acid is a versatile skincare ingredient that can help to fade dark spots, reduce fine lines, and clear clogged pores. As an AHA, glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin and boosts collagen production. If you want to try an OTC glycolic cleanser, toner, serum, or peel, start slow and let your skin adjust.
Glycolic acid can remove the very top layer of skin cells without the need for scrubbing, which can cause irritation. It is also useful in treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging.
For many people, using glycolic acid 2-3 times a week is sufficient to achieve benefits without significant side effects. If you want to use it daily, consider starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing usage as your skin builds tolerance.
Concentrations between 5-10% of glycolic acid are considered most effective for exfoliation on a regular basis. There are also more intense, rinse-off glycolic acid peels featuring higher concentrations of AHAs, which you can use at home on an occasional basis, about once a week, to improve the look of deeper wrinkles.
Glycolic acid comes from sugarcane. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also seems to help reverse sun damage to the skin. People use glycolic acid for acne, aging skin, dark skin patches on the face, and acne scars.
Combining glycolic acid and lactic acid can be quite potent and is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of irritation. Both acids are effective exfoliants, and using them together can over-exfoliate the skin.
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.
To clear blackheads, glycolic acid can take 3-4 weeks to take effect for clearer, congestion-free skin. This is because it takes time and repeated use for glycolic acid to break down pore-blocking dead skin cells and debris for clearer skin that doesn't have any congestion.
Glycolic acid can be used on the face and let it absorbed into the skin by leaving it on all night. Rinse off with water the next day.
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.
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.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
In intimate areas, the skin can become rough due to factors such as shaving, friction or hormonal changes. The exfoliating properties of glycolic acid can help to improve texture and softness. Low concentrations, typically around 5 to 10%, are recommended for use in sensitive areas to minimise the risk of irritation.
In particular, glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, which means that when applied to the scalp, it will remove dead skin cells and potentially encourage new hair growth. It can also combat too much oil production on the scalp, too.
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.
To achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin, start by removing your makeup and then cleanse your face. Also, ensure your skin is properly dried: applying on wet skin will be less effective and less well-tolerated, as the presence of water makes the acid more irritating.
The majority of products containing lower than 10% glycolic acid do not require rinsing unless the instructions state otherwise. If you're using a peel, mask or scrub, simply follow the instructions on the back of the product.
Glycolic acid's penetration can easily restore balance to your armpits, dislodging the bacteria breaking down your sweat, to create a fresh and odorless environment. It has worked wonders for people with a variety of skin types and has quickly become one of the hottest products on the market.
As an AHA, glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin and boosts collagen production. If you want to try an OTC glycolic cleanser, toner, serum, or peel, start slow and let your skin adjust. Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product.
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).
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.
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.
“Those with darker skin tones, need to be cautious with glycolic acid,” warns Dr Buldeo. “It can cause a paradoxical darkening of the skin by stimulating melanocytes,” These are the melanin-producing cells in your skin's deepest layer so this can lead to hyperpigmentation in black skin.
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best hydrating ingredients, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its own mass in hydration. Therefore, if you're using Glycolic Acid, we highly recommend following up with a Hyaluronic Acid treatment. This will help undo the drying side effects and restore balance within the skin.
Glycolic acid is a tried-and-true beauty staple and has been favored by dermatologists for its exfoliating and anti-aging properties for decades. This ingredient can be found in a variety of products–from creams and chemical peels–or on its own.