Glycolic acid is a big-hitter in the world of exfoliants. The gentle but hardworking acid is an AHA that helps to sweep away dead surface cells, revealing a new-found radiance. It boasts a small molecular size to help deeply exfoliate the skin, working to smooth uneven texture and balance uneven tone.
Lactic acid is one of the gentler AHAs, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. Lactic acid acts as both an exfoliant and a moisturizer. One of its most common uses is to control the skin condition keratosis pilaris, which are painless bumps caused by a buildup of dead skin around your hair follicles.
Notable AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid. Glycolic acid at a pH of around 3 in a concentration of 10% or more is about as strong as a cosmetic product gets!
It's not necessary--AHAs and BHAs serve the same purpose, which is to chemically exfoliate skin, with different chemical mechanisms, some of which work better for different skin types. BHAs are typically recommended for acne-prone skin types, whereas AHAs are recommended for dry skin types.
In general, it is safe to use BHA exfoliants daily if your skin can tolerate it without experiencing any irritation or dryness. However, if you have sensitive skin or are new to using BHA exfoliants, it is best to start with a lower frequency and gradually increase as your skin adjusts.
Basically, what this means is that salicylic acid is formulated to exfoliate the skin by getting deep into clogged pores, whereas glycolic acid works better on the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells and brightening the appearance.
Our experts recommend sensitive, mature, or dull and hyperpigmented skin go for AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids. Oily skin will appreciate the pore penetrating and unclogging powers of BHAs—the most well-known of which is salicylic acid.
Exfoliating Tools & Devices: Facial brushes, cleansing devices, or specialized exfoliating mitts can provide a deeper exfoliation and enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Choose tools that are suitable for your clients' skin type and use them with caution to avoid over-exfoliation.
Glycolic acid contains antibacterial and anti-ageing properties that benefit the skin by reducing acne marks, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more while improving skin texture and complexion.
You can exfoliate when you notice excess dead skin cells, have dry skin and want to stimulate your sebaceous glands that produce oil, or a day or two after spending some time in the sun. No matter the age of the skin, exfoliators should only be used every few days at most.
“Glycolic acid works by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on your skin's surface, helping them to shed and make way for the newer, smoother skin underneath,” she says. “It's considered the golden standard of AHAs and you should expect to see improvements to your skin's texture, tone and brightness."
A fantastic anti-aging product that does everything is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin care. Because it is the smallest AHA and is derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin the best.
For glass skin, look for serums with niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
Choosing the right exfoliator for you
You'll want to consider AHAs for dry skin and BHAs for oily. If you have acne-prone skin, pick a gentle chemical exfoliant.
Glycolic acid: A potent exfoliator ideal for normal to combination skin, it is a fan favourite for its skin renewal action, which is does by diving deep into the skin and tackling signs of ageing head-on. Lactic acid: This one's a gentler option and works well for those with dry and sensitive skin types.
Natural exfoliants use ingredients derived from natural sources like sugar, salt, coffee grounds, and oatmeal, while chemical exfoliants use synthetic ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Dr. Alster says to exfoliate legs every other week with a fine, gentle product like an AHA (think: glycolic or lactic acid). "Those with oily skin can more safely use a product with a BHA (such as salicylic acid) on a weekly basis," she explains.
Polyhydroxy Acids:
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) have the largest molecular weight of any of the Hydroxy Acids. This makes them the most gentle and slow absorbing of chemical exfoliants as they only act on the most superficial layers of the skin.
After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.
Myth #1: Retinol exfoliates skin.
It's a popular misconception that retinol is an exfoliant. It isn't, because it cannot break the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface. Retinol is an antioxidant that promotes cell turnover, and an important skin-restoring ingredient that can impact how skin cells mature.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
Can I use a salicylic acid cleanser and exfoliator? No, avoid using a salicylic acid cleanser and exfoliator as this can cause extreme irritation and dryness. As I have already said, if you are wanting to use both in your skincare routine the most effective way to do so is to alternate when you use each product.
Glycolic Acid
Studies show that AHAs can help fade the look of skin concerns like dark spots, premature ageing from sun exposure (also known as photoageing) and acne.