Everything You Need To Know About Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid without a doubt one of the most popular skincare ingredients right now. It is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane and is known for its exfoliating properties. Widely considered a skincare routine necessity for all good causes.

It is renowned for its capacity to brighten and refine skin texture and tone, as well as lessen the look of lines and wrinkles, breakouts, and blemishes. However, because it is an active substance, you must do some research before adding it to your regimen. And that is why, here we are for you to do all the homework. This article holds everything you need to know about glycolic acid before you incorporate it into your daily regime. So, do not skip it, here are all the facts about glycolic acid for you.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It belongs to the category of naturally occurring AHAs and is frequently obtained from sugar cane, grapes, and pineapple. Other AHAs include lactic, citric and mandelic acids which have their own significance. Glycolic acid is the smallest-sized water-soluble acid among all AHAs in terms of molecular size. It has the ability to exfoliate the skin more efficiently than other AHAs thanks to this feature.

It functions as a chemical exfoliant and aids in releasing the connections holding together dead skin cells, making it simple to scrub them off the skin’s surface.

What Does Glycolic Acid Do for Your Skin?

1. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

By exfoliating the top layer of skin, glycolic acid minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, the skin’s natural capacity to retain moisture is maintained, collagen formation is boosted, and fine lines and wrinkles are prevented and reduced. Along with removing dead skin cells, it flattens the skin’s surface, gives it a uniform texture, and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. However, regular treatment is necessary to successfully diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Hydrates The Skin

The secret to having good skin is moisturization, which glycolic acid aids with. It is classified as a humectant because it draws water molecules to itself, hydrating the skin.

3. Makes The Skin Feel Bright And Smooth

One of glycolic acid’s key purposes or advantages is the removal of dead skin cells by its tiny molecules, which penetrate far beneath the surface of your skin. This reveals bright, smooth, silky, and radiantly fresh infant skin.

4. Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Regular use of glycolic acid aids in the fading of mild hyperpigmentation, such as age and black spots.

Who knows how?

When you have hyperpigmentation, the skin’s surface begins to change colour and get darker while the skin below is less pigmented. Glycolic acid reduces hyperpigmentation by eliminating darker skin cells from the skin’s surface and revealing a new, even layer beneath. Only regular use will yield this advantage.

5. Reduces Acne

Glycolic acid is excellent for treating acne-prone skin since it exfoliates dead skin cells that often clog pores and cause breakouts.

Read More: Acne 101: Everything You Need To Know About Acne!

How Does Glycolic Acid Work?

Dead skin cells can more easily be removed from the skin’s surface because of it’s the ability to dissolve the bonds that hold them together. Exfoliation is the term for this action. Exfoliation helps to clear out clogged pores, minimize the look of wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance the skin’s general texture. The creation of collagen, which is necessary for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin, is also stimulated by glycolic acid.

The acids act to break down the connections that hold the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin together, revealing younger cells beneath. This promotes new cells to move to the surface of your skin for a plumper, more youthful appearance. It functions as an exfoliator, breaking down the intercellular glue holding our top layer of dead skin cells together to reveal fresh, new skin cells and begin the process of cellular regeneration.

How Do You Use Glycolic Acid in Your Skincare Routine?

You can incorporate glycolic acid in your skincare routine in a variety of ways. It is frequently present in toners, cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that exfoliate the skin. It is advised that you start with a product with a low concentration and progressively raise the strength over time if you are new to using glycolic acid. When using glycolic acid, it’s also crucial to use sunscreen. Because the substance might make your skin more susceptible to the sun’s rays.

Is Glycolic Acid Good for All Skin Types?

All skin types can benefit from glycolic acid, but individuals with oily or acne-prone skin should specifically consider using it. Additionally, it works well for minimizing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, balancing skin tone, and enhancing the general texture of the skin. All skin types can generally benefit from glycolic acid, although individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution. As your skin adjusts, it is recommended to start with a lower concentration and then gradually increase it. However, it is advised that you start with a low-dosage solution and conduct a patch test before applying it to your full face if you have sensitive skin.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid with Retinol?

Both retinol and glycolic acid are potent skincare chemicals that have several advantages for the skin. They should not, however, be used simultaneously because they may be excessively abrasive for the skin. To avoid over-exfoliating and harming your skin, it is advised that you alternate applying glycolic acid and retinol on different nights.

Ingredients To Avoid While Using Glycolic Acid?

While most people can safely use glycolic acid, there are some components that should be avoided when doing so. These include other acids like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which, when mixed with glycolic acid, can lead to severe dryness and irritability. It is recommended to employ these components independently and at various intervals throughout the day.

Retinol is another component to stay away from since when combined with glycolic acid, it can also irritate the skin. It is advised to apply glycolic acid and retinol on different days if you wish to include both in your skincare regimen.

Glycolic acid should not be combined with alcohol- or fragrance-containing cosmetics because these substances can also irritate and dry up the skin. Additionally, it is important to perform a patch test before using any product containing glycolic acid if you have sensitive skin.

Side-effects Of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is generally safe and effective for most skin types when used correctly. However, it can result in skin irritation, dryness, redness, and even chemical burns if administered incorrectly or in excessive quantities. It’s crucial to begin with a weak concentration and build it up gradually over time. As glycolic acid might make the skin more sensitive to the sun, it is also advised to use glycolic acid products in the evening and to always apply sunscreen throughout the day.

Our Final Thoughts

Glycolic acids work amazingly and can do wonders for your skin when used correctly. Therefore it is very important to use the right product, in the right concentrations to reap the maximum benefits.

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