Glycolic acid can be a great solution for common skin concerns such as uneven skin tone, clogged pores, rough, flaky skin, and dark spots (melasma). Additionally, this ingredient increases collagen production and works as a great treatment for warts. If this is your first time working with glycolic acid, be sure to use a lower concentration rinse-off product and see how your skin reacts before moving on to a higher concentration rinse-off product.
1. Highly Effective for Acne-prone Skin
Glycolic acid offers a complete acne treatment strategy; it removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores to prevent future breakouts, while reducing active inflammation and scarring from previous breakouts. Additionally, glycolic acid is one of the fastest-acting alpha-hydroxy acids and can penetrate deep into the skin layers for maximum effectiveness due to its small molecular structure.
While improving uneven skin tone, stimulating collagen formation and promoting cell turnover, glycolic acid also reduces UV damage, including melasma and age spots. Be sure to wear sunscreen; glycolic acid can generally increase sun sensitivity; results will be visible after several regular sessions over a few months.
2. Good for Dry Skin
Glycolic acid is a great exfoliant that smooths uneven, rough skin. Additionally, using it helps reduce pigmentation and sun damage.
Whether you use them as a scrub or as part of a physical exfoliation treatment, crushed beads can help loosen dead skin cells so they can more easily slough off the surface (but be careful not to over-exfoliate, which can cause irritation and accelerated aging). Products containing glycolic acid help your skin produce more collagen, making your face stronger while reducing fine lines and wrinkles and making your skin softer.
3. Great for Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris, commonly known as KP, is caused by an excessive buildup of keratin in the hair, nails, and skin. While this buildup itself is not toxic or dangerous, it can lead to unsightly, rough surface imperfections. Physical exfoliators can irritate or damage the skin if scrubbed too much; glycolic acid gently promotes the shedding of dead cells without further irritating the skin.
Green recommends Glytone’s KP Kit, which includes a lotion and body wash designed to smooth rough areas of skin. For best results while delivering whitening benefits, follow all directions and moisturize after each use of glycolic acid products.
4. Great for Ingrown Hairs
The small molecular size of glycolic acid helps it treat hyperpigmentation problems on its own, brightening enlarged pores, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation problems. It also helps it penetrate deeper than other alpha-hydroxy acids. However, the beauty benefits extend far beyond a simple beauty treatment.
When shaving coarse or curly hair, ingrown hairs can be a source of discomfort. Weekly exfoliation treatments with ethanol on the affected area can help control these pesky pimples. But resist the urge to pluck or squeeze ingrown hairs, as this can infect the hair follicles and introduce bacteria. To calm inflammation, look for a glycolic acid serum for ingrown hairs, such as salicylic acid and PCA zinc from Topicals.
5. It’s Great for Improving Uneven Skin Tone
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells without damaging lipids (healthy fats that form a protective barrier, keeping moisture in and toxins out), so it brightens dull skin, smooths rough patches, and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic acid also promotes collagen synthesis, which plumps, firms, and smooths the skin. In addition, glycolic acid’s small molecular size allows it to effectively and gently exfoliate deep into the skin tissue. If you’ve never used AHAs before, start in moderation and increase the frequency and dosage as your skin reacts. Start with glycolic acid; then make sure to wear sunscreen, as it can increase your sensitivity to the sun.
6. Very Helpful for Clogged Pores
Glycolic acid helps loosen the glue that holds dead skin cells together, making the exfoliation process easier (no physical scrubber required).
Those with oily or acne-prone skin should opt for glycolic acid, as it helps keep pores clear, reducing the chance of breakouts. Plus, it can even help eliminate red scars or hyperpigmentation caused by acne over time. For those new to exfoliation, start gently with a cleanser like a face wash or mask and gradually increase the concentration over time. Always use sunscreen and a soothing moisturizer after your exfoliation treatment.
7. It Helps a Lot with Aging Skin
Glycolic acid also penetrates deeper to promote collagen synthesis, reducing fine lines and firming the complexion, and unlike traditional exfoliants, it gently loosens dead skin cells on the surface without the need for physical scrubbing (which can cause redness, acne, and dryness). and accelerates aging).
If this is your first time using chemical exfoliants, start with a low-strength product (10% or less), like a dishwashing product you use regularly, to gauge how your skin reacts. If they work for you, you can opt for a more concentrated leave-on product.
8. Works Wonders on Sunburn
Glycolic acid sloughs away dead, dull skin cells on the surface, revealing brighter, fresher layers of skin. Like Wart Glue, it does this by reaching the outermost layer of skin and breaking down the bonds that hold dull, dead cells together, accelerating cell turnover, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing sunburn spots.
Water-soluble vitamin C penetrates deep into your skin and stimulates collagen formation, which helps reduce and firm fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why we love using this amazing multi-tasking tool in cleansing products like masks and cleansers!
9. Works Wonders on Acne Scars
Glycolic acid dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, unclogging pores and stopping acne. Glycolic acid also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sun spots and hyperpigmentation similar to melasma. For best results, use a low-concentration cleanser only a few times a week until your skin responds.
Glycolic acid is also an excellent treatment option for anyone suffering from atrophic acne scars, as it helps reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation by hiding the dark pigment that forms when scar tissue forms.
