Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) extracted from sugar cane that chemically exfoliates the skin and boosts collagen production. So, adding glycolic acid to your skincare routine can help improve skin texture, smooth out wrinkles, and unclog pores.
You can find glycolic acid in over-the-counter products such as toners, serums, creams, and exfoliants. You can also see your dermatologist for a chemical peel with medical grade glycolic acid for more effective results. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits and risks of using glycolic acid skin care products.
Glycolic acid is easily absorbed into the skin because its molecules are extremely small compared to other AHAs. Once absorbed into the skin, it acts as a chemical exfoliant and dissolves dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis (the top layer of skin). Glycolic acid quickly removes dead skin cells by increasing cellular turnover, allowing new skin cells to replace old ones.
When you apply glycolic acid to your skin, it also increases collagen production in your skin. This protein helps the skin thicken, giving it firmness and elasticity. Thus, glycolic acid can help strengthen the skin and prevent collagen breakdown that causes fine lines.
“Any skin type can benefit from using glycolic acid, including oily, dry, and combination skin,” board-certified dermatologist Gabriella Vasile, DO, FAAD, founder of Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics in Charleston, tells Health. “Glycolic acid promotes cell turnover and collagen formation, leaving your skin looking brighter, smoother and clearer.”
As you age, your skin loses collagen, which helps your skin feel elastic and firm. Loss of collagen ultimately leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, tells Health that glycolic acid can help reduce these signs of aging by stimulating collagen production.
The exfoliating properties of glycolic acid also help improve skin tone and texture as you age. In addition, glycolic acid increases the level of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture and retain moisture. It also helps make the skin firmer and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Dermatologists often recommend using glycolic acid to lighten dark spots (hyperpigmentation) on the skin caused by acne or sun damage. It is also safe to use on darker skin tones. Glycolic acid helps get rid of dark spots by exfoliating the top layer of skin and brightening it.
Research shows that glycolic acid may also help protect your skin’s collagen from sunlight, which may help prevent future sun damage.
“For people with oily and acne-prone skin, glycolic acid can help reduce sebum production, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts,” says Chacon. If you have acne, it means your pores are clogged with oil, dirt, or skin cells. When glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, it removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Glycolic acid also helps reduce excess oil, which can help prevent acne.
Since glycolic acid helps dissolve dead skin cells, it can also help prevent ingrown hairs from getting stuck in clumps of skin cells. Additionally, glycolic acid may help treat strawberry skin (keratosis pilaris). If you have small red bumps caused by clogged dead skin cells, glycolic acid can smooth out rough skin and remove dead skin cells from pores.
Always follow the instructions when using any new over-the-counter glycolic acid product. Because glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, it’s best to use products with glycolic acid at night and sunscreen with SPF in the morning.
How often you use glycolic acid also depends on the product. Vasily recommends adding only one form of glycolic acid to your daily diet. Here are Chacon’s recommendations for adding glycolic acid products to your skincare routine:
“Regardless of the type of product, it’s important to start introducing glycolic acid into your routine slowly, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts,” says Chacon. Vasile recommends starting with glycolic acid products once or twice a week and gradually increasing to three times a week.
Chacon notes that glycolic acid can be a skin irritant, so people with extremely sensitive skin should use it with caution. People with sensitive and dry skin may experience better results using lactic acid, a milder form of AHA. Since glycolic acid can cause irritation, Vasily recommends applying a moisturizer to restore the skin barrier.
Glycolic acid can also make your skin hypersensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburn. During the day, be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect your skin.
If you use a more exfoliating glycolic acid peel, you are more likely to experience more severe side effects. Vasile also noted that pregnant women can safely use glycolic acid at concentrations below 10%.
You can use glycolic acid with retinol, but don’t mix them directly as they can irritate your skin. Instead, Vasily recommends alternating glycolic acid and retinol.
Retinol is a retinoid that works similarly to glycolic acid to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production. The results will be even better if you use prescription tretinoin. Since glycolic acid and retinol have similar effects on the skin, mixing glycolic acid with retinol can cause irritation. However, if you have oily, acne-prone skin, using both methods has its benefits. A small 2015 study found that participants who used products with retinol and glycolic acid had less need for additional acne scar treatment.
Before adding glycolic acid to your diet, make sure your skin is accustomed to retinol. Start using retinol once a week to see how your skin reacts, then gradually add it several times a week. After a few months, if your skin is still in good condition, use a glycolic acid product on non-retinol days. Over time, you can alternate using each product at night.
Glycolic acid is a multi-functional skin care ingredient that helps fade dark spots, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and unclog clogged pores. As an AHA, glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin and promotes collagen production.
If you want to try an over-the-counter glycolic cleanser, toner, serum, or exfoliant, start slowly and let your skin adjust. Glycolic acid may cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.
You can safely use mild over-the-counter glycolic acid products every day in concentrations up to 10%. However, the frequency that’s right for you depends on how well your skin tolerates glycolic acid. Using glycolic acid too often can lead to redness and inflammation of the skin. If you use glycolic acid daily, use it at night to limit sun sensitivity.
Avoid mixing glycolic acid with vitamin C, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) (such as salicylic acid), and other AHAs (such as lactic acid). Vasile notes that glycolic acid can deactivate vitamin C. Combining glycolic acid with exfoliating AHAs and BHAs can cause skin irritation.
Glycolic acid won’t permanently remove dark spots and scars, but it can help fade dark spots left by acne or sun damage. Because glycolic acid causes the skin to shed dead cells, it helps smooth and brighten the skin.
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Post time: May-19-2024