You may have heard of glycolic acid but have no clue on what it actually does or if it's okay for you to use.
Today we will highlight this gold standard ingredient and clarify any conflicting thoughts that give reason to why you haven't incorporated it into your skincare regimen.
There are more benefits than harmful side effects and we list them all here for you.
What Is Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring ingredient found in sugar cane but can also be lab produced.
It is generalized in a category of skincare acids labeled AHA’s abbreviated for alpha hydroxy acids.
AHA’s include fruit plant, and milk derived compounds that exfoliate multiple layers of the skin.
The small molecular size of glycolic acid allows for easy penetration into the skin making it an ideal and very effective ingredient.
Here are the ways glycolic acid can be beneficial to common skin conditions.
Benefits Of Glycolic Acid
1. Exfoliates The Skin
This ingredient's main purpose is to exfoliate the buildup of dead skin cells on a chemical level.
Once applied, the glycolic acid is activated and its small molecules dive deep into the skin and begin working.
Exfoliation from the inside out takes place, breaking up dead skin cells and loosening up compacted oils to make extracting, treating, fading and hydrating easy.
2. Increases Product Penetration
Because this AHA works to exfoliate the skin and clear out the build up of old skin cells, oils and other debris; treating your skin and its concerns become super easy.
Now that you have newly exposed skin and fresh pores, your skin will absorb the other products in your routine way better.
You can finally start to see the results you've been watching for.
3. Decreases Noticeable Fine Lines and Wrinkles
This very popular acid is great for visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Using glycolic acid to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles works by binding water to cells for lasting hydration and promoting the growth of collagen fibers.
It exfoliates the skin topically to provide a smooth, plump, and even texture which makes the appearance of aging skin less noticeable.
4. Helps Fight Acne
Glycolic acid is one of the exfoliating ingredients that can assist in treating acne. It loosens tightly packed skin cells to unclogs pores, relieving the skin of bacteria and debris which trigger acne breakouts.
Exfoliating with glycolic acid can help maintain acne by resurfacing the skin to allow proper penetration of other treatment products.
5. Brightens Up Your Skin
Using glycolic acid is an effective way to brighten your skin's complexion. Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of skin cells caused by post breakout scars, sun damage, or hormonal imbalances.
This particular acid is popular for exfoliating the skin for a more clear, smooth, and even texture and tone.
6. Suitable For All Skin Types
Glycolic acid is an ingredient that is beneficial to all skin types, but is not recommended for sensitive skin conditions.
This acid is effective enough to tackle major skincare concerns, however; the tingling sensation can be overwhelming or irritating to sensitive skin.
Glycolic acid’s ability to draw in moisture, exfoliate dead skin, and penetrate deeply through the surface of the skin makes it compatible for all skin types.
Now that we know more about this superstar ingredient, you have the information you need to talk to your skincare professional or physician about including glycolic acid into your routine.If you are still unsure about which form of glycolic acid would be best for your skin condition,
