[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the best ways to
keep skin healthy and youthful with age is to maintain a consistent skincare routine, using high-quality products including cleansers, creams or lotions, exfoliants, toners and serums. The ingredients in these products matters, and it’s important to research them or consult with a professional to determine what’s best for your skin type.
Glycolic acid is one ingredient that’s made it into the spotlight as a skincare must-have, offering benefits for exfoliation, brightening, acne management and anti-aging. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the hype, read on to learn more about its benefits – and consider these tips for using it to achieve optimal results.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. It’s known for its small molecule size and ability to effectively penetrate the skin barrier.
“Glycolic acid is renowned in skincare for its ability to exfoliate the skin, promote cell turnover and reveal a brighter complexion,” says T N Rekha Singh, board-certified dermatologist at
Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic. “People generally use glycolic acid to combat signs of aging, improve skin texture and address hyperpigmentation and acne.”
You’ll find glycolic acid in many skincare products, from
cleansers and
toners to
serums and
overnight treatments. It’s considered safe and suitable for most skin types, with minor side effects (irritation, redness) if used too frequently or in too high of a concentration for your skin.
The benefits of glycolic acid for skin
Glycolic acid offers several benefits, but it may be most well known for its powerful exfoliating properties.
“Glycolic acid effectively breaks down bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed,” Singh explains.
Exfoliation removes outer layers of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, more radiant skin underneath. It helps smooth skin’s texture and reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, potentially slowing the aging process and promoting healthy cell turnover.
“Glycolic acid also helps lighten hyperpigmentation and
reduce dark spots, which creates a
more even skin tone,” Singh says.
Glycolic acid is also a moisturizing agent that
increases skin hydration, boosting
hyaluronic acid production, and improving skin elasticity and health.
“Regular use of glycolic acid can increase the skin's natural ability to retain moisture, leading to a plumper, more hydrated complexion,” Singh says.
Lastly, glycolic acid is beneficial for acne-prone skin, helping to unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts, according to
Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Fla. Its exfoliating properties balance skin tone by clearing clogged pores and oil, ultimately minimizing acne breakouts.
How to use glycolic acid
Featured in a variety of skincare products, glycolic acid can be added easily to any skincare routine. It’s generally advised for use at night, as it may increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun. Be sure to wear
sunscreen the next day to further protect your skin. “Another advantage of using
glycolic acid at night is that it facilitates the skin's natural regeneration process,” Singh adds.
To be sure products are well-tolerated by your skin,
start with a patch test and always follow the directions provided by a product’s manufacturer, or consult with an esthetician or dermatologist if you need further advice.
Drawbacks to using glycolic acid
While glycolic acid is generally safe for most skin types, it may not be suitable for people with
sensitive skin or for those with skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, as it can potentially cause irritation.
“Redness, stinging or peeling might occur, particularly with higher concentrations,” Singh says.
Take extra precaution if your skin is prone to sunburn.
How to choose glycolic acid skincare products
Glycolic acid is often included in
serums, which are ideal because they deliver ingredients in a potent and concentrated form.
“This allows for deeper penetration, yielding more significant skin renewal and brightening results,” Singh explains.
Clara's New York Resurfacing Glycolic Acid Facial Serum is an excellent option. “It delivers a concentrated dose of glycolic acid, promoting cell turnover and a brighter, smoother complexion,” Chacon says.
You might opt for a
glycolic acid facial wash, using once or twice a day, or more as needed. The glycolic acid gently exfoliates skin at the start of the skincare routine, which boosts efficacy of subsequent products.
“While not as intense as a serum, glycolic acid cleansers prepare skin for better moisturizing and treatment product absorption,” Singh says.
A cleanser with glycolic acid can offset signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as help reduce acne and oil buildup.
“The
Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser is beneficial as it contains glycolic acid, which deeply cleanses the skin by removing makeup, dirt and oils that can clog pores and cause breakouts,” Chacon says.
An
exfoliating product, such as a pad,
peel, liquid, gel or scrub, is another useful topical to use regularly throughout the week for healthy, soft and fresher looking skin. Glycolic acid is a powerful agent that dissolves dead skin cells, boosting skin renewal for smoother, more youthful skin.
“For best results, start with lower concentrations to allow skin to build tolerance, and always follow up with sunscreen,” Singh says. Exfoliate once or twice weekly, as long as your skin can handle it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="175944" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1718658197921{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/claras-new-york-resurfacing-glycolic-acid-facial-serum"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="175945" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1718658226495{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="Reviva Labs 10% Glycolic Acid Crème"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="175946" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1718658309022{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/acure-resurfacing-overnight-glycolic-treatment"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
