Glycolic Acid for Skin: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and More

Our skin is the body's largest organ. But consistent exposure to sunlight, pollution, and several other environmental stressors often affects our skin. In that case, consistently applying good ingredient-based skincare products is essential.

One such amazing ingredient is Glycolic Acid, which is popularly known as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid. This widely used ingredient is derived from sugarcane and is popular for its exfoliating properties. Due to having the smallest molecular size, it can penetrate the skin properly and offer amazing results.

So, read on to know more about Glycolic Acid and see how it can be beneficial for your skin.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid refers to an organic compound that is a part of the alpha hydroxy acid family. Primarily derived from sugarcane, this particular ingredient is water-soluble. Due to having the smallest molecular size, it can penetrate the skin properly and work effectively on the skin.

As a result, Glycolic Acid can be found in several skincare products, including cleansers, toners, serums, masks, and peels.

So, let’s learn about Glycolic Acid and how it can be beneficial for your skin.

Glycolic Acid Benefits for Skincare You Need to Know

Due to having the smallest molecular size, its comes with several benefits. So, in this section, let’s discuss the glycolic acid benefits in detail to give you an idea about its advantages.

• Chemical Exfoliant

Glycolic Acid works as a chemical exfoliant, as it can break down the dead cells of the skin. As a result, the dead cells present on the outer layer of the skin get removed, revealing the smooth skin hidden beneath.

• Works on Cell Generation

This particular skincare ingredient works effectively on the cell turnover process. It further helps to shed the old cells and encourage the growth of the new ones. This entire process is beneficial for the skin as it helps to make the skin appear radiant and youthful.

• Offers Smooth Skin Texture

As mentioned above, it helps to remove dead skin cells, which further shows the smooth texture of the skin. The consistent application of glycolic acid products for body or face can be useful to enjoy an even skin tone.

• Produces Collagen

Glycolic Acid is also widely known for instigating collagen production in the body. Collagen refers to a protein that further offers structure and firmness to the skin. Collagen contributes significantly to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But, with age, our body’s capacity of producing collagen decreases. But it can help to stimulate collagen production, further helping to achieve a youthful appearance.

• Acts As a Humectant

Apart from being a good exfoliant, it is also known as an effective humectant. It can also attract water to the skin and retain the same. This, in turn, can help the dehydrated skin to stay hydrated and moisturized.

How Glycolic Acid Works on the Skin?

Once you have a clear idea about Glycolic acid benefits, you need to understand how it works so effectively on your skin. Let’s discuss that in a step-by-step guide.

• Step 1: Firstly, when you use a Glycolic Acid-based skincare product, it enters your skin and eventually penetrates the stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of the epidermis.
• Step 2: After penetration, it weakens the “glue” present between the dead cells. This further lowers the local pH and interferes with the process that keeps the dead cells attached.
• Step 3: This process helps to separate the dead cells and eventually shed them.
• Step 4: The next step is to stimulate fresh cell generation. With the right use, the fresh cell generation process works properly, making the skin appear radiant and healthy. The consistent application of a Glycolic acid-based body lotion works in the same way and helps you get healthy skin.

Glycolic Acid Uses in Skincare

Due to having multifaceted benefits, Glycolic Acid is used in several skincare products. The products and their purpose are mentioned below in a table.

How to Use Glycolic Acid-based Products?

If you want to know how to use Glycolic Acid, then having some ideas about its application method or how frequently one should use it is necessary.

Start Slowly

If you have never used it, then you can start slowly. Please make sure to start with low-concentration products. If the product suits your skin type and addresses your skin issue, then you can simply keep using the product, or you can gradually increase the concentration level.

Application Process

Generally, it is advisable to apply Glycolic Acid for dry skin. If you use any Glycolic Acid-based toner or a serum, make sure to apply a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and protect the outer layer of the skin.

Frequency

Glycolic Acid is not used on a regular basis. However, if you use a Glycolic Acid body lotion, then you can check the application process and use accordingly. But before the final application, go through a patch test to understand its suitability for your skin type.

Sun Protection

Glycolic Acid can enhance the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. So, focus on using a broad-spectrum and PA++++ sunscreen on a regular basis.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid Body Lotion

As mentioned above, Glycolic Acid can be used in several skincare products. One of them is body lotion. So, here are some benefits you can expect by using a Glycolic Acid-based body lotion.

Our Glycolic Acid body lotion works alongside Salicylic Acid, which further exfoliates the skin’s surface and the pores. This, in turn, can address issues like acne, rough skin, strawberry skin, and clogged follicles.

It helps to remove dead skin cells and helps in skin renewal. As a result, one can have an even skin tone.

Unlike the traditional body lotion, our AHA BHA body lotion can reduce dark spots and offer an even skin tone.

Formulated with several hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Aquaxyl, shea butter, and others, our body lotion can offer long-lasting hydration to the skin.

Due to containing soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients, this body lotion can work on skin dryness effectively and give good results.

Who Should Use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid can be beneficial for several skin types.

• Normal skin
• Combination skin
• Oily skin
• Uneven skin texture
• Fine lines
• Hyperpigmentation

When Should You Use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is typically used once or twice a week, as it works as an exfoliant. But this particular ingredient is used in several products, including body lotions or moisturizers and cleansers.

When using any body lotion or cleanser, read the application process and then use it.

How Glycolic Acid Is Different from Salicylic Acid

Glycolic Acid acts as a necessary exfoliant for the skin. Salicylic Acid also acts as an exfoliant. While their functions are similar, there are some differences between them. In this section, we have shown the differences between Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid through a table

Conclusion

If you are worried about your rough or uneven skin, it might be because of the unshed dead skin cells. In that case, the consistent application of Glycolic Acid-based skincare products can be beneficial for the skin. So, it is advisable to go for a Glycolic Acid-based skincare product and use it properly to get the desired results.