A Beginner’s Guide to Glycolic Acid
If you deal with textured skin that sometimes feels rough to the touch, you might be in need of some glycolic acid in your skinare routine. Below we’ll be going over the basics of this awesome skincare exfoliant and how it can benefit your skin.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It is recognized as the smallest and therefore most penetrative AHA in skincare. Its tiny molecular structure allows it to effectively exfoliate and transform skin at a deeper level compared to other chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or BHAs. As a water-soluble acid, glycolic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, facilitating their removal from the surface of your skin and promoting cellular turnover.
What Does Glycolic Acid Do for Your Skin?
Exfoliation: Dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, removing surface-level buildup that can cause dullness, congestion, and that rough feeling.
Skin Resurfacing: Stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Helps fade dark spots, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by accelerating skin cell renewal.
Acne Management: Unclogs pores, prevents breakouts, and reduces the appearance of acne scars by promoting faster skin cell turnover.
Enhanced Product Absorption: By removing dead skin cell buildup on your skin, which can create a barrier, glycolic acid improves penetration of subsequent skincare products.
How to Use Glycolic Acid
Guidelines for Concentration
Beginners: Start with 5-7% glycolic acid
Intermediate Users: 8-10% glycolic acid
Advanced Users: 10-15% glycolic acid
Guidelines for Application
Frequency: If you’re new to AHAs, you can start with using it 1-2 times weekly. Then once you know that your skin can handle the glycolic acid, increase frequency to up to 3-4 times (or as needed).
Best Time: Glycolic acid is best used as part of your evening skincare routine as the skin exfoliation can make your skin a bit more sensitive to the sun.
Application Method:
Cleanse skin thoroughly
Apply glycolic acid product evenly over your skin
Wait ~30s to allow the product to absorb before applying other skincare
Always follow with moisturizer to help nourish your skin
Use SPF during the day as glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity
Skincare Ingredient Compatibility
Not all skincare products can be mixed with good results. Below are some skincare ingredients to use and to avoid using with glycolic acid.
Ingredients That Work Well Together
Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration and counteracts potential dryness from the exfoliation
Niacinamide: Supports skin barrier and reduces inflammation
Ceramides: Enhances skin barrier recovery
Peptides: Promotes collagen production and a stronger skin barrier
Ingredients to Avoid or Use Carefully
Retinol: Can cause excessive irritation when used simultaneously with glycolic acid (or any exfoliant)
Vitamin C: Could cause potential pH interference; best used at different times
Other AHAs/BHAs: Creates a risk of over-exfoliation, which may lead to skin irriration and a compromised skin barrier
Physical Scrubs: Avoid concurrent mechanical exfoliation as this could damage your skin barrier
And there you have it… your quick rundown of glycolic acid ✨ It’s such a great skincare ingredient that can dramatically improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance when used correctly. Hopefully this guide provided a better understanding of its properties and application guidelines to help you on your way to smoother, renewed skin.