What Does Glycolic Acid Do? So Much You'll Start it ASAP!

Are you on the lookout for beauty products that will deliver visible results quickly? If so, then glycolic acid is your ticket to captivating skin!

Glycolic acid has become incredibly popular in recent years—and if you haven't heard of it yet, prepare to be amazed.

There's a reason everyone's obsessed with this powerful ingredient and its incredible benefits. It's not just for acne prone skin or people with skin issues!

From smoother skin texture to minimizing wrinkles and balancing oily pores - once you've learned about what this magical ingredient can do, it won't take long before it becomes your new best friend!

Read on as we dive into the science behind a glycolic acid treatment - its benefits and how it can help rev up your skincare routine!

What is Glycolic Acid?

What exactly is this amazing tonic anyway? Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It's a small molecule that penetrates the skin with ease, making it one of the most effective acids for exfoliation and skin rejuvenation.

It has been used for centuries with incredible results due to its ability to accelerate cell turnover and promote collagen.

Glycolic Acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be shed away more efficiently, leaving behind brighter and smoother looking skin!

Glycolic acid can be found in all sorts of skincare products including glycolic acid peels, toners, creams and glycolic acid cleanser - which all work together to give you smooth radiant looking skin with minimal effort.

The Master Exfoliator

Glycolic acid works as a type of chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants differ from physical exfoliants like scrubs and brushes because they use acids and enzymes instead of small grains or bristles to slough off dead skin cells on the surface.

Glycolic acid belongs to the group of alpha hydroxy acids and is derived from natural sources such as fruits, sugar cane, vinegars, etc., Other AHA's include lactic acid, malic acid and citric acid.

Glycolic acid serum or toner acts by breaking down the bonds between skin cells which loosens them up enough for them to be removed without scrubbing hard at your face – ouch!

This also helps to normalize cell turnover rate so that your skin will naturally shed those old layers faster while promoting healthy growth in the new ones underneath.

The Amazing Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Improved Skin Texture: One of the standout benefits of glycolic acid is its ability to refine skin texture. By removing the build-up of dead skin cells,  glycolic acid peel helps to smooth rough patches, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and even smooth acne scars. Regular use can result in a softer, more supple complexion.

Hyperpigmentation Reduction: Glycolic acid has been found to be effective in addressing hyperpigmentation concerns, such as sunspots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. By exfoliating the upper layers of the skin, it helps to fade dark spots and promote a more even skin tone.

Acne Treatment and Prevention: Glycolic acid possesses antimicrobial properties and can penetrate the pores, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent future breakouts. Additionally, it can minimize the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin cell turnover and collagen production.

Enhanced Product Absorption: The exfoliating action of glycolic acid improves the skin's ability to absorb other skincare products. By removing the barrier of dead skin cells, it allows serums, moisturizers, and treatments to penetrate more deeply, maximizing their effectiveness.

Collagen Stimulation: Another remarkable benefit of glycolic acid is its ability to stimulate collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin, contributing to its firmness and elasticity.

With regular use of glycolic acid, collagen synthesis is boosted, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a more youthful complexion.

How to Incorporate Glycolic Acid into Your Skincare Routine

Now that we've explored the benefits of glycolic acid, it's important to know how to incorporate it effectively into your skincare routine. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Patch Test: Before using any new skincare product containing glycolic acid, it is essential to perform a patch test on a small area of skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. This will help determine if you have any sensitivity or adverse reactions to the ingredient.

Start Slowly: If you're new to using glycolic acid products, it's recommended to start with a lower concentration (around 5% or 10%) and gradually increase it as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient. This helps minimize the risk of skin irritation.

Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the instructions provided with the glycolic acid product. Pay attention to the recommended usage frequency and duration to avoid over-exfoliating or damaging the skin's moisture barrier. For even more expert advice, consult your dermatologist to see how it works with your individual skin type.

Sun Protection is Crucial: Glycolic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF during the day. This will help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent further skin damage.

Want some more information about how to incorporate this ingredient into your skincare routine? Here are some more glycolic acid tips from Dr. Natasha Henry, a skincare expert.

Get Yourself into Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is a skin care powerhouse that serves as a fantastic tool to boost your skin health.

If you're struggling with clogged pores, dullness, or breakouts-- then the benefits of including glycolic acid in your routine are hard to ignore.

With responsible use and supervised application from trained estheticians, you can look forward to smoother skin texture; fading dark spots and discolorations; plus reduced inflammation and refined pores.

All these elements put together mean one thing: healthier-looking skin that radiates youth and radiance!

So here's the bottom line: if you're looking for ways to invigorate your skincare routine then go ahead and give glycolic acid a shot. But be sure to start slow so that your skin can adjust and you don't overdo it!