Glycolic Acid : What Benefits And How To Use It ?

We often talk about glycolic acid in dermo-cosmetics: it would refine the skin texture and make it look younger. But what about it? Let’s take stock.

What is glycolic acid ?

Glycolic acid is a natural organic acid, which is part of the alpha hydroxy acids or “AHA”. It is assimilated to the large family of fruit acids. It is naturally present in several sugars (which can be fruit sugars). And it can be obtained solo from cane sugar, for example. Glycolic acid has a very fine molecular profile, which allows it to interact well with the skin it exfoliates. It is more powerful, for example, than the lactic acid contained in milks and which also exfoliates.

The benefits of GA

Glycolic acid is a recommended active ingredient for all irregularities in the upper layer of the skin. This active ingredient “refines” the skin texture, by exfoliating it. It makes the skin smoother and brighter. Irregularities such as pigment spots, pimples, scars or superficial wrinkles can be reduced by the action of GA.

You can target superficial pigment spots, caused by the sun, but also oily skin which can be dull and marked by spots of scars. Even dry skin can be helped by a product with glycolic acid, as fine superficial lines of dryness can be reduced.

In case of acne, a product with GA causes better regulation of sebum production because the pores of the sebaceous glands are freed, which reduces the appearance of pimples.

How does it work ?

This acid acts as an exfoliating agent, typical of enzymatic peels. Depending on the percentage of glycolic acid in a product, the pH value and the application time, the acid penetrates to a certain depth in the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. It breaks the bonds between dead skin cells. The skin is enzymatically exfoliated.

GA therefore acts primarily on the stratum corneum. This layer is made up of dead skin cells that often give skin a dull, gray appearance. If a glycolic acid product is used, it may “peel” temporarily.

This process thins the stratum corneum and “irritates” the skin a little but in a beneficial way. A superficial peel with low percentage glycolic acid has an exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. When using a higher percentage, the production of collagen and elastin is also stimulated. The lower layers of the skin start working again to fill in the “lack” caused by the exfoliating product on the surface.

How To Use GA?

– Using gA on the face

Glycolic acid is used on the face as an active ingredient in a suitable product (serum or mask most often). It is necessary to opt for a facial treatment with a minimum of 5% glycolic acid in its formula to hope for a perfecting action on the skin.

A 10% concentration in a well-formulated face product is effective in exfoliating the skin and thus reducing spots, fine lines, imperfections. But be careful, the product will irritate the skin since the desired effect is similar to irritation. It is therefore necessary to moisturize the skin with a neutral product after application. And above all to avoid the sun for at least 12 hours.

If you use a product with GA on the face, it is better to use it in the evening and over a specific period, while protecting yourself from UV rays throughout this period.

– How to make GA peel ?

Glycolic acid peeling consists of applying a dermo-cosmetic product correctly dosed in glycolic acid to the skin, and leaving it on the face for at least a few minutes before rinsing it off, or not depending on the product. The goal ? Allow the acid to act on the skin to exfoliate it enzymatically. Such a peel with GA is recommended for the treatment of facial imperfections such as spots, wrinkles, very dull complexion. It gives a greater result than the daily use of a product low in glycolic acid.

However, this peeling requires skin care after application, and the strict avoidance of UV rays within 24 hours at least after the treatment. Real peels with GA are practiced in institutes or at the aesthetic clinic.

For optimal results, several peels are necessary in combination with skin care products containing a low percentage of GA.

– When to apply GA ?

You can only use a glycolic acid product when you are sure you can avoid UV for at least 12 hours after application. Thus, glycolic acid is rather used as a daily active ingredient in the evening only. If a deep peeling with glycolic acid is used, it can be performed during the day, but it will then be necessary to carefully avoid UV rays for at least 24 hours after application, and to protect yourself strictly from the sun with suitable products.

Which GA to choose?

It is advisable to choose a natural product, it is the only possible guarantee to have a product free of silicones, petrochemicals and controversial preservatives for health or the environment.

The quality and dosage of glycolic acid is also important. Ideally, a GA derived from sugar (from fruit or cane, beets, etc.) is needed. The ideal dosage depends on the intended use: 5 to 10% for daily use for a given period, and well over 10% for occasional use in the form of a facial peel.

Does Glycolic Acid Tighten Pores?

Yes, but visually only. By exfoliating the skin like an enzymatic peel, a product with glycolic acid “refines” the skin texture. The openings of the pores appear smaller, since the superficial layer of the epidermis is eliminated.

Be careful, it should be noted that the pores are not tightened for real, since the pores of the skin are channels that fit much deeper into the skin than the level of the epidermis.

Is Glycolic Acid Suitable For All Skin Types?

Not really. GA peels are best suited for white or possibly very slightly dark skin tones. Dark skin may react poorly to a GA product. Indeed, these pigmentations can show brown spots as a reaction to any deep peeling process.

There are also medications that should not be combined with glycolic acid peels. If you are taking medication for acne or a skin condition, ask your doctor before use. A word of advice: always do a test treatment on the neck or shoulder to see how your skin reacts to the glycolic acid.

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I hope you now know all about the benefits of Glycolic Acid. Comment down below what you think, do you agree, or share with us your own experience if you use it in your skin care routine .

Looking forward o reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!