How To Use Glycolic Acid?

Often nicknamed the fruit acid, glycolic acid is a powerful active ingredient that can be found in many beauty products: from peels to masks, serums or night creams targeted as purifying care for oily skin, lightening or anti-wrinkle, body care, shampoos and conditioners, and even toners and cleansing lotions.

Part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family, glycolic acid is derived from fruit sugar (beet, grape, sugar cane, pineapple, etc.). Its low molecular weight (M = 76.05 g/mol) gives it a great power of penetration in the deep layers of the skin. On the market, the percentages of AHA in individual products vary between 4% and 10%. It is therefore suitable for all skin types, provided that you choose a product adapted to your skin type. Beyond that, the treatment must be performed by a doctor.

This molecule is particularly appreciated for its exfoliating virtues. Indeed, glycolic acid reacts by simple contact and without friction with the corneal layer by weakening the lipidic bonds connecting the corneocytes between them, causing the acceleration of the process of natural desquamation and the effective elimination of impurities. Thus, revealing an impressive glycolic acid before and after, it shows smoother, more toned and younger skin underneath. In fact, this leads to a considerable improvement in the texture and appearance of the epidermis, due to the stimulation of cell regeneration and skin microcirculation. The complexion is smoothed and luminous, the skin is purified (regulation of sebum secretion), the size of the pores is refined, and skin irregularities are reduced (acne scars, etc...).

Other effects are other effects, too: this acid helps reduce pigmentation spots by inhibiting the overproduction of melanin, as well as restoring firmness and hydration to the skin, and blurring the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating the synthesis of collagen, elastin, responsible for the skin's tone, and hyaluronic acid. These glycolic acid benefits depend mostly on the dosage and other active ingredients found in cosmetic products.

Most skin types can benefit from the use of a glycolic acid-based treatment. It is particularly suitable for dry, normal, combination to oily, blemish-prone (enlarged pores, pimples, blackheads), dull, hyperpigmented, rough and mature skin. On the other hand, glycolic acid can be unfavorable for some people. If you have sensitive skin, these treatments are probably not for you. We strongly advise you to consult a dermatologist before trying it. Indeed, it can generate allergic reactions as well as irritations. Also, people with darker skin may be at risk of pigmentation issues with the use of glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is an excellent addition to formulas for combination to oily skin as a seborrhea regulator, preventing new acne breakouts, pore clogging and blackheads. For dry skin, this ingredient is recommended to increase skin hydration by participating in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Glycolic acid can even help skin that has a lot of pigmentation (sun spots, melasma, acne marks), making them less visible and evening out the complexion. It is also known to help tired and dull looking skin look more radiant, fresher, brighter and younger. On mature skin, skin care products containing glycolic acid are valued for their brightening properties, tightening effect, and ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal, it facilitates the absorption of other skin care products into the skin.