What is glycolic acid and what benefits does it have for the skin?
Posted by Ivatherm
Glycolic acid is an ingredient used primarily for skin exfoliation. It is naturally present in certain plants, such as beetroot and sugarcane. In its pure form, it is odorless and colorless. Due to its properties, it is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products.
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) made of tiny molecules that the skin absorbs very well. Its benefits for the skin include protecting collagen fibers and removing dead cells. Thus, it helps the skin remain smooth and radiant.
In this article, we will discuss what glycolic acid is, its properties and benefits, how to use it correctly, what side effects may occur, and answer the most frequently asked questions about this ingredient.
Table of Contents
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant found naturally in some plants. It has the smallest molecular structure of all AHA acids, which allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and exfoliate it even better than other alpha-hydroxy acids. For this reason, it is one of the most widely used AHAs in skincare products.
AHAs are natural acids derived from plants. They consist of small molecules that are very easily absorbed by the skin. That's why alpha-hydroxy acids are widely used to smooth fine lines, improve skin texture, and treat acne.
Among the alpha-hydroxy acids frequently used in cosmetic products are citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid.
Glycolic acid supports cell regeneration, allowing the skin to shed dead cells faster than it would naturally.
Glycolic acid also supportscollagen and elastin production, proteins that give skin firmness and elasticity. As we age, the skin produces less collagen. Additionally, collagen fibers are destroyed due to prolonged sun exposure. Using glycolic acid can prevent the breakdown of collagen fibers.
However, as with other chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too often or in too high a concentration can cause irritation or skin lesions.
Properties of glycolic acid
Glycolic acid has the following properties:
Acts as an exfoliant – As a chemical exfoliant, glycolic acid removes the outer layer of skin cells and sebum.
It is a humectant – Glycolic acid attracts water into skin cells by increasing the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (molecules that attract water into skin tissues).
It is antibacterial – A 2020 study showed that, at certain concentrations, glycolic acid can inhibit bacterial growth.
Has anti-aging effects – Glycolic acid can reduce some of the processes that cause premature skin aging. For example, it can reduce sun damage, increase the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin, and support elastin levels. These substances give the skin elasticity and strength.
Glycolic acid: benefits
Glycolic acid treatment is very popular for many reasons. When used regularly, it brightens the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes the appearance of pores, fights acne, removes dead cells, and evens out skin tone.
Among the best-known benefits of glycolic acid are those targeting acne, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Acne
Glycolic acid is an effective ingredient in the fight against acne because it exfoliates dead skin cells, which often clog pores and trigger the appearance of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and acne breakouts (pimples). Glycolic acid is a keratolytic ingredient, meaning it has the ability to destroy dead cells and keratin on the skin's surface and to unclog pores.
Recent studies have shown that glycolic acid has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which helps improve the appearance of the skin of people suffering from acne.
Sun damage
Exposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin damage. Visible signs of sun damage are pigment spots and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid fades dark spots caused by the sun and protects collagen fibers.
A 2020 study mentions that glycolic acid is an effective treatment for sun damage to the skin. Glycolic acid also has a protective effect against UVB rays, which means it helps prevent photoaging.
Try Ivawhite Depigmenting Night Fluid with 5.5% Glycolic Acid!
For best results, applying the fluid is recommended every other day, alternating with the intensive depigmenting serum from the same range. The product is applied in the evening, after cleansing the skin. The morning after application, a cream with sun protection factor must be used, as glycolic acid opens pores and makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Over time, due to the natural aging process, the skin loses its elasticity. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles can form. Glycolic acid can delay skin aging.
Glycolic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by effectively exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This exfoliation accelerates skin cell renewal, and accelerated skin cell renewal increases both the production of collagen, the main structural protein of the skin, and the skin's natural moisturizing capacity.
Glycolic acid can increase the level of hyaluronic acid, which helps tokeep the skin hydrated, and improves the quality of elastin, which provides elasticity to the skin.
Thus, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed, and skin tone and texture are improved.
How and when to use glycolic acid?
In general, glycolic acid can be safely used by anyone who wants bright and healthy skin. However, there are a few details to know before incorporating it into your skincare routine.
Firstly, using products with sun protection factor is a necessity during treatment with glycolic acid. Like all AHAs, glycolic acid sensitizes the skin, making ultraviolet rays more damaging.
Initially, it is recommended to use glycolic acid three times a week, not on consecutive days. If the skin does not become red or irritated, the frequency can increase to four uses per week. Once the skin gets used to the ingredient, glycolic acid can be used daily.
It is recommended to use products with glycolic acid that do not exceed a concentration of 10% and have a pH greater than 3.5.
At first, products with a low concentration of glycolic acid, around 6%, are recommended. Because glycolic acid increases the risk of sunburn, it is advisable to use it in the evening routine or with a sunscreen cream in the morning.
After the first treatments, the skin may feel rough. This is normal and means that the glycolic acid is working correctly.
Glycolic acid is found in numerous cosmetic products:
cleansers;
liquid exfoliants;
serums;
moisturizers;
acne treatments;
face masks.
Glycolic acid is one of the ingredients used in Ivatherm products:
Ivapur Gentle Purifying Exfoliant – gently exfoliates layers of dead cells without causing irritation or sensitizing the skin, prepares the skin for effective application of care cream, prevents inflammation, and gives the skin a bright and even appearance.
Cleansing Gel with 3% Glycolic Acid – removes dead cells, eliminates impurities, and restores skin luminosity without drying it, has a light texture, no fragrance or soap, and can be applied to the face and body, both morning and evening.
Glycolic acid: side effects
Most people who use glycolic acid do not experience problems, however, for those with sensitive or dry skin, it can be irritating. The most severe adverse effects that those using glycolic acid may experience are usually caused by using products with too high a concentration or ignoring specialist advice. Thus, certain side effects may occur.
Sunburn
AHAs can reduce the signs of sun damage. However, because glycolic acid removes the top layer of skin cells, it leaves the underlying cells more vulnerable to further damage from ultraviolet rays.
For this reason, it is essential to apply a sunscreen cream every day before going outside, while using glycolic acid products, and for a week after stopping the treatment.
Irritation
Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, may notice irritation after using glycolic acid products. Redness, inflammation, pruritus (itching), or a burning sensation are some of the symptoms that indicate the skin does not tolerate glycolic acid well, and discontinuation of treatment is recommended.
These symptoms can also appear if too high a concentration of glycolic acid is used or the product is applied too often.
Hyperpigmentation
Glycolic acid is an effective ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation. However, strong or irritating skincare products can also cause hyperpigmentation. To avoid possible adverse effects, the concentration of glycolic acid in the cosmetic products used must comply with specialists' recommendations.
For daily care, it is advisable to use products with a glycolic acid concentration between 2% and 4%. For at-home exfoliation, products with a glycolic acid concentration between 5% and 30% can be used, but not every day. Exfoliation is recommended two to three times a week.
Only in the case of chemical peels, which are performed under medical supervision a few times a year, can concentrations be higher, specifically between 30% and 50%.
Glycolic acid: frequently asked questions
Glycolic acid is an ingredient with numerous benefits for the skin, but because it can cause irritation, there are concerns about its use. Among the most frequent questions regarding the action of glycolic acid on the skin are:
What are the best glycolic acid products?
Several factors are important in choosing glycolic acid products: your skin type and the problem being treated. Therefore, before incorporating products containing glycolic acid into your daily routine, a specialist consultation is recommended. If your skin is more sensitive or dry, products with a lower percentage of glycolic acid (5-8%) are advisable.
How does glycolic acid work on the skin?
Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, accelerating cell regeneration and stimulating collagen production. At the same time, it helps cleanse pores, smooths fine wrinkles, improves skin tone, fades pigment spots, and hydrates the skin.
Can glycolic acid be used every day?
Initially, daily use of glycolic acid is not recommended. Glycolic acid can irritate the skin, and a period of adjustment is needed. To start, it's good to use it three times a week. If no irritation or red spots appear on the skin, it can be applied four times a week. The number of days glycolic acid is used should gradually increase as the skin begins to tolerate it.
Is glycolic acid effective in treating scars?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of glycolic acid for scar removal. Glycolic acid can help diminish the appearance of scars, but it will not make them disappear.
What should be known before using glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, using products with sun protection factor is essential during the period when glycolic acid is introduced into the skincare routine.
It is good to avoid using other products that quickly exfoliate the skin while glycolic acid is part of your skincare routine.
What should not be combined with glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid should not be combined with the following ingredients:
Retinol/Retinoids – The combination can cause severe irritation, redness, and excessive flaking.
Solution: Use them on different evenings or apply glycolic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – Both are acidic and can neutralize each other's effectiveness, plus they can irritate the skin.
Solution: Apply Vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening.
Benzoyl peroxide – This combination can lead to extreme dryness and irritation.
Solution: Alternate days of use.
Other exfoliating acids (salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid) – Over-exfoliation can damage the skin's protective barrier.
Solution: Use only one acid per day.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which, as it is absorbed by the skin, promotes cellular renewal. This makes glycolic acid an excellent exfoliant, giving the skin a healthier and brighter appearance. Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, especially anti-aging and acne treatments. It also supports collagen production, protects the skin against sun damage, and prevents clogged pores.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
What is glycolic acid and what benefits does it have for the skin?
Glycolic acid is an ingredient used primarily for skin exfoliation. It is naturally present in certain plants, such as beetroot and sugarcane. In its pure form, it is odorless and colorless. Due to its properties, it is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products.
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) made of tiny molecules that the skin absorbs very well. Its benefits for the skin include protecting collagen fibers and removing dead cells. Thus, it helps the skin remain smooth and radiant.
In this article, we will discuss what glycolic acid is, its properties and benefits, how to use it correctly, what side effects may occur, and answer the most frequently asked questions about this ingredient.
Table of Contents
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant found naturally in some plants. It has the smallest molecular structure of all AHA acids, which allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and exfoliate it even better than other alpha-hydroxy acids. For this reason, it is one of the most widely used AHAs in skincare products.
AHAs are natural acids derived from plants. They consist of small molecules that are very easily absorbed by the skin. That's why alpha-hydroxy acids are widely used to smooth fine lines, improve skin texture, and treat acne.
Among the alpha-hydroxy acids frequently used in cosmetic products are citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid.
Glycolic acid supports cell regeneration, allowing the skin to shed dead cells faster than it would naturally.
Glycolic acid also supports collagen and elastin production, proteins that give skin firmness and elasticity. As we age, the skin produces less collagen. Additionally, collagen fibers are destroyed due to prolonged sun exposure. Using glycolic acid can prevent the breakdown of collagen fibers.
However, as with other chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too often or in too high a concentration can cause irritation or skin lesions.
Properties of glycolic acid
Glycolic acid has the following properties:
Glycolic acid: benefits
Glycolic acid treatment is very popular for many reasons. When used regularly, it brightens the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes the appearance of pores, fights acne, removes dead cells, and evens out skin tone.
Among the best-known benefits of glycolic acid are those targeting acne, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Acne
Glycolic acid is an effective ingredient in the fight against acne because it exfoliates dead skin cells, which often clog pores and trigger the appearance of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and acne breakouts (pimples). Glycolic acid is a keratolytic ingredient, meaning it has the ability to destroy dead cells and keratin on the skin's surface and to unclog pores.
Recent studies have shown that glycolic acid has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which helps improve the appearance of the skin of people suffering from acne.
Sun damage
Exposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin damage. Visible signs of sun damage are pigment spots and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid fades dark spots caused by the sun and protects collagen fibers.
A 2020 study mentions that glycolic acid is an effective treatment for sun damage to the skin. Glycolic acid also has a protective effect against UVB rays, which means it helps prevent photoaging.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Over time, due to the natural aging process, the skin loses its elasticity. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles can form. Glycolic acid can delay skin aging.
Glycolic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by effectively exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This exfoliation accelerates skin cell renewal, and accelerated skin cell renewal increases both the production of collagen, the main structural protein of the skin, and the skin's natural moisturizing capacity.
Glycolic acid can increase the level of hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep the skin hydrated, and improves the quality of elastin, which provides elasticity to the skin.
Thus, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed, and skin tone and texture are improved.
How and when to use glycolic acid?
In general, glycolic acid can be safely used by anyone who wants bright and healthy skin. However, there are a few details to know before incorporating it into your skincare routine.
Firstly, using products with sun protection factor is a necessity during treatment with glycolic acid. Like all AHAs, glycolic acid sensitizes the skin, making ultraviolet rays more damaging.
Initially, it is recommended to use glycolic acid three times a week, not on consecutive days. If the skin does not become red or irritated, the frequency can increase to four uses per week. Once the skin gets used to the ingredient, glycolic acid can be used daily.
It is recommended to use products with glycolic acid that do not exceed a concentration of 10% and have a pH greater than 3.5.
At first, products with a low concentration of glycolic acid, around 6%, are recommended. Because glycolic acid increases the risk of sunburn, it is advisable to use it in the evening routine or with a sunscreen cream in the morning.
After the first treatments, the skin may feel rough. This is normal and means that the glycolic acid is working correctly.
Glycolic acid is found in numerous cosmetic products:
Glycolic acid is one of the ingredients used in Ivatherm products:
Glycolic acid: side effects
Most people who use glycolic acid do not experience problems, however, for those with sensitive or dry skin, it can be irritating. The most severe adverse effects that those using glycolic acid may experience are usually caused by using products with too high a concentration or ignoring specialist advice. Thus, certain side effects may occur.
Sunburn
AHAs can reduce the signs of sun damage. However, because glycolic acid removes the top layer of skin cells, it leaves the underlying cells more vulnerable to further damage from ultraviolet rays.
For this reason, it is essential to apply a sunscreen cream every day before going outside, while using glycolic acid products, and for a week after stopping the treatment.
Irritation
Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, may notice irritation after using glycolic acid products. Redness, inflammation, pruritus (itching), or a burning sensation are some of the symptoms that indicate the skin does not tolerate glycolic acid well, and discontinuation of treatment is recommended.
These symptoms can also appear if too high a concentration of glycolic acid is used or the product is applied too often.
Hyperpigmentation
Glycolic acid is an effective ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation. However, strong or irritating skincare products can also cause hyperpigmentation. To avoid possible adverse effects, the concentration of glycolic acid in the cosmetic products used must comply with specialists' recommendations.
For daily care, it is advisable to use products with a glycolic acid concentration between 2% and 4%. For at-home exfoliation, products with a glycolic acid concentration between 5% and 30% can be used, but not every day. Exfoliation is recommended two to three times a week.
Only in the case of chemical peels, which are performed under medical supervision a few times a year, can concentrations be higher, specifically between 30% and 50%.
Glycolic acid: frequently asked questions
Glycolic acid is an ingredient with numerous benefits for the skin, but because it can cause irritation, there are concerns about its use. Among the most frequent questions regarding the action of glycolic acid on the skin are:
What are the best glycolic acid products?
Several factors are important in choosing glycolic acid products: your skin type and the problem being treated. Therefore, before incorporating products containing glycolic acid into your daily routine, a specialist consultation is recommended. If your skin is more sensitive or dry, products with a lower percentage of glycolic acid (5-8%) are advisable.
How does glycolic acid work on the skin?
Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, accelerating cell regeneration and stimulating collagen production. At the same time, it helps cleanse pores, smooths fine wrinkles, improves skin tone, fades pigment spots, and hydrates the skin.
Can glycolic acid be used every day?
Initially, daily use of glycolic acid is not recommended. Glycolic acid can irritate the skin, and a period of adjustment is needed. To start, it's good to use it three times a week. If no irritation or red spots appear on the skin, it can be applied four times a week. The number of days glycolic acid is used should gradually increase as the skin begins to tolerate it.
Is glycolic acid effective in treating scars?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of glycolic acid for scar removal. Glycolic acid can help diminish the appearance of scars, but it will not make them disappear.
What should be known before using glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, using products with sun protection factor is essential during the period when glycolic acid is introduced into the skincare routine.
It is good to avoid using other products that quickly exfoliate the skin while glycolic acid is part of your skincare routine.
What should not be combined with glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid should not be combined with the following ingredients:
Solution: Use them on different evenings or apply glycolic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Solution: Apply Vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening.
Solution: Alternate days of use.
Solution: Use only one acid per day.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which, as it is absorbed by the skin, promotes cellular renewal. This makes glycolic acid an excellent exfoliant, giving the skin a healthier and brighter appearance. Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, especially anti-aging and acne treatments. It also supports collagen production, protects the skin against sun damage, and prevents clogged pores.
Resources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/glycolic-acid-15774#
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glycolic-acid-for-skin#summary
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/glycolic-acid-for-acne
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13570
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
https://gethealthyskin.com/ingredients/glycolic-acid
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a31155061/what-does-glycolic-acid-do/
https://www.glamour.com/story/glycolic-acid-what-does-it-do
https://www.dermstore.com/blog/top_ten/glycolic-acid-benefits/
https://www.evolvebeauty.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-glycolic-acid
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.