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Glycolic Acid: What Is It, Benefits, and How to Use for Skin Care?

Glycolic acid, an AHA, is naturally found in some plants, including beets and sugarcane, as well as in some fruits.

Glycolic acid, an AHA, is naturally found in some plants, including beets and sugarcane, as well as in some fruits. Because of its qualities, glycolic acid is a well-liked ingredient in a number of skincare products, as it is best known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, getting rid of any oiliness and dead skin cells. 

Properties of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is known for its ability to:

  1. Exfoliate: Glycolic acid dissolves the top layer of oil and skin cells to remove it as a chemical exfoliator. Glycolic acid does not require abrasive scouring, such mechanical exfoliants, such as face scrubs and brushes.
  2. Act as a Humectant: Glycolic acid functions as a humectant, attracting and binding water to skin cells. It accomplishes this by boosting the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are water-attracting molecules in the skin.
  3. Fight Bacteria: Glycolic acid can prevent bacterial development in specific quantities1.
  4. Fight Aging: Glycolic acid can slow down some of the processes that result in the outward indications of skin aging. For instance, it can decrease UV damage and boost the skin's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid2. These elements give skin its structure and suppleness.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid3

According to research, glycolic acid may be beneficial in treating the following: 

  1. Acne: One study evaluated the impact of a 70% glycolic acid peel on 80 acne-prone females. According to the study, glycolic acid effectively treats all forms of acne, but especially comedonal acne, which develops when pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells4.
  2. UV Damage: Skin damage can be brought on by UV radiation exposure. The telltale indicators of this are sunspots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles According to a study from 2020, glycolic acid is a successful treatment for skin damage brought on by the sun. 
  3. Wrinkles and lines: The skin loses its suppleness and plumpness with time. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles might emerge. This is a normal procedure that doesn't necessarily need to be treated. However, glycolic acid might be useful for individuals who decide to. Glycolic acid boosts hyaluronic acid levels in the skin, which helps to keep the skin hydrated, stimulates the creation of collagen, the primary structural protein in the skin, and speeds up the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which both contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin.

How to Use Glycolic Acid for Skincare

Glycolic acid is available in a variety of forms, including:

One of the most essential components of using glycolic acid is using the right product, one that is based on your needs but equally important is backed by research and scientifically developed. NEOSTRATA® has been studying topical skin care chemicals for more than 40 years, uncovering some of the most well-known technology, including glycolic acid, which has received global licensing in the skin care sector5. NEOSTRATA® has a wide range of glycolic acid-based products, including washes, lotions, serums, and creams among others. 

Related: Neostrata Skin Care Products with Glycolic Acid

Steps to use Glycolic Acid in your skincare routine:

When you are ready to use glycolic acid, follow the steps below: 

Step 1: Try the product on a tiny patch of skin that is not on your face to conduct a patch test. It is possible to determine whether the skin will accept it in this manner. 
Step 2: Apply the cream on your face if no symptoms appear.
Step 3: Start slowly. It is advisable to use glycolic acid sparingly at first and at a low strength. 
Step 4: Following the directions on the product label, a person can gradually increase their use if the skin feels smoother and does not exhibit any signs of an unpleasant response. Use it only as directed by a doctor or the label.
Step 5: Use at night. Some people prefer to use glycolic acid at night due to the increased risk of sunburn. 
Step 6: Do not forget to apply sunscreen. When using AHAs, sunscreen should always be the last step of the process before heading outside. 

In conclusion, chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid, are produced naturally by some plants. Glycolic acid is present in many skin care products and treatments. This substance offers moisturizing, anti-aging, and exfoliating qualities. It raises the levels of compounds that aid in collagen formation and skin regeneration. To prevent negative consequences, it is crucial to utilize it as advised.

 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7198592/

2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13570

3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13570

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10343939/

5. https://www.neostrata-me.com/our-story