Glycolic Acid For Skin: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects Explained
Looking for ways to achieve healthy and flawless skin with ease? The solution to all your skincare woes lies in one superb ingredient: Glycolic acid.
If you are aware of AHAs, you must have some idea about glycolic acid. But not sure of the hype and wondering what the acid does for the skin?
The blog on glycolic acid for skin will help you understand more about the benefits, uses, and side effects of glycolic acid on the skin.
Thus, stay tuned and gear up to flaunt the skin of your dreams effortlessly using glycolic acid.
Table of Contents
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane, is one of the most sensational and well-researched Alpha-hydroxy acids. It belongs to the family of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that include the lightest and smallest molecular weight of all acids. This makes the acid penetrate deep into the skin and provides maximum benefits.
Its small molecular structure is its greatest strength. Glycolic acid is colourless, odourless, and highly soluble in water. It is highly regarded for its exfoliating properties, making this powerhouse ingredient an effective part of glycolic acid skin care.
Now that you know what glycolic acid is, let’s learn about its benefits, uses, side effects,and more!
Different Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Skin
Here are the top 8 amazing benefits of glycolic acid for skin that you should know about:
Hyperpigmentation
Using glycolic acid regularly helps fade mild hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and age spots. Want to know how? Glycolic acid helps fade hyperpigmentation by removing darker skin cells from the skin’s surface to bring forth a fresh layer of even skin.
Exfoliates the skin
Glycolic acid is a proven exfoliator. This ingredient prevents the ingrowth of hair and makes your pores look smaller by helping the skin get rid of dead skin cells.
Hydration
Moisturisation helps achieve healthy skin, and using glycolic acid on the skin is the key to unlocking it. It is a type of humectant that draws water molecules to itself, leaving the skin to feel hydrated.
Fewer wrinkles
Besides dissolving dead skin cells, glycolic acid flattens the skin’s surface too, leaving it feeling even and making wrinkles appear less noticeable.
Sun damage
Glycolic acid is also known for its efficacy in protecting the skin from UVB rays and providing optimal results for sun-damaged skin.
Complexion
Want to achieve a glowing skin? You can rely on glycolic acid to make this happen. If applied regularly and religiously, glycolic acid may help brighten the skin and leave it feeling glowing and radiant.
Allows penetration of ingredients
The acid’s exfoliating properties not only boost skin cell rejuvenation but also enable deeper penetration of other skincare ingredients and help achieve maximum results.
Acne
Wondering if glycolic acid effective for acne marks? The short answer is yes. It exfoliates dead skin cells, which helps to clog pores and trigger breakouts.
How To Include Glycolic Acid In Your Skincare Routine?
Here are some easy and effective ways to include glycolic acid in your skincare routine:
- Cleansers: For beginners, it is easier to include glycolic acid as a face wash. This deep cleans your pores while regulating oil production on your face.
- Toner: Using glycolic acid-infused toner provides you with a radiant glow while keeping your skin hydrated and acne-free.
- Serum: The most potent dose of glycolic acid is found in serum. But be mindful of the concentration and PH that you use.
- Night cream: Using night cream infused with glycolic acid will help boost your nighttime skin repair.
- Moisturiser: If you have acne-prone or combination skin, regular use of glycolic acid as a moisturiser will provide even-toned, blemish-free skin, with fewer breakouts.
- Face mask: Glycolic acid in a face mask can also give a significant boost to your skin’s health.
Does Glycolic Acid Lighten Skin?
Yes, glycolic acid helps “lighten” skin by fading dark spots, evening tone, and brightening complexion through exfoliation, not by bleaching or changing your natural color.
How it works:
- Exfoliates dead cells: Glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells, promoting faster cell turnover.
- Fades dark spots: By removing pigmented cells from the skin’s surface, it reduces the appearance of dark spots, age spots, and melasma.
- Brightens overall: This process clears away dullness, revealing brighter, more radiant, and luminous skin.
Key takeaway:
- It doesn’t bleach your skin or alter your natural melanin.
- It creates an even tone by removing uneven pigmentation, making the skin appear lighter and brighter over time.
Usage:
- Integrate it carefully into your routine (serums, toners).
- Consistency is key to the best results.
- Always use sunscreen, as exfoliation increases sun sensitivity.
The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts of Using Glycolic Acid for Skin
The ultimate success or efficacy of using glycolic acid for your skin’s well-being lies with the following essential dos and don’ts:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Patch test first: To check for irritation before full use, apply a small amount to a discreet area ( like the inner elbow). Wait for 24 hours to check if any irritation occurs. | Avoid overuse: Daily use, especially with higher concentrations, may cause peeling, redness, or a compromised moisture barrier. |
| Start slowly: If you’re new to glycolic acid, begin with a lower concentration(10-15 )%. Gradually increase frequency as your skin starts to adjust. | Don’t combine with strong actives: Like retinoids, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide, as these actives can amplify irritation when combined in one session. |
| Apply at night: As the acid increases sun sensitivity, include it in your evening routine to prevent the risk of UV damage. | Never skip sunscreen: Glycolic acid may increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, so never skip a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 every morning. |
| Day care: Follow up with a hydrating moisturiser and sunscreen during the day. | Avoid applying to sensitive or damaged skin: If your skin is dry, irritated, or recovering from recent procedures, refrain from applying to prevent aggravating conditions. |
| Gently cleanse before use: Prep your skin with a mild cleanser, ensuring that glycolic acid penetrates evenly without irritation. | Avoid layering with other exfoliants: Do not combine with salicylic acid, lactic acid, or physical scrubs to prevent over-exfoliation. |
| Monitor your skin reactions: Paying close attention to how your skin reacts after introducing glycolic acid is vital. Mild tingling is ok. But note excessive irritation, redness, or dryness. | Avoid during winter: Give glycolic acid a break during the winter months when your skin is already dry. |
| Stay consistent: To see the best results, use glycolic acid consistently. This will help your skin build up a tolerance to the acid for the best results. | Avoid picking skin: If you notice flaking during the initial days of use. This may lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring. |
Glycolic Acid Side Effects On Skin
Although glycolic acid promotes healthier, clearer skin, it has fewer side effects, like:
- Skin irritation
- Swelling
- Skin rash
- Burning sensation
- Itching
How Long Does It Take For Glycolic Acid to Work?
It may vary as per the forms in which glycolic acid is being used. Overall, most types of glycolic acid-infused products, be it cleansers, face masks, serums, etc, will require a few uses to really provide the true results:
- After about a month: You should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin decongested and clean.
- After completing two months: Reduction in dark spots and pigmentation, as regular use of glycolic acid melts away old, dead skin cells and causes an increase in cell turnover. Even a reduction in scars.
- At around three to six months: Boosted collagen production, reduced wrinkles and fine lines, firmer and more elastic skin.
Conclusion
To conclude, glycolic acid for skin is a chemical exfoliant that is present in many skincare products and treatments. So, if your skin lacks luster, it may require some deep cleansing through an exfoliant active such as glycolic acid. Keeping all the pointers in mind, use this potent active to minimise hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and breakouts, and take charge of your glow now.
FAQs
Is glycolic acid safe for skin?
Yes, glycolic acid is generally safe and highly effective for skin when used correctly, offering benefits like smoother texture, brighter tone, and reduced acne by exfoliating dead cells and boosting collagen.
Is glycolic acid good for oily skin?
Yes, glycolic acid is excellent for oily skin because it’s a powerful exfoliant that unclogs pores, reduces excess oil (sebum), prevents breakouts (blackheads/pimples), smooths texture, and fades acne marks, leading to clearer, brighter, and more balanced skin.
Is glycolic acid good for dry skin?
Yes, glycolic acid can be good for dry skin by gently exfoliating dead cells, improving texture, and boosting hydration, but it must be used carefully in lower concentrations with ample moisturizer, as it can cause irritation or excessive dryness if overused.
How to use glycolic acid for skin whitening?
To use glycolic acid for a brighter complexion, start with low concentrations (5-10%) a few times a week at night on clean, dry skin, gradually increasing use as tolerated, always followed by SPF (sunscreen) during the day due to increased sun sensitivity, and use it to exfoliate away dead, pigmented cells.
How does glycolic acid for skin lightening work?
Glycolic acid lightens skin by acting as a chemical exfoliant, dissolving the “glue” holding dead, pigmented skin cells on the surface, promoting faster cell turnover to reveal brighter, newer skin underneath.
Which is the best form of glycolic acid for oily skin?
For oily skin, the best glycolic acid forms are gels, toners, or serums in lower concentrations (around 2-5%) for daily use, or stronger toners (like 7%) a few times a week, as these formulas penetrate well and offer effective exfoliation without heaviness.
What does glycolic acid dry skin mean?
“Glycolic acid dry skin” means the specific benefits of this powerful exfoliant for dry skin. While great for smoothing texture and brightening, but for dry skin, it helps by revealing fresh cells while also boosting hydration and barrier function when used correctly.
What skin is best for glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is great for oily, acne-prone, dull, and aging skin, helping with clogged pores, uneven tone, and fine lines by exfoliating dead cells and boosting collagen.
Is glycolic acid moisturizing or drying on the skin?
Glycolic acid can be both hydrating and drying; it exfoliates dead skin, improving texture and allowing better moisture absorption, but overuse or high concentrations can strip the skin barrier, causing dryness and irritation.
Is it good to use glycolic acid daily?
Yes, but with caution. Daily use of glycolic acid is generally safe at low concentrations (around 1-5%) and for those with resilient skin. For beginners or those with sensitive skin, start with 1-2 times per week and gradually build up frequency as your skin adjusts.
