Glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) naturally derived from sugarcane, is one of the common skincare ingredients you can use for many skin concerns like dark spots, aging, acne, and breakouts.
In this article, we look at the basic information, benefits, and side effects of glycolic acid.
What is glycolic acid, and what is another name for glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is an odourless, colourless, water-soluble crystalline solid widely spread in nature and used in many skin-care products.
Other names for glycolic acids are hydroacetic acid and 2-hydroxy ethanoic acid. (1)
What does glycolic acid do to the skin?
Glycolic acid is a skincare ingredient used to get healthy, fresh, clear, and radiant skin. when we apply glycolic acid to our skin, it will give peeing effect to our skin. It can help remove the outer layer from the inner, including dirt and dead skin cells, to make the skin clear and healthy.
It also helps our skin by clearing up acne, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and aging. It acts as an exfoliant. During chemical exfoliation, this is one of the ingredients frequently used.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid for dark spots
Glycolic acid fades dark spots by working on the top layer of the skin. After applying glycolic acid to the skin, it will exfoliate and remove the dark skin to make it fresh and even-toned. (2)
Glycolic acid for dark knees
The skin of the knee is different from the skin of the face. Dryness, darkness, and the accumulation of dead skin are common in this area. With caution, you can use glycolic acid to peel off the upper layer of the skin on dark knees. Sunscreen is recommended mainly by experts when exposed to the outside after applying glycolic acid to your knees.
Glycolic acid for dark underarms
Dr. Marisa Garisk once mentioned on Todays.com that using glycolic acid on our underarms may lead to flakiness, dryness, and skin irritation. however, if you like to use it then you can use it in less concentration which is between 8-10 % to prevent any adverse reaction. (3)
Glycolic acid for dark inner thighs
Dark inner thighs are not a serious issue. Before taking any treatment, take care of yourself by making the area clean and moisturized. Chemical peeling is one of the most common procedures that can be done to treat dark thighs. Glycolic acid products with a low concentration can be used on your own, but if you are looking for a higher concentration, consult a broad-spectrum dermatologist.
Glycolic acid for tan
Tans and sunburns can be caused by UV rays. Glycolic acid acts as an exfoliator, which can exfoliate the outer skin layer by removing tan and making your skin look radiant and fresh.
Glycolic acid for skin glow, whitening, and brightening
Chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid can treat dull and dead skin cells and give overall glowing, whitening, whitening, and brightening effects to the skin. This can be used by all skin types and tones to get a fresh, clear, and good-looking complexion. But people with sensitive skin used it with caution because it may cause dryness or irritation. Before using it, do a patch test for confirmation of the reaction of your skin.
Also Read: Glycolic Acid for Acne
Side effects of glycolic acid
Generally, glycolic acid is considered safe. But overuse of this acid may have some possible side effects, like:
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Changing skin tone
- Burning sensation on the skin
- Inflammation
- Tightness or pulling sensation on the skin
- Skin redness
How do you use glycolic acid for beginners?
Individuals’ experiences are different for different ingredients or products. And if you are a beginner to any skincare routine, take some precautions and do any testing on a small portion.
Before starting the regular use of glycolic acid in your skincare routine, experiment by adding this ingredient to your routine for two to three days to see your skin’s reaction to this acid.
Here are the best ways to use glycolic acid on your face for beginners:
Use at night
Always use products containing glycolic acid at night to protect your skin from UV rays. And if you are using it in the morning, don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
As a face wash
Face washes are wash-off products that may not have the same side effects as creams or lotions. If you’re unsure about how your skin will react to glycolic acid, at first try face washes containing glycolic acid; these are specially designed for acne-prone skin.
As skin toner
You can use glycolic acid-based skin toners at night while you are in the beginning stage.
As a mask or chemical peel
Masks and chemical peels may contain the highest percentages of glycolic acid; beginners should avoid them unless a dermatologist prescribes their use.
Apply moisturiser after glycolic acid
As glycolic acid acts as an exfoliator and extracts the outer layer of skin and dead cells, the use of moisturiser will calm your skin by making it smooth and hydrating.
Avoid using any extra exfoliator
When you are using glycolic acid on your skin, avoid additional exfoliators, as too much exfoliation may make your skin dry and irritable.
Start with a lower percentage
Experts advise that at the beginning, it is best to start with a low concentration and figure out how your skin is reacting to this acid.
Use the product for a particular concern
Glycolic acid can be beneficial for various skin concerns, but use it as per your needs and not so casually. Because it may also have some side effects.
Read the instructions on the labels.
Read the product label carefully before starting to use any glycolic-based products.
How many days does it take for glycolic acid to work?
As long as you start using these miraculous ingredients, the time it takes for glycolic acids to work on your skin depends upon the result you are looking for. Glycolic acid starts working within a week, and you may see an improvement in your skin within a week.
After one month, you will see noticeable results, and between one and six months, depending upon your skin structure and type, you will see a change in your skin.
Is it safe to use glycolic acid every day?
The use of glycolic acid for everyday purposes depends on the concentration and skin concern. You can use toners and face washes that contain lower percentages of glycolic acid, which may be suitable for everyday use.
In the beginning, use products with lower concentrations of it. Many products designed for exfoliation should be avoided for everyday use as they may dry out your skin and cause any visible skin irritation. These products can be used twice a week.
In this video, a doctor explains the benefits of glycolic acid for skin.
FAQ’s
Q. Do I need sunscreen after glycolic acid?
Ans.FDA officials recommend using sunscreen while using products containing AHAs. Therefore, applying glycolic acid, which is an AHA, to the skin will increase UV sensitivity. Therefore, sunscreen is most necessary to use with glycolic acid. (4)
Q. Can vitamin C and glycolic acid be used together?
Ans.Both vitamin C and glycolic acid have so many benefits for the skin. However, both are acidic in nature, so using both of the above may cause irritation to the skin. Therefore, you can use both in different skincare routines, i.e., one in the morning and another at night.
Q.Which is better, salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
Ans. For acne-prone skin, both ingredients have beneficial effects, but experts say salicylic acid is more beneficial than glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is helpful for skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, whereas salicylic acid is the better option for acne breakouts and clogged pores.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid chemical peels are considered safe and effective for different skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, and aging. Products with fewer percentages can be used at home, but with a greater percentage for any skin concern, if you want to use any glycolic acid peel, take the help of board-certified dermatologists.
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