Glycolic acid is one of the best ingredients to keep in your skincare routine, from exfoliating and hydrating to fighting blemishes and fine lines. It also works to brighten your complexion, reducing pore size and giving your skin a more even-toned look says the best dermatologist in Mumbai
Glycolic acid is a fruit acid and belongs to the AHA family of acids (alpha-hydroxy, which means it loosens dead skin cells). Its molecule is incredibly small, allowing it to penetrate deep into your skin.
Table of Contents
1. It’s an exfoliant
Glycolic acid is a powerful alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that removes dead skin cells from the surface of your face. This process helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the complexion, fade hyperpigmentation, and clear acne along with anti aging treatment benefits.
The reason glycolic acid is as effective as an exfoliate is that it dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This enables your skin to shed dead skin more quickly and make more collagen.
Of the AHAs, glycolic has the smallest molecular size, which means it’s the easiest to penetrate into the skin and has the most exfoliating power. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to see more significant results from their skin care routines.
2. It’s a hydrator
Glycolic acid is a humectant, which means it’s an exfoliate that draws the moisture that’s already naturally found in your skin to the surface. This helps skin stay soft and supple while also helping prevent signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
It also helps fade age related hyperpigmentation and is a popular anti aging treatment in Mumbai, which typically occurs on the top layer of skin and includes dark spots and age spots. It can also help improve the appearance of melasma, which is a tan-like pigmentation that affects the face.
If you have sensitive or irritated skin, it’s best to start with glycolic acid products that are less concentrated and use only in small amounts until your skin gets used to the treatment. You’ll probably notice some light stinging or redness when applying it, but this is normal and usually goes away within 24 hours.
3. It’s an acne treatment
Glycolic acid is a powerful chemical exfoliate that can help with mild to moderate acne. It also promotes faster cell turnover and helps prevent breakouts from occurring again.
This acid is derived from sugarcane and comes in varying strengths, including over-the-counter products that can be applied to the skin at home, professional-grade peels, and more says our best dermatologist in Mumbai.
Whether you’re looking for an effective way to combat breakouts, fine lines, dry spots or hyperpigmentation, it’s a must-have ingredient in your arsenal of skincare products.
But beware of this powerful skin care ingredient’s side effects, like tingling or burning when you first apply it to the skin. These are normal and should pass after a few minutes.
4. It’s a brightener
Glycolic acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids, and it’s a great choice for treating uneven skin tone, discoloration, and sun damage. It works by speeding up cell turnover to improve texture and reduce hyperpigmentation.
It can also lighten scarring and even out skin tone. It also helps clear pores and remove blackheads, acne, and oil build-up.
As with any exfoliate, if you have sensitive or irritated skin, it’s best to use lower concentrations of glycolic acid. It may cause redness and stinging at first, but it should settle down as your skin gets used to it.
5. It’s a firming agent
Glycolic acid is a very versatile skin care ingredient that can treat a variety of concerns. It’s especially useful for those looking to tighten and firm the skin, thanks to its collagen-boosting effects.
As an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), confirms our best dermatologist, glycolic acid works to loosen the glue-like bonds that hold dead or dehydrated skin cells together, helping them glide off your face. It also stimulates new cell generation, resulting in brighter, healthier-looking skin.
Conclusion
As one of the smallest AHAs, glycolic acid has the lowest molecular weight, so it can penetrate deep into your skin. It helps boost collagen production and minimize fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
