You’ve seen glycolic acid listed in the ingredients list of your skincare products, or you’ve seen bottles of it in the skincare aisles. But do you know what glycolic acid is, and what it actually does?
Glycolic acid is a type of water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid (better known as AHA) that’s naturally-occurring — it’s extracted from the sugarcane plant. Given how tiny the acid molecules are, it’s ideal for absorption into the skin.
This versatile, natural ingredient has a ton of handy beneficial properties. Glycolic acid boosts your skin’s cell turnover rate so you shed dead skin cells sooner. It also stimulates collagen production, which is the coveted protein that gives your skin its elasticity and firmness.
With these properties, it’s easy to see how glycolic acid helps with various skin issues. And its benefits aren’t limited to your face, but your entire body! It can come in handy with certain scalp problems and body odour.
How can this holy grail ingredient change your skin? Let’s get down into the nitty-gritty. (And look out for some product recommendations at the end!)
As a chemical exfoliant, glycolic acid helps to loosen up dead skin cells so you’ll shed them easily and your skin will always look bright and radiant!
By exfoliating the skin, glycolic acid also helps to clean out and prevent clogged pores — the main thing that causes pimples — so you’re not as prone to blackheads, pimples and the like.
Glycolic acid’s small molecule size means it can penetrate deeper layers of the skin where it works its magic by improving collagen production. In turn, it reduces wrinkles and fine lines. However, the ingredient will need some time to work its magic so don’t expect instant results.
Hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone comes about when too much melanin is created and concentrated in one area of the skin. Another property of glycolic acid is that it inhibits melanin production, meaning that applying it will help fade any dark spots over time.
Since glycolic acid helps you shed dead skin cells on your face, wouldn’t it make sense that it would do the same with the skin on your scalp? Applying the ingredient to your scalp helps rid it of excess sebum and dead skin, cleansing it and freshening it up.
This may seem unusual, but glycolic acid can also help reduce body odour. Although there aren’t as many published studies on the effectiveness of glycolic acid in helping with body odour, there are several people who swear by this trick.
But when you take a deeper look at the characteristics of glycolic acid, this makes sense — glycolic acid lowers the pH level of your skin, making it more acidic and difficult for odour-causing bacteria to survive.
If you are often plagued by painful cracked heels, try glycolic acid. The acid helps to exfoliate the dry dead skin and expose the new skin beneath.
Depending on the composition and intensity of your glycolic acid product, there are different instructions for use. So. remember to read up on the specifications of your product before using it. Keep in mind not to use glycolic acid in conjunction with retinol, which may cause irritation.
These are the glycolic acid products that many swear by:
Canadian skincare brand The Ordinary has a massive cult following for a good reason — its products are no-nonsense, forgoing any unnecessary ingredients, and their frill-free glycolic acid toner is no exception. Use it on your face, scalp, underarms or anywhere, really.
With nearly 15,000 reviews and 4.6 stars on Amazon, you know this product is a winner. This facial cleanser from Nip + Fab contains 3% glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and calming blue daisy.
The Inkey List’s glycolic acid toner has a concentration of 10%, providing a deep exfoliation of your skin cells. It contains witch hazel too, which is calming and controls excess sebum.
Azani’s body scrub targets tiny bumps, enlarged pores, dry and rough patches, ingrown hair and any uneven tone and texture. Besides 5% glycolic acid, the scrub also contains lactic acid, which hydrates and nourishes the skin, and green tea, which is an antioxidant that prevents skin irritation.
Mario Badescu’s brightening facial cleanser is recommended to be used up to three times a week to address issues such as hyperpigmentation and clogged pores. If you have uneven skin or a breakout on your skin or chest, feel free to use it there too.
Formulated with 9% glycolic acid, ceramide, glycomide, jojoba oil and more, this cream contains all the goodness needed to rejuvenate your skin and retain moisture.
For healthy, luscious locks, try The Inkey List’s 7% glycolic acid exfoliating scalp scrub. In just ten minutes, the treatment removes product buildup and supports healthy hair growth.
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