Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from sugar cane. It is one of the most widely used AHAs in skincare products. Show
AHAs are natural acids that come from plants. They consist of tiny molecules that are very easy for your skin to absorb. This makes them ideal for smoothing fine lines, improving skin texture, and other anti-aging uses. This article takes a closer look at what glycolic acid is and how it can help your skin. It also includes tips on how to choose the right product for you and how to use it safely.  How Glycolic Acid WorksGlycolic acid has the smallest-sized molecules of all the AHAs. This allows glycolic acid to absorb into the skin and exfoliate it even better than other AHAs. Glycolic acid works by speeding up cell turnover. In other words, it dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together. In effect, your skin is able to shed dead skin cells more quickly than it would on its own. Glycolic acid triggers your skin to make more collagen as well. Collagen is the protein that makes skin firm, plump, and elastic. It also gives your bones and connective tissues their strength. Your skin makes less collagen as you age. Collagen is also destroyed when you spend too much time in the sun. Using glycolic acid each day can help prevent the breakdown of collagen. What It Does for Your SkinGlycolic acid is a very popular treatment for many reasons, including:
Although many sources claim glycolic acid gets rid of scars, this is one thing it simply can't do. Glycolic acid can lighten dark patches left by acne or other wounds. It may also soften the look of raised scars and pitted scars, but it will not make them go away. A better treatment for scars is either a professional strength glycolic acid peel or a different scar treatment altogether. RecapGlycolic acid consists of tiny molecules that skin absorbs very well. It protects collagen and helps your skin shed dead skin cells. This process smooths and brightens your skin, keeps your pores clean, and prevents ingrown hairs and acne. Where You Can Find ItIf you're looking for glycolic acid, you have lots of choices. This skincare darling can be found in many over-the-counter (OTC) products. Try your local drug store, market, or skin spa. You will find plenty of cleansers, masks, toners, and moisturizers that contain glycolic acid. OTC glycolic acid products tend to come in strengths of up to 10%. For stronger treatments, glycolic acid is also found in chemical peels. Light duty glycolic acid peels up to 30% strength can be done by an esthetician at the salon or skin spa. Stronger peels of up to 70% can be had at the dermatology office. Even though glycolic acid is made from sugar cane, the sugar you buy at the store is not quite the same. Rubbing your face with sugar can exfoliate the skin and leave it feeling smoother. But it's not going to give you the same results as glycolic acid treatment. Choosing the Right Skin TreatmentThe glycolic acid treatment you choose depends a lot on your skin type and what your end goals are. OTC products with glycolic acid might be enough to give you brighter, more healthy-looking skin. They might also be enough to prevent breakouts and reduce fine lines without the need for stronger pro peels. Professional skin peels are a good option if you want to treat a specific skin issue. For example, professional peels can help with sun damage, dark spots, acne, or deeper wrinkles. They will give you greater results more quickly. But because these peels contain higher percents of glycolic acid, they carry a greater risk of irritation. When choosing any glycolic acid treatment, the percent of glycolic acid it contains is just one factor to think about. The product's pH is the other. The more acidic a product is, the stronger and more effective it will be on your skin despite how much glycolic acid it contains. Granted, most skincare products only list the percent of glycolic acid used. They are not required to list the pH, which makes it a bit harder to compare products. RecapOTC skin care products contain up to 10% glycolic acid and are a good option for daily skincare. Pro peels contain up to 70% glycolic acid. They can quickly reduce stubborn acne, deep wrinkles, and sun damage but are more likely to bother your skin. How to Use Glycolic Acid SafelyIn general, glycolic acid is very safe for your skin and works well. To keep your skin safe, though, there are a few things to know before using glycolic acid. First and foremost, you must wear sunscreen whenever you are using glycolic acid treatments. Like all AHAs, glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You don't want to undo all the good your glycolic acid is doing, nor do you want to end up sunburnt. Allow your skin to get used to glycolic acid. If you are using an OTC product, start off by applying it just three times per week for a week or so. If your skin isn't red or irritated, try using it four times a week for a week or two. Keep slowly building up use this way until you're able to use it every day. If at any point your skin becomes irritated, give your skin a rest before trying again. For in-office or in-salon peels, you will likely start off with a lower amount of glycolic acid. If your skin tolerates that well, you will most likely be bumped up to higher strengths for your next peels. Your skin may feel a bit rough after your first few treatments. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product. You should slowly start to see smoother, more healthy skin. Most importantly, if you're under a dermatologist's care, make sure you get their OK before using any glycolic acid product or having a peel done. SummaryGlycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that comes from sugar cane. As it absorbs into the skin, it promotes cell turnover. This makes glycolic acid a great exfoliant that gives the skin a healthier, more glowing look. Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in many OTC and professional skin care products, especially anti-aging products. It also supports collagen production, protects the skin against sun damage, and prevents pores from getting blocked. If you need any help choosing a glycolic acid product, your
dermatologist can help you do so. A Word From VerywellGlycolic acid OTC products and professional peels have been around a long time. They have a safe track record and are known to work wonders for the skin. Most skin types can use them without much trouble. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to stick with wash-off glycolic acid products like cleansers. These are less likely to bother your skin than leave-on glycolic acid treatments. They also allow your skin to build up a tolerance in a way that doesn't bother your skin. Frequently Asked Questions
Can glycolic acid damage your skin?It is also useful in treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging. However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.
What happens if you use too much glycolic acid?Too much glycolic acid product can cause excessive irritation. Exfoliate once or twice a week - NOT daily. Over exfoliating can cause severe irritation, redness, breakouts, dryness, and even faster aging.
What are the disadvantages of glycolic acid?Common side effects of GLYCOLIC ACID include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. GLYCOLIC ACID can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
Can glycolic acid cause skin discoloration?“Those with darker skin tones, need to be cautious with glycolic acid,” warns Dr Buldeo. “It can cause a paradoxical darkening of the skin by stimulating melanocytes,” These are the melanin-producing cells in your skins deepest layer so this can lead to hyperpigmentation in black skin.
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