Can Glycolic Acid Really Do Wonders to Your Skin?
Glycolic acid is typically utilized for treating acne and unclogging pores. It is a powerful exfoliant in AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) group which is found naturally in plants like pineapple, beets, and sugarcane.
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule in the acid group which makes it easy for your skin to absorb it. This also results in more visible results in lesser time as compared with the rest of AHAs. It can easily clear away the dead skin cells which usually lead to whiteheads and blackheads.
How It Works?
You are probably wondering how glycolic acid works. Here is how:
- Glycolic acid reacts with your skin’s top layer and breaks it down by melting away the substances like sebum which binds together the cells.
- The dead cells in the skin get dissolved which reveal a younger, brighter and smoothing looking skin.
- The products vary in percentages of pH levels and concentration. Products that include pure glycolic acid in low concentration is a lot effective as compared to others.
Benefits to Your Skin
Following are the benefits glycolic acid can provide to your skin:
- Offers an even skin exfoliation
- Dissolves and releases dead skin cells which clears up blocked blackheads and pores
- Effectively treats acne, especially cystic acne which is caused due to blockage by sebum and dead cells
- Reduces signs of premature aging and enhances cell turnover which leaves behind healthy and younger cells. It helps in stimulating the production of elastin and collagen which are integral to attain young and firm skin.
- Regular usage leads to improved quality of skin. Glycolic acid enhances the tone of your skin, renews the cells and fights wrinkles and fine lines with regular usage.
- Decreases the pores by clearing them and strengthening the surrounding cells which helps the cells in regaining their elasticity.
- It also helps in reducing the discoloration, melasma, brown spots, and pigmentation on your skin. Apply a product which includes a mixture of AHAs (salicylic, citric, tartaric, lactic, and glycolic) evenly on your skin and leave it on overnight to see the difference in the morning.
- It also helps in preventing the appearance of ingrown hair. Ingrown hair are usually the small bumps that appear typically after shaving or waxing; it can also occur when a strand of hair curls inside the skin. The best way to treat ingrown hair is to prevent it which can be done with the application of glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is available in various skincare products including moisturizers, cleansers, pads, and peels. Find a product which works best for you and make sure that you start off with a product which has a lower concentration of the acid so that your skin gets time to adjust to it before you move on to higher concentration levels.
Once you find the right product for you, use it regularly in order to experience optimal results and then start flaunting your beautiful and healthier looking skin!