Glycolic acid is one of the AHA acids, recommended for the care of skin with acne vulgaris, as well as to combat the signs of skin aging. It can help remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. In low concentrations it has a moisturizing and slightly exfoliating effect; in high concentrations it is used in beauty salons as a means of stimulating the deep layers of the skin to regenerate.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid (GA) is an organic compound belonging to the class of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). It is one of the smallest and most penetrating acids used in cosmetic and dermatological skin care products. HA is obtained from sugar cane, sugar beets and other plants. It can be found in gooseberries, apples and grapes.
Used in skin care due to its properties: it exfoliates the top layers of dead skin cells, making it softer, smoother and brighter.
How does glycolic acid work on the skin?
- Exfoliates dead cells and renews the skin.
- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
- Smoothes out wrinkles.
- Cleanses and removes blackheads.
- Regulates sebum secretion.
- Regulating the process of keratinization of the epidermis.
- Thickening of the epidermis.
- Reduction of scars and stretch marks.
- Reduces skin pores.
- Lightens stains.
This is the simplest hydroxy acid, characterized by the fact that its molecules are very small and have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin. It dissolves well in water and is the main ingredient in cosmetics. Used in the treatment of skin pigmentation and acne treatment. Can transport water molecules from the air into skin tissue and replenish lost moisture.
Note! The concentration of glycolic acid in skin care products may vary depending on the type of product and skin care goals. Typically, the HA content for the face in cosmetic products varies from 4% to 20%. However, it is important to remember that higher concentrations can irritate and dry out the epidermis, especially in people with sensitive skin. For everyday use, it is recommended to choose products such as creams and lotions with a HA concentration of 4% to 10%. These products can help maintain healthy skin and improve its texture.
Glycolic acid in cosmetics
Glycolic acid can be found in cosmetics intended for acne, mature, discolored or dry and sensitive skin. AHA acid stimulates the renewal of epidermal cells when it is weakened or damaged.
It effectively moisturizes the skin, removes the outer layer of dead cells. The skin becomes fresher, smoother and tighter. Products containing glycolic acid are often used to treat scars, skin discoloration, and signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. For dull, pigmented or aging skin, use once a week as an exfoliant in home peels.
This substance is recommended for almost any skin. For dry and dehydrated skin, it will increase the level of moisture and smooth it, and in the case of oily skin, with enlarged pores or acne, it will regulate sebum secretion and restore acidic pH. However, there are skin types for which treatment with this acid is especially recommended:
- dry or oily skin;
- acne skin and acne scarred skin:
- seborrheic skin;
- mature skin with wrinkles;
- discolored skin.
Cosmetics with glycolic acid are good for oily, mature, rough skin with uneven complexion and discoloration. It will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate blackheads, give the skin radiance and soften. Studies have confirmed that skin care with glycolic acid stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, restores the elasticity of fibers, and, as a result, increases skin elasticity.
Glycolic acid for acne
Glycolic acid (GA) can be beneficial in the fight against pimples and acne due to its pore-clearing properties. It helps exfoliate the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells, which can prevent clogged pores and acne formation.
Overproduction of sebum causes clogged sebaceous glands, which continually enlarge and then transform into acne and skin lesions.
Additional information ! Glycolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. To ensure a better and longer-lasting effect on the skin, it is recommended to repeat the peeling several times at intervals of approximately 10-14 days.
Glycolic acid helps regulate and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, restores the normal thickness of the epidermis layer, while cleansing and protecting hair follicles from re-clogging. This acid is also used to unclog pores and remove blackheads, and it also works on common pimples. The acid has the ability to tighten enlarged skin pores and smooth out acne scars.
Closed comedones with inflammation, most often caused by anaerobic bacteria, transform into papules, pustules or purulent cysts. Depending on the number of rashes, a specific type of acne is distinguished. Glycolic acid is the choice especially for papulopustular acne, but should not be used for rosacea.
Glycolic acid for face
Glycolic acid can be used in anti-aging cosmetics and against wrinkles. It has the ability to stimulate cell division and influence the increase in fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin.
For this reason, it is an excellent anti-aging ingredient: it evens out the structure and color of the epidermis, reduces wrinkles and acne scars, and smoothes the skin.
Note! The combination of glycolic and salicylic acids tightens and cleanses pores, brightens the skin and deeply stimulates its regenerative processes.
In caring for the skin of the whole body, it will help soften the rough epidermis, making it soft even in problem areas of the knees or elbows, moisturize and soften the rough skin of the legs, and help strengthen the skin.
Glycolic acid in home beauty treatments
You can confidently use products that contain glycolic acid at home. Chemical peels exfoliate the layers of the epidermis and remove skin imperfections such as wrinkles, small scars, and uneven pigmentation.
However, glycolic acid can be harmful if not used as directed. A 15-20% solution seems to be a safe concentration for using glycolic acid at home.”
Cosmetic procedures with acid concentrations ranging from 20% to 70% act primarily on the surface of the skin. The peeling effect of the epidermis will be noticeable approximately 3 days after the chemical peel.
Although the acid is not allergenic or toxic, it is better to conduct a test (on the inside of the forearm) before starting treatment. The use of acid is unacceptable if there is skin irritation, psoriasis, herpes or acne in the active phase. Acid peeling is carried out at intervals of approximately 10-14 days with a six-month break after the procedures. Do not forget to protect your skin from the sun and frost after treatment, because it is delicate and more susceptible to the harmful effects of external factors.
If other exfoliating acids or retinol are used in the treatment, the introduction of glycolic acid may be associated with a greater risk of irritation. Applying too much acid to the skin can cause scarring and discoloration. When using exfoliating acids in your skincare routine, sun protection during the day, all year round, is also extremely important.