Glycolic acid has gained a reputation as a holy grail ingredient in beauty. This reputation stems from its versatility and numerous skincare benefits. As a leading alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family member, it’s a naturally occurring acid derived from sugarcane. Its unique characteristic of small molecular size enables it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Thus, it is more potent than other AHAs, such as malic and lactic acid.
However, caution is crucial before adding glycolic acid products to your skincare regimen. Obtaining a dermatologist’s advice on your skin’s tolerance level is imperative. For delicate skin patients, it’s wise to begin with, a glycolic acid cleanser rather than immediately trying a peel or serum. You can expect to gain value from its proper and consistent use. So, here are five reasons to include glycolic acid in your skincare routine. But first, let’s determine how it works.
How Does Glycolic Acid Work?
Your skin can benefit significantly from glycolic acid’s rejuvenating properties. As a keratolytic, glycolic acid penetrates the outer layer of the skin and breaks down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This penetration results in gentle exfoliation that makes your skin look smoother, fresher, and more youthful.
A glycolic acid cleanser is one way to incorporate this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine. For instance, its regular use promotes exfoliation, stimulates your skin’s natural cell turnover process, and increases collagen production. As a humectant, it can also draw moisture into the skin and maintain hydration levels. It helps to reinforce the skin barrier and promotes overall skin health.
Reasons To Include Glycolic Acid Cleanser In Your Skincare Routine
A glycolic acid cleanser is an essential part of your skincare routine for the following reasons:
Minimizes Aging Signs
The body’s natural collagen production slowly decreases as one age. Consequently, it can lead to signs of aging, such as fine lines, dryness, and a loss of elasticity in the skin. While people believe in embracing the natural aging process, there are ways to help slow down these effects. And glycolic acid has been one of the most effective solutions.
Many know glycolic acid for its anti-aging properties and may help boost collagen production and hydration in the skin. It can help diminish the look of fine lines and restore lost elasticity. Additionally, studies have shown that increasing collagen levels and hyaluronic acid can help treat photodamage in mature skin.
Reduces Scarring
A versatile ingredient like glycolic acid may effectively treat raised and depressed scars. When used as a peel with 70% strength, it may treat depressed scars commonly associated with inflammatory acne. The acid can remove the damaged skin’s outer layers. As a result, the surface becomes smoother and more uniform.
On the other hand, the keratolytic properties of glycolic acid may improve the appearance of raised scars. One study found that 91% of patients demonstrated significant improvement when used in low retinoic acid concentrations. Its effectiveness in scar treatment comes from the quantity and frequency of use.
Supports Skin Hydration
The idea of using acid to hydrate your skin may seem counterintuitive. However, glycolic acid is known for its ability to help the skin retain moisture. It’s due to its humectant properties, which enable it to attract and bind water to skin cells. Increasing your skin’s moisture content can help alleviate dryness and patchiness. This effect may leave your skin feeling nourished and plump.
Humectants draw water from the deeper layers of your skin, such as the dermis, to the outermost layer. It improves the moisture levels of the stratum corneum, where dry skin and dead cells can accumulate. As a result, your skin appears more nourished and plumper.
Prevents Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs can be an annoying and uncomfortable skin condition. They happen when dead skin cells, oil, and debris block hair follicles. It makes the hair grow sideways under the skin instead of outwards. It can lead to painful bumps and irritation. Fortunately, glycolic acid’s exfoliative and keratolytic properties can help.
It can prevent ingrown hairs by keeping pores clear and reducing the buildup of dead skin cells. It can also treat existing ingrown hairs by breaking down the bonds of dead skin cells and exfoliating away the debris buildup. However, it’s vital to note that glycolic acid may be ineffective with ingrown hair removal practices like waxing. The hair shaft’s sharp end curls inward and penetrates the skin.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
Keratin, a protein that protects the skin from infection, can build up and lead to a skin condition called keratosis pilaris. When keratin plugs block hair follicles, it leads to small, red, or skin-colored bumps on the arms and legs.
Glycolic acid can effectively treat keratosis pilaris as it helps soften and exfoliate these plugs, improving skin texture and tone. A study has shown that a high concentration of glycolic acid significantly improved skin texture. Furthermore, it improved the hyperpigmentation of follicles in patients with keratosis pilaris.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid is a versatile alpha-hydroxy acid. It can effectively treat various skin conditions while also targeting signs of aging. This acid is widely available in over-the-counter products, with different strengths. And so you can maintain a healthy skin routine and gain the above benefits with a glycolic acid cleanser.