What Is Glycolic Acid And How To Use It For Skin Care?

Say goodbye to many of your skin woes with proper use of this exfoliating acid.

Medically reviewed by Vincent Marin, MD, FACS
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach

Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech

Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach • Feb 23, 2024

What Is Glycolic Acid And How To Use It For Skin Care?

Image: Shutterstock

When we talk about exfoliating acids, the first name that pops up is glycolic acid. If you are new to facial acids and wonder what is glycolic acid and why we are discussing it, you will get all your answers in this article. This alpha-hydroxy acid is a one-stop solution to all your skin care troubles. Be it uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and fine lines – glycolic acid is the solution to all. This one ingredient should definitely be a part of your skin care routine. First, however, you must know the proper ways to use facial acid. Scroll through this article to learn everything about glycolic acid and ways to use it.

Trivia

Auguste Laurent, a French chemist, was known to coin the name “glycolic acid” in 1848.

In This Article

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane and a part of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family. It was first used in the cosmetic industry about 20 years ago and is known to be one of the safest and most effective AHAs for the skin. Dermatologists started using it in skin peel off procedures because its molecules are small and penetrate the skin very easily. It is now distilled, filtered, and diluted before being added to everyday beauty products. It is a great exfoliator and toner.

It’s pretty clear that there are multiple uses of glycolic acid and that it has some great benefits to offer. So, let’s take a look at why exactly you should add it to your skin care regimen.

How Does Glycolic Acid Work And What Are Its Benefits?

Treats Acne And Clogged Pores

Image: Shutterstock

The most significant advantage of glycolic acid is that it has extremely small molecules that penetrate into the skin quickly and battle acne from within. It prevents breakouts and blackheads, clears pores, and controls oil secretion.

Battles The Effects Of Aging

Image: Shutterstock

The topical application of AHAs fights skin aging by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. Using serums that contain glycolic acid and a combination of other ingredients (like vitamin C and lactic acid) over a period has a visible impact on the overall health of your skin.

Exfoliator

Image: Shutterstock

Glycolic acid is known to weaken the intercellular adhesions, which means it removes dead skin cells from the skin’s epidermal surface and reduces dry patches and flakiness (1). It acts as an abrasive and tones your skin. You can use it as a toner or in the form of a scrub because it is gentle and safe.

Skin Brightening

Skin brightening properties of glycolic acid

Image: Shutterstock

Topical application of glycolic acid is known to improve the texture of your skin because it clears dead cells and helps in pore minimizing. Also, using glycolic acid peel can lighten and brighten your skin tone (2).

Treats Ingrown Hair And Keratosis Pilaris

Glycolic acid treats ingrown hair and keratosis pilaris

Image: Shutterstock

Chicken skin or keratosis pilaris is a condition characterized by thick, rough, and bumpy skin in the underarm area. It is caused by a build-up of keratin around the hair follicles. The only way to keep it under control is to exfoliate your skin regularly. Use a glycolic acid-based product to scrub your skin on a regular basis. This is also an effective treatment for ingrown hair.

Stimulates Collagen Production

Glycolic acid stimulates collagen production

Image: Shutterstock

Collagen is an essential protein that is responsible for your skin’s firmness and elasticity. Aging and environmental stressors slow down the collagen production in your skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid-based products stimulate collagen production and make your skin look youthful (3).

Moisturizing

Glycolic acid benefits for skin moisturizing

Image: Shutterstock

As you age, the skin on your face, hands, and feet starts becoming dry and flaky. Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells, smoothens your skin, and rejuvenates it. You can use it on your face as well as the rest of your body.

Skin Toning

Image: Shutterstock

Toning is one of the most critical steps in your skincare routine. It clears out your pores and removes oil build-up, makeup, and dirt. A glycolic acid-based toner unclogs pores, shrinks them, and hydrates your skin. It also improves the firmness of your skin.

In this study, cosmetic formulations containing glycolic acid (GA) at concentrations ranging from 8% to 25% and adjusted to pH 4 were evaluated on human ex vivo skin explants. The formulations effectively induced desquamation in a concentration-dependent manner, with higher GA concentrations showing the greatest effect on total collagen levels. No significant impact on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression was observed. These findings indicate that partially neutralized GA formulations can retain skin rejuvenating properties without causing irritation or inflammation, allowing for personalized use based on GA concentration.

Rubina, a beauty vlogger, shares her experience of using glycolic acid for her skin and how safe it is for brown skin. She says, “I had really bad acne, really bad acne scars and melasma. During my healing journey, I am somebody who has taken glycolic peels very often in a doctor’s office (i).” She continues, “It’s only improved, pigmentation has become lighter, and acne has disappeared along with acne scars.”

Now that you know all the amazing benefits that glycolic acid has to offer, you must be dying to know how to use glycolic acid for skin health. Keep reading to find out!

How To Use Glycolic Acid For Skin Care

It is best to use products that contain glycolic acid instead of using glycolic acid directly on your skin as it can cause irritation and burning.
Look for products that contain glycolic acid in its potent form. They are safe to use.
Stay away from DIY recipes for masks and peels using glycolic acid unless you have relevant experience in the area or know what you are dealing with.
Stick to over-the-counter glycolic acid products.
Always remember to follow up glycolic acid with sunscreen because the former makes your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
If you have sensitive skin, start off with a lower concentration of glycolic acid and slowly work your way up.

What Are The Side Effects Of Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid makes your skin susceptible to sunburn and tan, so you need to follow it up with sunscreen.
Using high concentrations of glycolic acid without guidance can cause burns and damage your skin.
Since it is a strong exfoliant, it can dry out your skin. Therefore, moisturize your skin after using it.
It can cause mild irritation, redness, bumps, or itching on sensitive skin.

While we now know how to use it and its side effects, we are yet to discover how long it takes to work. Let’s find out in the next section.

How Long Does It Take For Glycolic Acid To Work?

The time it takes for glycolic acid to show results can vary. Some products containing it may show quick results but most require several applications over a period of time for any significant result. After approximately a month, you may notice clearer skin and after two months, dark spots and pigmentation may reduce as it peels away old skin cells and enhances cell turnover. Scars might also appear less prominent. Between three to six months, increased collagen production can lead to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. However, in case of highly potent glycolic acid products such as face masks or overnight chemical peels, you may notice results shortly after using them.

Infographic: Glycolic Acid: Dos And Don’ts

Exfoliating your skin with glycolic acid is one of the best ways to achieve soft and supple skin. However, there is a possibility of skin redness and other issues on mixing it with other skin care products.

Here is an infographic showing which ingredients to avoid using alongside this acid to prevent skin irritation. Check it out!

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Did You Know?

Unripe grapes and cantaloupe are some natural sources of glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that is used to combat several skincare concerns. The benefits of incorporating glycolic acid in your skincare regimen include unclogging your pores, removing dead skin, brightening your skin, and hydrating your skin. Ensure that you use low concentration glycolic acid and follow the instructions given on the product. Directly using a high concentration of glycolic acid on your skin results in side effects such as burns, redness, bumps, irritation, and dry skin. Hopefully, this article answers your question about what is glycolic acid and how to use it safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the natural sources of glycolic acid?

The major source of glycolic acid is sugar cane. Other sources include beets, pineapple, milk, apples, and all kinds of citrus fruits. It can also be produced synthetically.

At what percentage concentration is glycolic acid effective?

Everyday products need to contain a minimum of 10% glycolic acid effective. Chemical peels and other dermatology treatments use about 20-30% potent glycolic acid. It is advisable that you do undergo these treatments only once every 6 months.

How long does glycolic acid take to work?

Just like every other skin care treatment, consistency is key when using glycolic acid products. The effects start showing in 2-3 weeks, and a complete skin transformation takes about 6-8 months.

What is the difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid?

Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that is highly soluble in water, and it is best suited for hydration, exfoliation, and repairing sun damage. Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and is soluble in oil. It penetrates through oily skin layers and helps with exfoliation, just like glycolic acid.

Is it okay to use glycolic acid every day?

Yes, you can use glycolic acid every day in low concentrations.

Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?

Yes, glycolic acid helps by peeling the topmost skin layer and extensively aids in removing dead skin cells, which may help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation (4).

Does glycolic tighten skin?

Yes, glycolic acid has anti-aging properties that may stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce visible wrinkles and improves the elasticity of your skin (1).

Is it OK to use glycolic acid and retinol together?

Yes, the application of glycolic acid and retinol together can help improve skin texture and the appearance of acne scars (5).

Key Takeaways

Glycolic acid clears pores, regulates oil secretion, and prevents breakouts and blackheads.
By reducing the visibility of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet, it prevents skin aging.
It lessens dry spots and flakiness by removing dead skin cells from the epidermal surface of the skin.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Download

Get ready to deep dive into the world of glycolic acid! Learn the answers to many burning questions on this ingredient and understand its transformative potential for radiant skin. Check out the video below!

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. I used Glycolic Acid On My Very Brown Skin or Say “Skin of Colour” | Skincare Myths vs Facts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKDODGFPrxI

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.