Glycolic Acid is rising in the skincare and hygiene routine as a power product and all for the right reasons. There are numerous benefits of glycolic acid for skin, face, hair, and body including dark necks, underarms, elbows, knuckles, cracked heels, and more. It has exfoliating properties that can improve skin texture. Learn more about glycolic acid benefits, uses, best toners, and side effects in this article.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) derived from food. It is a natural acid found in sugarcane. Such types of AHA chemicals are known to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of skin and give a fresh skin texture. Glycolic acid is different from other food-based AHAs like citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. Due to its difference, this acid works differently and has different benefits. Glycolic Acid has a small molecular form which is easier to penetrate in the skin and it is usually in the liquid form.
Properties of Glycolic Acid
To get the most of glycolic acid benefits, you need to understand its properties to treat the right condition with the right product. So, here are some glycolic acid properties:
- Exfoliating
- Anti-bacterial
- Hydrating and Moisturizing
- Anti ageing
Glycolic Acid Benefits
Glycolic Acid has a lot of benefits for the skin, hair, and body. If used in the right way, it helps combat acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and hygiene problems. Here are the glycolic acid benefits that you can trust as your holy grail.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Glycolic acid helps greatly in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. It is useful for renovating skin by boosting collagen production that renews new cell production. Moreover, the hydrating properties of glycolic acid give a smooth texture to the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also dissolves the dead skin cells in the layer of skin resulting in younger-looking skin.
Hydrates the Skin
Glycolic Acid is a useful ingredient in hydrating the skin due to its humectant properties. The structure contains water molecules that penetrate the skin to hydrate it from within. So, if your skin is feeling super dry, use glycolic acid toner to moisturise it properly.
Reduces Acne and inflammation
Glycolic Acid is known to combat acne and related skin concerns. It is a balancing skincare ingredient which balances the natural oils in the skin that help in acne reduction. Moreover, the dead skin cells dissolve by using glycolic acid which reduces the risk of inflammation and acne eruption. So, add a glycolic acid cleanser to your routine once a day to have acne-free hydrated and non-inflammatory skin.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
Glycolic acid can be added to the skincare routine for concerns like hyperpigmentation and dark spots. With the skin rejuvenation characteristic, glycolic acid boosts collagen production which produces new skin cells. Moreover, it also dissolves dead skin cells and cleans the pores which helps in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The new skin cells take the place of the dark spots and you get a fresh new layer of skin. You can get this by using glycolic acid in skincare regularly.
Brightens and Evens Out Skin Tone
By dissolving dead skin cells, boosting collagen production, and hydrating skin, glycolic acid plays its part in brightening and evening out skin tone. It also reduces sun damage and restores the skin barrier when used properly. Along with brightening skin, it also improves skin texture and gives a healthy, bright, even, and smooth skin.
Exfoliates Skin
As an AHA, glycolic acid is known for its exfoliating qualities. If you have dry patches and combination skin, glycolic acid can work for you to improve skin texture and give you a healthy glow. It dissolves the dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. When using glycolic acid as an exfoliator, make sure you use a hydrating moisturizer to keep the skin from further drying.
Glycolic Acid Uses for Body and Hair
Along with treating your face, glycolic acid can provide various benefits to the body and hair. You can use it for the following uses:
- Lightening dark underarms and reducing sweat odour.
- Heal dry and cracked heels
- Lightens Dark Ankles, knuckles, elbows, and knees.
- Reduce Hyperpigmentation on inner thighs
- Reduces strawberry legs and razor burns
- Reduces Body Acne
- Treat hair dandruff
- Regulates Scalp Oil
- Treats Ingrown Hair
- Used As Deodorant
Best Glycolic Acid Products in Pakistan
If you need to incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine, you can consider the following glycolic acid toners/ serums in Pakistan:
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Orior Glycolic Acid alpha Arbutin Brightening Face Wash
- Trego Skin Brightening and Lightening Toner
- BNB Derma Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
- Loreal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum
Glycolic Acid Side Effects
Glycolic acid has several benefits for users who can achieve smooth, bright, even, and acne-free skin. However, if you have sensitive skin or you overuse it, you can face several side effects of glycolic acid:
- Burning
- Skin rash
- Swelling
- Skin peeling
- Itching
- Irritation
- Redness
- Inflammation
FAQs
Is it good to use glycolic acid everyday?
If you are using glycolic acid face wash, cleanser, or ointments with a lower concentration of up to 2-3%, you can use it daily. However, if the concentration is higher, you should avoid daily usage to avoid any side effects. Use glycolic acid toners or serums on alternate days or 2-3 times a week.
Does glycolic acid lighten skin?
Glycolic acid does not have any bleaching agents so it does not directly cause skin lightening. However, it helps in the generation of new skin cells and dissolves dead skin cells from the skin. It helps get skin brighter and even out.
Can glycolic acid clear skin?
Yes, glycolic acid can clear skin due to its anti-bacterial, humectant, anti-ageing, exfoliating, and brightening properties.
Does glycolic acid tighten skin?
Glycolic acid can tighten skin as it has anti-ageing properties that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What does glycolic acid do to your skin?
Glycolic acid benefits include:
- Reduce dark spots and pigmentation
- Reduce acne and inflammation
- Treats fine lines and wrinkles
- Hydrates Skin
- Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells
- Brightens skin
Can I leave glycolic acid on overnight?
Yes, you can leave glycolic acid serums or toners overnight if your skin is not sensitive.
Can I use moisturiser after glycolic acid?
Yes, you should use a hydrating moisturiser after glycolic acid because it may dry out your skin. So, keep the moisture locked in, and layer a good moisturiser over glycolic acid.
How to start using glycolic acid?
Start with a patch test, if glycolic acid suits your skin, you can use glycolic acid toner or serum twice or thrice a week. Moreover, you can also use glycolic acid face wash or cleanser daily.
How to apply glycolic acid on underarms?
You can apply glycolic acid on the underarms as a deodorant and skin lightener. You need to drop a few drops of glycolic acid toner on a cotton pad and apply it evenly on your armpits after showering.
