Glycolic Acid Is Your Best Friend! Here are 5 Reasons Why You Need It

Glycolic Acid Is Your Best Friend! Here are 5 Reasons Why You Need It

Are you tired of making endless trips to the salon and putting on tons of concealer and colour corrector to hide those errant acne marks, pigmentation, and whatnot? 

Are you looking for the holy grail for your skin but have not found it yet? Relax! You finally have your skincare BFF - the gold standard of the cosmetic world.

Glycolic Acid. 

Glycolic acid - what is it?

Glycolic acid is the most potent workhorse among alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and is treasured for its keratolytic (skin exfoliation) properties. 

Keratolytic products refer to GA-infused products or glycolic acid serums that scrub off dead skin cells and deal with numerous skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and skin brightening.

Extracted from sugarcane, it is an excellent humectant that both exfoliates and hydrates your skin while facilitating easy absorption of other skincare products - owing to its low molecular weight and small structure. 

It is also rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, boost your natural glow, even out your skin tone, and make it soft and plump.

Although loaded with superpowers, your skin may take time to adapt to glycolic acid's grand imperium. Some common side effects till your skin gets used to this AHA are - redness, a burning sensation, and a mild stinging feeling. Always make sure to use sunscreen when applying glycolic acid serum or cream, or your skin may turn photo-sensitive. 

How to incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine?

You will find many cosmetic products with GA as an active ingredient; for example, the Dermdoc Glycolic Acid Peel, serum, and toner. 

Make sure to choose a trusted brand focusing on effective, safe, affordable skincare. 

Reputed and skin-friendly brands ensure that their products are cruelty-free and devoid of harmful chemicals, such as parabens, sulfate, alcohol, silicone, mineral oil, etc.

Why do you need the magic of glycolic acid in your skincare routine?

Here are the five reasons why your skin needs glycolic acid:

1. It exfoliates the skin while keeping your natural acid mantle intact.

The term ACID in glycolic acid may send scary signals to your mind about the safety of GA-based products. However, this ingredient is safe for your skin, regardless of skin type - normal, oily, dry, combination, and even sensitive. 

Moreover, many cleaners or toners have alkaline properties. They may disrupt your skin's natural pH balance, leaving you with pesky skin issues. However, glycolic acid works wonders on your skin without damaging your inherent acid veil. 

Recommended Products: DermDoc by Purplle 5% Glycolic Acid Face Toner 

Customer Rating: 4 / 5

Net volume: 100ml

It exfoliates, sloughs off dirt and dead skin cells, and replenishes your skin to reveal re-energised and radiant skin. Proper exfoliation speeds the rate of skin renewal while boosting collagen production and retaining hydration. Therefore, using glycolic acid consistently helps minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

2. It hydrates and rejuvenates your skin from deep inside.

Besides exfoliation, glycolic acid also hydrates your skin from deep within. No wonder it is an oh-so-popular humectant that draws moisture from the surroundings and your skin to keep radiance alive. 

However, when using a glycolic acid toner or serum, always layer it with a good moisturiser, especially in drier areas. It prevents the evaporation of moisture and the unintended drying of the skin. You can try a GA-infused toner from DermDoc to improve your skincare regime without using toxic chemicals.

 

3. Glycolic acid does not lead to a damaged skin barrier.

All the benefits of glycolic acid somehow come down to exfoliation, which is so powerful and crucial that it takes care of the rest of the steps. As glycolic acid exfoliates your skin, you may feel a light irritation on your skin, which is pretty normal and does not mean that it is stripping off your skin's natural lipid barrier. 

What is a lipid barrier? Also known as an epidermal lipid, it is a layer of fatty acids that protects your skin by letting moisture in and keeping the bad guys out. According to various studies, although GA dissolves dead skin cells, it does not damage the lipid barrier.

An important point to remember - if you are considering higher strengths of glycolic acid (such as 50% or 70% glycolic acid peels, based on prescription), get in touch with your dermatologist.

4. It helps reduce acne and breakouts.

Glycolic acid melts away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, thus unclogging the pores that lead to breakouts, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. In a recent study involving glycolic acid's peeling effect on acne, the AHA was found to work on the skin, exfoliate, open pores, and reduce acne while giving you clean and clear skin.

If you are struggling with more stubborn acne, you can also give a shot at products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

5. It gives you firm and youthful skin.

Studies suggest that skincare involving glycolic acid as an active ingredient helps enhance collagen production - a critical structural protein. It is a vital component that boosts hydration and strengthens elasticity to help reduce the appearance of the signs of aging, making it firm and revitalised. 

When buying a skincare product like serum or toner, check if it has GA for that anti-aging effect.

Recommended Products:  DermDoc by Purplle 10% Glycolic Peel

Customer Rating: 4.4 / 5

Net volume: 15ml

How glycolic acid interacts with other potent skincare ingredients?

1. Glycolic acid with retinol

Can I mix glycolic acid with retinol?

Although both these ingredients suit your skin, mixing glycolic acid with retinol is not advisable. The reason is that products with retinol accelerate cell turnover of your skin. It leads to functional exfoliation and makes your skin more permeable. So, when you apply glycolic acid over it, your skin allows its quick penetration. This may irritate your skin.

2. Glycolic acid with niacinamide

Undoubtedly, glycolic acid and niacinamide can miraculously affect your skin. However, pairing them may not be a good idea.

The reason: Mixing them can cause redness, flushing, and irritation. It can also make your skin dry.
 

Conclusion

With so many positive traits weaved into its name, glycolic acid is undoubtedly a game-changer in the skincare kingdom. It makes your skin glow. It adds a child-like bounce to your skin. And above all, it exfoliates. So, adding it to your skincare rituals, of course, under expert guidance, can do wonders for your skin. It will help you get the charm you have always longed for. 

To learn more about skincare breakthroughs, follow our blogs and keep yourself updated about the latest developments in skincare.

Read More:
- Glycolic Acid For Skin