Why Use Glycolic Acid for Your Skin?

Glycolic acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) commonly found in dairy products such as milk and water-rich fruits such as sugarcane. It is extracted from sugarcane and is a water-soluble acid that is very beneficial for treating problems such as signs of ageing, wrinkles, dark spots, acne, and many other skin-related problems. 

Glycolic acid is one of the five AHAs found in your regular skincare and cosmetic products. But what makes glycolic acid the best among them is its small molecules, which are the smallest of all the other AHAs. These minute molecules help it penetrate the skin quickly to remove the dead cells that clog your skin and make it look dull and wrinkly. This sloughing-off process is called exfoliation. 

Since glycolic acid has the smallest molecules among all the other AHAs, it increases the speed of cell turnover within the skin. Cell turnover is the process of shedding dead cells and replacing them with newer skin cells, which makes the skin look fresh and bright. Thus, glycolic acid helps reduce acne and pimples. Glycolic acid-based lotions or creams can even help reduce the presence of certain skin lesions that can develop into skin cancer.

You might have noticed that with constant sun exposure, your skin feels duller and less stretchy and firm. This is because of decreased collagen production in your skin. Collagen is the protein that gives the strength and energy your skin needs to keep it firm and elastic. Even as you age, the amount of collagen decreases in your body. That is why you should use glycolic acid-based creams regularly because they not only prevent collagen depletion but also help in its rapid production. 

Benefits of glycolic acid

1.Anti-ageing: 

Glycolic acid helps smooth the wrinkles and fine lines on your skin, make it look new, and maintain a soft texture.

2.Hydration:

 Glycolic acid can protect your skin cells from drying out and maintains their round shape, making your skin look plump. 

3.Sun damage:

 As mentioned above, glycolic acid is very useful if you spend too much time in the sun, as it prevents collagen depletion and also helps fade dark patches caused by harmful UV rays.

4.Complexion: 

If you use glycolic acid regularly, you can reduce the number of dead cells on your skin surface, which will directly improve your skin tone.

5.Exfoliation: 

Using glycolic acid will help remove old dead cells and promote the generation of new fresh cells to keep your skin smooth and soft.

6.Acne: 

This is one of the most common problems that can be solved easily if you diligently use glycolic acid, which will keep your pores unclogged and prevent blackheads and pimples.

Target age group

Glycolic acid-based products are not to be used by children. The skin is very soft and fragile when you are young, so it’s better not to use such skin products so early. The right age to begin using these glycolic acid-based skin products is in the late or mid-20s. You can even start using them after the age of 30. It’s never too late.

Do’s and don’ts of using glycolic acid 

• If you are using glycolic acid-based products for the first time and you are also using over-the-counter products, then use them only twice or thrice a week. If your skin adapts to it and shows no side effects, increase it to a regular frequency. 
• If your skin is dry and highly sensitive to foreign chemicals, you should use it carefully or, rather, not use it if you have diagnosed allergies. 
• Many people often use two different acids for better results. You can combine glycolic acid with retinol or salicylic acid but ensure it is within the limit and under professional supervision. 
• If you have never used glycolic acid-based products, you should start small and safely, such as using it in a face wash to see how your skin reacts to it. If all goes well, you can move on to higher levels.
• If you use a glycolic acid exfoliant serum, use it in the evenings for the best results. 
• Sometimes, your skin can react to such products differently in different seasons because of the changes in temperature and humidity. This is subjective; hence, find the right time and season for using glycolic acid on your skin. 
• Use glycolic acid only during the night. 
• Don’t worry about a bit of redness or irritation when you first start using glycolic acid. This is normal up to a tolerable extent. If the irritation persists, seek a doctor's guidance.

Products with glycolic acid

1.DermDoc Skin Exfoliating Serum with Glycolic Acid:

Price: INR 225

Net Weight : 10ML

Customer Rating:  4/5

It is a great product that can help you improve skin texture and fight problems such as wrinkles and lines.

Explore more such face serums from DermDoc.

2.Globus Naturals’ Pimple Clear Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Face Wash:

Price: INR 195

Net Weight : 100ML

Customer Rating:  4/5

This is the go-to choice if you want the benefits of two acids in one wash. It helps in reducing pimples and fighting acne on your face. With regular use, you will start to see results in a few weeks.

Check more facewashes from globus.

3.Globus Naturals’ Pimple Clear Glycolic Acid Face Cream:

Price: INR 399

Net Weight : 50G

Customer Rating:  N/A

If your skin is sensitive to face wash, then you can opt for this face cream, which is equipped with aloe vera and Vitamin E's benefits. This cream will help reduce dark spots and clear pimples.

Explore more such face creams from Globus.

4.DermDoc 5% Glycolic Acid Face Toner:

Price:  INR 250

Net Weight : 100Ml

Customer Rating: 4.2/5

Recommended especially for oily skin types, this toner will help you achieve smooth and healthy skin.

Check out more such face toner from Dermdoc.

5.Rejusure Glycolic Acid Moisturiser: 

Price:  INR 400

Net Weight : 50Ml

Customer Rating: N/A

This moisturiser comes with the power of shea butter, a brightening antioxidant that will quickly work on your skin to reduce acne, dark spots, and pigmentation. 

Check out more such face creams from Rejusure.

Now that you know the benefits of glycolic acid, go to the links mentioned in these descriptions and buy these valuable products from the No. 1 beauty destination in India, Purplle. Apart from this, here are few lactic acid products for your skin.

FAQs

Q1. Is glycolic acid safe for skin?

A. Yes, glycolic acid is safe and beneficial for your skin.

Q2. Can I apply glycolic acid every day?

A.Daily use is not advisable. Use glycolic acid only three or four times a week for best results.

Q3.What does glycolic acid do to my skin?

A.It helps remove dead cells and increase collagen production and cell turnover.