Glycolic Acid for Skin: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Complexion

Glycolic acid is one of those standby skincare ingredients that’s been around for what seems like forever. From topical products to professional treatments like chemical peels, the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is far from trendy but with its long list of benefits, it’s a classic that does so much for the skin besides just exfoliation. Consider this your sign to start using glycolic acid in your skincare routine if you aren’t already.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Glycolic Acid?
• Benefits of Glycolic Acid
• What Does Glycolic Acid Do for the Skin?
• How to Use Glycolic Acid
• The Bottom Line

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid group of exfoliating acids. Naturally derived from sugar cane, beets, and fruits, glycolic acid is the most effective in synthetic form. Typically, glycolic acid can be found in concentrations between 5 and 10%, but even higher in professional uses.

The different strengths of glycolic acid allow it to be used in various formulations, ranging from leave-on toners to medical-grade peels and almost everything in between. Of all the exfoliating acids out there, glycolic acid for skin rejuvenation is said to be one of the more powerful acids, so it’s suitable for just about every skin type while still packing a powerful punch. Its small molecular makeup allows glycolic acid benefits to run the gamut from exfoliation to improving skin tone and texture and brightening the skin.

Glycolic acid helps to loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells onto the uppermost layers of skin. By releasing these dead skin cells, fresh, new, and healthy skin is revealed for improved skin tone and texture that’s brighter looking.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

There’s a lot that glycolic acid can do to improve the skin. The most significant benefit of using glycolic acid is that it can exfoliate the skin. Removing dead skin cells makes the skin look and feel smoother and brighter.

While exfoliation is a significant reason why so many people love glycolic acid, another popular benefit of glycolic acid is its ability to simulate collagen production for firmer, pumper, more elastic, and bouncy skin and attracting moisture to the skin, acting as a humectant since glycolic and is tolerated by most skin types even more sensitive skin types.

Unlike other exfoliating acids that can only be used once or twice a week, glycolic acid can be used daily if the concentration is appropriate for your skin type.

Glycolic acid benefits acneic skin, too, by helping to unclog whiteheads and blackheads by exfoliating the top layer of skin. Plus, glycolic acid can shrink large pores so they’re less noticeable. Beyond pimples and breakouts, glycolic acid is popular for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, decreasing the visible damage associated with sun-damaged skin, and evening out the skin tone, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

There’s also the anti-aging aspect of glycine acid. Using the acid to aid in exfoliation and shed dead surface skin cells makes the skin look more youthful. With fewer dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, common signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, are diminished.

What Does Glycolic Acid Do for the Skin? 

Glycolic acid, a type of AHA, can be found in several skincare products. Its small molecular size means it can easily penetrate the skin, which is why it’s considered one of the best skin exfoliators and ingredients for skin renewal.

From a scientific standpoint, glycolic acid improves the skin by exfoliating away the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. By removing this ‘glue,’ new skin cells are revealed from underneath, leaving the skin looking refreshed and renewed. With fewer dead skin cells, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and sun damage are erased with collagen, elasticity, and skin firmness increase. It also helps increase moisture since the skin is less bogged down with dead skin cells.

Regularly using skincare products with glycolic acid will help promote smoother, more even-looking skin that appears more youthful.

How to Use Glycolic Acid

If you’re considering adding glycolic acid to your skincare routine, here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Start with a low-strength glycolic acid, usually around 5%. You can probably use something stronger if you are more experienced with the ingredient.
2. Patch test the inner elbow or a small area of your face to ensure the acid is compatible with your skin and doesn’t cause a reaction.
3. Apply the glycolic acid product to your skin once or twice a week. Gradually increase based on how your skin responds to the ingredient.
4. Always use glycolic acid at night after cleansing the skin before moisturizing it. Make sure that the skin is bone dry to prevent the acid from penetrating too far into the skin.
5. In the morning, make sure to apply sunscreen. Since glycolic acid is an exfoliating acid, it can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.
6. Avoid using other exfoliants, including retinol and salicylic acid, when using glycolic acid—too many exfoliating products of any kind can lead to skin dryness and over-exfoliation.

Once you have built up a tolerance to glycolic acid, it should be safe to use it daily or every other day. However, sensitive skin types may want to proceed cautiously and use it once or twice weekly to be super careful. Always watch for dryness, irritation, redness, or peeling, which usually signify the skin being over-exfoliated.