How does Glycolic Acid works on your Skin

Glycolic acid for Acne

The skincare industries these days are highly focusing on acid treatments, like using hyaluronic acid, citric acid, and Glycolic acid to name a few. But glycolic acid is being one of the most popular products and marketed as AHA  which is alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. This acid is water-soluble. It is one of the most well-known and widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in the skincare industry. In this article, we will talk about how does Glycolic Acid for acne works on your Skin.

Glycolic acid has the lowest molecular weight of all the acids of AHA (lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid)and thus it is easily penetrated under the skin and exfoliates it thus removing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

This glycolic acid works by speeding up the cell turnover meaning, the dead skin bond are dissolved at faster pace, then they would dissolve naturally. So dead skin shed off  and the new skin which is stimulated. Apart from helping in shedding of the dead skin cells, it helps in stimulating collagen building which provides, firmness and elasticity to your skin (Collagen is also the protein that gives strength to your bones and connective tissues.)

This collagen production slows down during the aging process and also exposure to the sun may reduce its protection.

How to Use Glycolic Acid Safely for acne

• Glycolic acid is a safe skin treatment skincare ingredient but there are certain things you should keep in mind before using it.

• First and foremost prefer glycolic acid serums that are of 10% concentration. Remember to do a patch test before you directly apply it to your skin. Few people are sensitive to it.

• Glycolic acid in the forms of face wash and toners can be used on regular basis, as they are washed off. If applied in form of serum or face cream, please avoid applying it daily as it penetrated down into your skin, and excess of anything leads to harm. You can apply thrice a week.

•  You must wear sunscreen whenever you are using glycolic acid treatments. Like all alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You don’t want to undo all the good your glycolic acid is doing, and you definitely don’t want to end up with a nasty sunburn. Wear SPF of at least 30.

• If at any point your skin becomes irritated, scale back from using the product for a period of time and try again.

• If you are using retinoids like Retenin A or Differin or any product that exfoliates your skin rapidly, avoid Glycolic acid products. If you’re under a dermatologist’s care make sure you get their OK before using any glycolic acid product.

End note

In the initial few days of treatment, your skin may feel a bit more rough than typical. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product for acne-prone skin.

If you are looking for glycolic acid products, start by using a product that can be rinsed of. You can consult a dermatologist in choosing glycolic acid products.

Remember the glycolic acid may minimise those, but not a effective solution. You should consider a doctor for those hormonal imbalance.

Also read, Suffering from the puffy face in the morning?

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