Are you looking for a skincare ingredient that can help you fight acne, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation? If yes, look no further than glycolic acid, which is a water-soluble Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). This ingredient can be a powerful ally to your skincare routine and help you achieve a younger-looking skin. We spoke to our expert Dr Shaurya Thakran, MBBS. MD, Skin and Laser Expert, Medical Aesthetician and Founder, Rakshaa Aesthetics, New Delhi, who explained glycolic acid, its benefits, and how to use it.
What Is Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, a type of AHA, has been becoming a favourite skincare ingredient for its amazing benefits on the skin. This natural acid is derived from sugarcane and does its magic on the skin by gently exfoliating and rejuvenating the surface.
Dr Thakran added, “Glycolic acid is suitable for all skin types. It helps to improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote collagen production. However, sensitive skin may require gradual introduction and patch testing to ensure compatibility.”
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Benefits Of Glycolic Acid
“One of the key benefits of glycolic acid is its ability to remove the top layers of dead skin cells. By doing so, it effectively unclogs pores, making it an excellent ally in the fight against acne”, said Dr Thakran. This exfoliating action also helps prevent future breakouts, making it a go-to ingredient for those struggling with acne-prone skin.
According to a 2020 study by Scientific Reports, glycolic acid can stop bacterial development at specific concentrations.
Glycolic acid also has remarkable anti-ageing properties. Dr Thakran added, “By stimulating collagen production, it improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful and radiant look. Apart from all this, glycolic acid fades dark spots and evens out skin tone, which makes it a versatile solution for hyperpigmentation issues.”
A study conducted in 1999 investigated the impact of a peel infused with 70% glycolic acid on 80 female participants suffering from acne. The findings revealed rapid improvement across various forms of acne, with a notable enhancement observed in comedonal acne, characterised by the blockage of pores due to a buildup of oil and dead skin cells.
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Things To Keep In Mind
However, keeping a few things in mind when using glycolic acid is essential. First and foremost, concentration is very important. “Over-the-counter skin care products (which are available at pharmacies) usually contain concentrations of 10% or less, which are generally safe for most skin types. However, higher concentrations should only be used after consulting a dermatologist, as they can be harsher on the skin”, highlighted Dr Thakran.
Speaking of harshness, glycolic acid can also cause some level of irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. So, start slow and eventually increase the frequency of use according to the tolerance. Consulting with a dermatologist before incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine is always a wise decision, especially if you have any underlying skin conditions.
Bottomline
Dr Thakran concluded, “Glycolic acid offers a lot of benefits for the skin, ranging from acne prevention to anti-ageing and skin tone correction. However, it's important to use it responsibly and under the guidance of a certified dermatologist to ensure optimal results and minimise the risk of side effects. So, if you're looking to switch up your skincare routine, glycolic acid might just be the ingredient you've been searching for.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert before adding anything to your skincare routine, especially if you are dealing with any skin issues.]