We love to get in our hands-on cosmetics that contain the most discussed ingredients, but what we like more — is getting to our hands-on the products and making sure they really work. Alpha hydroxy acids (known as AHA, including glycolic, lactic, and citric acids) cannot disappoint you in that case.

So, let learn what is really so beneficial in the most popular ingredient at the moment — Glycolic Acid.

Glycolic acid is a natural substance that, when used in skincare products, gives the skin many benefits, from rejuvenation to hydration. In its original state, glycolic acid is a powder consisting of colorless crystals that do not have an odor. Before we get to the “scientific” stuff, here are a few of the benefits it gives, and the best glycolic acid-based product for your face.

The Benefits of Glycolic Acid

• You will find glycolic acid in many chemical peels because a high percentage is very effective for treating the skin (if done safely and correctly!). It is even safe enough to use on sensitive skins.
• Glycolic acid can be used in our daily skincare products without causing any irritation. This is especially popular with glycolic acid for face, face cleansers and detergents, bringing anti-aging benefits from the first step of your cleaning procedure.
• Derived from plants — such as sugarcane, pineapple and sugar beets, its botanical properties help treat skin diseases such as Psoriasis, Melasma, and Seborrheic keratosis.
• Glycolic acid is the Holy Grail for exfoliation, effectively removing the outer layer of dead cells from the face, revealing brighter and fresher skin.
• Products containing glycolic acid are often used to treat scars, discoloration of the skin, and signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. If you suffer from dull, pigmented or aging skin, pay attention to invest in exfoliating treatments or peeling with glycolic acid once a week.
• It can transfer water molecules from the air into the skin tissue, replenishing any lost moisture. This makes it an effective ingredient in moisturizers when used at low strengths.
• Research shows that a skincare product with glycolic acid helps to increase the production of collagen, which is great for increasing skin volume. Collagen is a vital structural protein that helps the skin stay firm and resist the formation of wrinkles. At low strength, glycolic acid is a key ingredient to look out for when buying anti-aging moisturizers or face masks that are ideal for plumping, smoothing and refreshing the skin.

How Does It Work?

• It reacts with the top layer of skin, destroying it, dissolving sebum and other substances that bind cells together.
• Composed of small molecules, it is able to penetrate the skin deeply and easily. This makes it the most effective for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, greasy and uneven texture.
• Dead skin cells are removed, showing smoother, brighter, younger skin.
• Available products that contain glycolic acid vary as a percentage of the concentration, as well as pH levels such as SkinMedica. A product with pure glycolic acid in a lower concentration is much more effective than one that includes it along with other ingredients. However, for daily use, you may need a moisturizer that uses glycolic acid with natural ingredients.

Things To Consider

In our opinion – and most skincare fanatics as it seems – glycolic acid can ‘t go wrong when it comes to providing exceptional results for fading, dull, pigmented, wrinkle-prone skin and scars. However, even the most effective and powerful ingredients always come with some “considerations”, so read these points below before using products with glycolic acid:

• Your skin may need to get used to it first – a percentage that is too high for your skin can cause redness or flaking. Try starting with a low percentage, and see how your skin adapts.
• If you get peeling from the first use, don ‘t choose! Collection can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring.
• Using other products containing vitamin A, ANA, or Accutane ( an acne medication) may cause a reaction since the skin is already sensitized. Retinol and ANA can be used together, but this should be done carefully.
• This makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is very important to wear sunscreen when using any AHA products.

Who Can Use Glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is an acid that promotes exfoliation, which can sometimes cause irritation. Despite the fact that glycolic acid has good skin improvement properties, it is suitable for almost any skin type. Usually, people with very sensitive skin types want to avoid using glycolic acid, as they may find it too irritating.

How Often Should I use Glycolic acid?

It really depends on the type of skin, age, and level of sensitivity of the skin. Different products can be used at different frequencies. Usually, people want to reduce the amount of glycolic acid-based products used when the skin begins to feel sensitive.

How To Use Glycolic Acid

Now that you know how glycolic acid works, the next step is to find out how glycolic acid can work for you. These are my favorite glycolic acid-based products. My favorite glycolic acid facial products are Boots no.7 Advanced Renewal Glycolic Peel and SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex, which cleans and exfoliates the skin, affects fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces the appearance of discoloration, providing a smoother, more even-toned complexion.