Top 5 Problems That Glycolic Acid Can Solve

Why is Gycolic acid important in your skincare routine?

Glycolic acid became the hero ingredient of skin care in the 90s, making anti-aging and acne treatments (that actually work) accessible for everyone to have in their homes. In case you’ve never heard of it, glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid that is derived from sugar cane, and, with its long list of benefits, it deserves to be part of your skin care routine. Here’s our top 5 problems that glycolic acid can solve:

1. ACNE

Commonly used to help with acne and blackheads, glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliant, and due to its smaller molecular size (in comparison to other alpha hydroxy acids), it penetrates the skin easier to be absorbed quicker. It helps to unclog pores and therefore clear up problem skin. Glycolic acid peels are commonly used and recommended by dermatologists to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, and help decrease acne breakouts. Increasing the cell turnover of the skin with the aid of glycolic acid not only helps keep those pores unclogged (resulting in clearer skin), it can gradually improve acne scarring too.

2. ANTI-AGING

Research has also shown that glycolic acid can increase collagen production and leave you with thicker, plumper looking skin. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid is also used for brightening and evening up skin tones, and treating fine lines. A recent study designed to test the efficacy of glycolic acid used computer assisted image analysis to measure the effectiveness of glycolic acid on reducing fine lines. The results showed that the participants aged in their 30s – 50s showed the most improvement in wrinkle length following the course of treatment.

3. PSORIASIS

If you suffer from psoriasis flare-ups, glycolic acid can help with that too! Look for moisturisers that contain glycolic acid to help keep the skin hydrated, while promoting cell turnover. A clinical study on patients with scalp psoriasis and other psoriatic conditions showed improvement in 100% of cases following treatment with 10% glycolic acid lotion.

4. KERATOSIS PILLARIS

A common ailment that affects a lot of people (also known as chicken skin), keratosis pillaris is another condition not immune to the powers of glycolic acid. Not painful or contagious, the pimply and sandpapery areas usually found on the backs of arms are generally more of an inconvenience than a medical concern. As with psoriasis treatment, it’s recommended to use a moisturiser that contains glycolic acid once or twice a week to help exfoliate the problem areas.

5. HYPERPIGMENTATIONHyperpigmentation occurs when too much melanin is produced within your skin cells. This can be triggered by hormones, sun exposure, or, injuries to the skin such as burns or acne. When treating hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid penetrates the outer layer of the epidermis, and breaks apart the damaged skin cells, revealing the healthier, fresh layer of skin beneath. It can be used in face wash, lotion or serum form, or via a chemical peel administered by a professional.