Knowing Glycolic Acid, its benefits, and its uses

Glycolic acid might not be the first thing that pops up on your skincare feed, but it is undoubtedly one of the most underrated ingredients in the beauty arsenal, offering extensive benefits for oily, acne-prone skin. 

A water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with the smallest molecular size in its chemical family, glycolic acid is naturally derived from plants like sugarcane.

Its small molecular structure is its greatest strength, enabling it to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin.

Let’s dive into glycolic acid, its skin benefits, and everything you need to know about incorporating it into your routine.

Glycolic acid benefits for the skin

Glycolic acid is a prominent ingredient in acne-prone and combination skincare routines. By gently dissolving the bonds that hold skin cells together, glycolic acid removes the very top layer of skin cells.

It gently exfoliates the skin, enabling a thorough cleansing by clearing out dead skin cells.

Glycolic acid has more features apart from being an excellent exfoliant. Here are some  glycolic acid benefits for the skin you must know:

1. Effective exfoliant: It accelerates the skin's natural exfoliation process by promoting cell turnover.

2. Anti-aging and skin brightening properties: It boosts the production of collagen and prevents its rapid breakdown due to aging or external aggressors. Thus its consistent regulated use gives you an even-toned glowing face with reduced signs of aging.

3. Anti-bacterial: It prevents frequent breakouts on your skin

4. Anti-pigmentation: It fades acne spots, hyper-pigmentation, and blemishes, giving clear skin.

Which skin type benefits the most from glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid can give incredible results for all skin types, including oily, acne-prone, and combination skin. It regulates sebum production on your face without any dryness, preventing frequent breakouts.

For those with aggravated symptoms, this AHA natural acid can deep cleanse your skin without scrubbing. Furthermore, if used consistently, it can fade blemishes, and acne spots and eventually even out your skin tone.

If you ask us, who should use glycolic acid? We'd say, everybody! 

Its anti-aging, collagen-boosting, sun protection, and antibacterial properties make it beneficial for all skin types.

How to use glycolic acid in skincare

If your skin is new to glycolic acid, you can start slowly by incorporating one product at a time.  Since it is a potent active, you will be able to see visible results in a few weeks.

Once you have gauged its suitability on your skin, you can increase its concentration by adding more products to your skin.

How to use glycolic acid on your skin:

You can incorporate glycolic acid in the following ways:- 

1. Cleansers: For beginners, it will be easier to introduce glycolic acid through a facewash.  In a buffered formulation, Plum’s Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash consists of a regulated dose of glycolic acid that gives you a thorough cleanse without being too harsh on your skin. With the added cellulose beads and green tea extracts, the formula deep cleans your pores while regulating the production of oil on your face. 

2. Toner: You can also opt for a toner with glycolic acid. Using glycolic acid in the 2nd step of your routine ensures that your face is clean and prepped for the steps ahead. Plum’s Green Tea Alcohol-Free Face Toner, infused with glycolic acid gives you a radiant glow while keeping it hydrated and acne-free.

3. Serum: If you are looking for the most potent dose of glycolic acid, use it in a serum. But be mindful of both the concentration and pH that you use. The more acidic a formula, the more potent it is on your skin, even if you’re using a lower concentration. So thoroughly read up about the products that you opt for. 

4. Night cream: Using a night cream infused with glycolic acid like Plum’s Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel only further enhances its benefits. Known to boost collagen production and cell turnover, including glycolic acid in your night care will help boost nighttime skin repair. 

5. Moisturizer: Regular use of glycolic acid in your moisturizer will give even toned blemish-free skin, with lesser breakouts. If you have acne-prone or combination skin, Plum’s Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer is a must-try! In addition to the benefits of glycolic acid, it also features the oil-controlling and mattifying properties of green tea extract.

6. Face mask: Glycolic acid in a face mask can also boost your skin’s health significantly. You can use Plum’s Green Tea Clear Face Mask twice a week to reduce excess oil, acne marks, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and signs of aging. Using glycolic acid in a face mask, once or twice a week will help your skin reap maximum benefits, preventing any potential side effects.

‘Dos and Donts’ of the glycolic skincare routine:

Beginning with the list of what you must ‘do’ while using glycolic acid on your skin:

1. Always begin with a patch test on the inner side of the elbow and wrist to see the suitability of the active ingredient on your skin. If you get no reaction on your skin after 24 hours, it's safe to use on your face. Sometimes, the introduction of new actives in your routine can cause purging and it's natural. But if the breakouts persist beyond 2 weeks of use, discontinue immediately. 

2. Always start with a lower concentration and then gradually increase, depending on your skin’s tolerance. For glycolic acid, do not go beyond 8% concentration in the beginning, especially if you are using it in a serum. Owing to its high potency, using a higher concentration of glycolic acid in serum can over-sensitize your skin, causing redness and irritation.

3. Begin with a single product. An active like glycolic acid gives visible results even in lesser doses. Be patient with both your skin and your skincare.

To conclude, if your skin is lacking its luster, it might need some deep cleansing by an exfoliant active like glycolic acid. Use this potent active to reduce hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and breakouts, and take charge of your glow today!

FAQs

What are the glycolic acid benefits for the skin?

Glycolic acid is an active exfoliator with collagen boosting, sun protection, anti-aging, and hydrating benefits that leave your skin flawless on consistent regulated use. 

Can I use glycolic acid every day?

Yes, you can. However, it's important to be aware of your skin type, concerns, and needs. Begin by using glycolic acid two times a week in a lower concentration, gradually increasing the concentration as per your skin’s tolerance level. 

What does glycolic acid do for your face?

Glycolic acid deep cleanses the skin, eliminating the need for physical scrubbing. It also manages hyper-pigmentation, signs of aging, and sun damage. 

Does glycolic acid lighten skin?

Yes, glycolic acid effectively fades hyperpigmentation, acne spots, and sun damage. Its consistent use can even out skin tone and fade out blemishes and dark spots. 

Can glycolic acid remove tan?

Owing to its exfoliation properties, you can definitely use glycolic acid for tan removal as it promotes cell turnover, clearing out the dead and sun-damaged cells on your skin.

Can we leave glycolic acid overnight?

Yes. In fact using glycolic acid in your night cream gives an added benefit as it allows the ingredient to boost the nighttime repair of your skin while you are sleeping.