Ingredients Deep Dive: Glycolic Acid

Let’s dive deep into the science behind glycolic acid, its benefits, and how to use it in your skincare routine for glowing, healthier skin.

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When it comes to skincare, few ingredients are as versatile and effective as glycolic acid (GA). It is a skincare superstar. Let’s dive deep into the science behind glycolic acid, its benefits, and how to use it in your skincare routine for glowing, healthier skin.

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What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid (GA) is a water soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid belongs to a family of AHAs, a group of naturally occurring acids often derived from fruits, milk, and sugar, each of which work to exfoliate the skin. Other notable AHAs includes lactic acid and citric acid.

What Do I Need to Know About Molecular Size?

GA is one of the most commonly used acids in skincare due to its small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin deeply and quickly. Due to its small size and efficacy, glycolic acid can act on multiple layers of the skin.

How Does Glycolic Acid Work?

Glycolic acid works as an exfoliant, loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. By dissolving these bonds, GA promotes cell turnover, helping the skin shed the outermost layer of dead cells. This not only helps to clear out pores and prevent breakout, but also brings the fresher, newer skin cells to the surface, resulting in a more even and radiant complexion.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

AHAs, and glycolic acid in particular, have a variety of benefits for the skin.

Exfoliation

GA is one of the most effective chemical exfoliants. By removing dead skin cells, it leaves your skin smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. Therefore, if you struggle with skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation or dark spots, glycolic acid can help. By promoting regular skin renewal, it fades discolorations and improves the overall tone of the skin.

Enhanced Product Absorption

GA removes the dead skin cells from your face. Once these are gone and your pores are clear, your skin will be able to absorb your skincare products much better.

Collagen Production

Over time, GA can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates collagen production, which helps to firm and plump the skin, slowing down premature signs of ageing.

Pore-Clarifying

GA clears out pores, making it incredibly effective in treating acne-prone skin. It prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores, which reduces breakouts and keeps the skin clearer.

Hydration Boost

While GA exfoliates, it also enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture. This dual action leaves the skin plump and hydrated, and your complexion much fresher.

What Should My Skincare Label Say?

While GA may show up on your skincare label as exactly that, it may also appear as Hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-Hydroxyacetic acid, or Alpha-hydroxyacetic acid.

What % Should I Use?

Glycolic acid can be potent, so it’s important to start slowly with a low % when introducing it into your routine. 5% is ideal for beginners, offering gentle exfoliation without overwhelming the skin. As your skin builds tolerance, you can increase the % you use. For everyday use, it’s best to stick to products with 5-15% GA. 20% – 70% glycolic acids are typically used in professional peels, under the supervision of a skincare professional.

How Do I Use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is available in various forms, such as toners, cleansers, serums, and chemical peels. Introduce the GA into your routine 2-3 times per week initially, especially if you have sensitive skin. If your skin can tolerate it, you can gradually increase the frequency of use.

You can decide which type of product you use based on your skin’s needs and your overall routine. We would recommend a product that remains on the skin, instead of being cleansed off, so your skin can get the maximum benefits. When you use GA in your routine will depend on which type of product you are using.

Top Tip: Generally, you should be applying your skincare from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. For example, cleaner, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and SPF.

Don’t skip the moisturiser and SPF. It’s best for your skin to lock in hydration with a moisturise to help prevent any potential irritation or dryness from the acid. Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so always apply sunscreen

What Skin Concerns Does Glycolic Acid Treat?

With consistent use, incorporating glycolic acid into your routine can address multiple skin concerns, helping to create a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Dull Skin: By removing dead skin cells, glycolic acid reveals the fresher, brighter skin below, making it ideal for those with dull, lacklustre or tired-looking skin.

Hyperpigmentation: Whether from sun damage, acne marks or melasma, glycolic acid helps to fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The collagen-boosting properties of glycolic acid make it an excellent choice for treating early signs of ageing.

Acne and Breakouts: Glycolic acid unclogs pores and reduces the build-up of dead skin cells, helping to prevent and treat acne.

Rough Texture: If you have uneven skin texture or rough patches, glycolic acid works to smooth and soften the skin.

Large Pores: Regular exfoliation with glycolic acid helps to minimise the appearance of large pores by keeping them clear of debris.

SkinBase Hydro

Though you can incorporate GA skincare into your daily routine, it is easy to over-exfoliate and negatively affect your skin. If you would prefer to leave it to the professionals, having a regular SkinBase Hydro facial is an excellent way to achieve your skin goals.

Hydro Peel & Serum

SkinBase Hydro is a non-invasive treatment specially designed to cleanse, exfoliate, purify, hydrate and revitalise the skin. The treatment incorporates a natural blend of AHAs, including glycolic acid, and BHAs to rid the skin of dead skin cells and debris. Once the pores are unclogged , a blend of powerful ingredients are infused into the skin with the use of a personalised serum, to further target skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation and ageing skin.