Ingredient Breakdown: Exploring the Power of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a widely celebrated skincare ingredient derived from sugarcane, known for its rejuvenating properties. It belongs to the family of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which also includes lactic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid.
In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of glycolic acid, uncovering its benefits, potential side effects, and safety considerations.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid provides the following benefits:
● Exfoliation: Glycolic acid facilitates the breakdown of the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their shedding and revealing newer, fresher skin underneath. This process, known as exfoliation, helps improve skin texture, smoothness, and overall radiance.
● Anti-Aging: By encouraging cell turnover, glycolic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It also promotes collagen synthesis, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin over time.
● Hyperpigmentation: Glycolic acid is effective in treating hyperpigmentation which means dark spots and melasma, or any unnatural darkening caused unprotected exposure to sunlight. Its exfoliating action helps fade this discoloration and even out skin tone.
● Acne Control: Due to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid is beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps unclog pores, reduce excess oil production, and prevent new breakouts.
● Skin Brightening: Regular use of glycolic acid may result in brighter, more luminous skin by removing dull, dead skin cells and promoting a more even skin tone.
Potential Side Effects of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, despite its numerous benefits, can also lead to potential side effects, especially when used incorrectly or in high concentrations. One common side effect is dryness and irritation of the skin. This occurs when the acid strips away too many layers of skin cells, leaving the skin barrier compromised.
Another notable side effect of glycolic acid is increased sun sensitivity. This acid will make the skin more vulnerable to UV damage, leading to sunburns, sunspots, and accelerated ageing if adequate sun protection is not used. It is crucial to apply sunscreen daily when leaving the house or sitting near a window, preferably with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Try to limit sun exposure when using products containing glycolic acid by walking in the shade and using a sun hat or umbrella, especially during peak hours.
Individuals with sensitive skin may also experience a stinging or burning sensation when using glycolic acid products. This discomfort usually indicates that the acid is too strong or that the skin is reacting negatively. In such cases, it’s advisable to discontinue use or switch to a lower concentration to minimise irritation and potential damage to the skin barrier.
Safety Considerations
When using glycolic acid in skincare, several safety considerations are important to ensure a positive and effective experience:
- Start with Lower Concentrations: If you’re new to glycolic acid or have sensitive skin, begin with products that have lower concentrations, typically around 5–10%. Gradually increase the concentration as your skin builds tolerance, but avoid jumping to high concentrations of 20% or more without proper experience or professional guidance.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliation: While glycolic acid is an exfoliating agent, excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation, dryness, or inflammation. Limit the frequency of glycolic acid use based on your skin’s tolerance and avoid combining it with other harsh exfoliants like physical scrubs or strong retinoids.
- Moisturize and Hydrate: To counteract potential dryness or irritation caused by glycolic acid, incorporate a hydrating moisturizer into your skincare routine. Look for moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin to help restore and maintain skin hydration.
Using the Think Dirty App
While glycolic acid offers remarkable benefits for skincare, it’s vital to be aware of its potential side effects and use it responsibly. Tools like the Think Dirty® app further empower and educate users with beauty tips by providing information on product ingredients and their potential impact on our health. Think Dirty® allows you to make informed decisions and choose skincare products that align with your preferences and values.
Disclosure: We are a professional review and product rating website and mobile app that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and rate. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own interpretations of a trusted source.
