Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid has been renowned for its skincare uses and effortless simplicity. It prevails against a variety of skin concerns, from acne to pigmentation and aging.

Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) naturally occurring in grapes, sugar cane juice, sugar beets, and Virginia creeper leaves. Among other well-known AHAs – lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids – glycolic acid is the one with the most long-term science-backed data proving its efficacy. Glycolic Acid is easily absorbed and able to penetrate the skin to a deeper level due to its smallest and simplest chemical makeup, making it effective in combatting an array of skincare woes.

 Benefits of Glycolic Acid Skin Care

  1. Exfoliation expert

Perhaps the most prominent function of glycolic acid in skincare is as an exfoliator.

Our skin has keratinized dead layers of cells that reach the outermost surface and are shed regularly. However, daily environmental damage and aging harm the skin's natural ability to renew itself as it used to be, which leads to a buildup of dead, dull surface skin. 

When applied to the skin, glycolic acid reacts readily with the skin's upper layer, loosening the lipids' binding properties that stick the dead skin cells together through a process called desquamation. This process allows the outer lipids' to dissolve, subsequently revealing the underlying skin and leaving it smoother and more even toned.

  1. Anti-acne properties.

This serious sloughing also helps unclog pores remove excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria, resulting in fewer breakouts over time. Moreover, studies show that glycolic acid possesses antibacterial effects on inflammatory acne-causing bacteria- P. acnes.

  1. Skin hydration

Research reveals that glycolic acid significantly increases skin hydration by assisting with producing substances like mucopolysaccharides. These mucopolysaccharides help skin lock in moisture by raising its hyaluronic acid content, which in turn enhancing skin's resilience. Hyaluronic acid boosts firm facial contours for a more youthful appearance leaving skin softer, smoother, and radiantly hydrated.

  1. Anti-aging 

Collagen is a protein found in the dermis providing the skin its structure, suppleness, and stretch. Declining levels of collagen can lead to sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. It has also been found that glycolic acid promotes collagen production over time and helps lessen the appearance of wrinkles and firm skin.

  1. Preps up the skin for follow up steps

Due to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid facilitates other active ingredients to enter deeper into the skin.  After achieving fresh smooth skin with glycolic acid, your skin is now ready for a follow up skin care routine.

Adding Glycolic Acid into Your Skin Care Routine

  • Glycolic acid is known to sweep away dull, dead cells and reduces dry patches and flakiness; you can use it in the form of a scrub because it is gentle and safe even for the sensitive. Serious Microderm Scrub refines and encourages skin renewal while clearing the way for serums and moisturizers to do their work.
  • The topical application of glycolic acid defies skin aging signs by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet, and skin discoloration. Applying Serious Reveal Exfoliator - a resurfacing exfoliator containing 20% glycolic has a visible impact on your skin's overall health.
  • Glycolic acid improves the skin's texture because it clears dead cells and reduces the appearance of follicular pores. This Serious Glypeel mask, in turn, lightens and brightens your skin tone instantly.
  • Collagen is a vital protein that is responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. Glycolic acid-based NEOVA Intensive Retinol Spray stimulates collagen production and cellular turnover making your skin look youthful. 

Reference:

  1. Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids
  2. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
  3. Glycolic acid chemical peeling improves inflammatory acne eruptions through its inhibitory and bactericidal effects on Propionibacterium acnes
  4. Glycolic Acid Treatment Increases Type I Collagen mRNA and Hyaluronic Acid Content of Human Skin
  5. The efficacy of glycolic acid for treating wrinkles