How To Use Glycolic Acid For Face – Beginners Guide

Out of all the AHA’s out there, glycolic acid is the most popular and it shows up in so many skincare products. You will find it in creams, serums, lotions, hair care… name it. It is the smallest among all the AHAs; which include malic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid and tartaric acid. As a beginner, you might be curious about what glycolic acid is, how it works, and what benefits and potential side effects it brings to your skin.

In this post, I will help you understand how to use glycolic acid for face in your skincare routine as a beginner.

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What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s known for its small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin more effectively than other AHAs. This makes glycolic acid a powerful exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.

Glycolic acid comes in different strengths. The strength your dermatologist uses as a chemical peel is stronger than the ones found over the counter. The strengths used as the chemical peel is from 30 – 70% while the strengths found over the counter are between 1 – 25%. Over-the-counter glycolic acids are still as effective as the ones used for chemical peels.

Now that we know what glycolic acid is, let’s move to the benefits.

Glycolic Acid Benefits For Skin

1. Treatment For Acne

Glycolic acid helps treat acne by decreasing the ability of the skin cells to bind together. This makes glycolic acid a perfect ingredient to aid the removal of the blockage of hair follicles with excess sebum seen in acne. In addition to that, the small size of glycolic acid is important, because it allows for greater and easier penetration of the glycolic acid to get into the unit and decreases the ability of the cells to clog together. Glycolic acid is more effective in treating non-inflammatory acne than inflammatory acne.

2. Reduce Hyperpigmentation

Glycolic acid helps with hyperpigmentation when used together with sunscreen. When picking sunscreens, use the ones that protect against both UVA and UVB. Sunscreen is only a part of, the use of hats, caps, clothing and sun umbrellas are important. For dark skin tones, glycolic acid should be used sparingly as it may cause the same hyperpigmentation you are trying to treat.

3. Allows Easy Penetration Of Other Ingredients

Glycolic acid opens up spaces between the skin cells to allow easy penetration of other ingredients applied to the skin. For example, if you are using retinol together with glycolic acid to treat acne, care must be taken; glycolic acid allows better, faster and more efficient penetration. Retinoids can be effectively used in conjunction with glycolic acid if used properly.

4. Improves The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Glycolic acid has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles most likely due to the formation of dermal cells. Hyaluronic acid is also increased by approximately 50% after glycolic acid treatment. This in turn increases skin hydration and thickness of the skin after 3 months of consistent use.

The ability of glycolic acid to thicken the skin results from its direct effect on the dermal layer of the skin.

5. Improves Dry Skin

Dry skin affects 75% of men and women over the age of 64. It is characterised by the thickness of the skin which mostly results from dehydration and lack of humidity. This is why dry skin tends to improve during the summer and worsen during the wintertime.

Glycolic acids are especially effective in most severe dry skin that does not respond to standard moisturizers. Most dermatologists combine glycolic acid with lactic acid. This combination proffers a greater beneficial effect on dry skin than other moisturizers. They prevent water loss, improve cell turnover and increase ceramide levels.

If you are experiencing severe dry skin, check for moisturizing creams or lotions formulated with glycolic and lactic acids. During the winter time, go for ointment while lotions or creams are preferred during the summer time.

How to Use Glycolic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Start Slow: If you’re new to glycolic acid, it’s essential to start with a low concentration (around 5%) to allow your skin to adjust. You can gradually increase the concentration as your skin builds tolerance.

Patch Test: Before incorporating glycolic acid into your routine, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

Nighttime Use: Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to use it at night. Follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin.

Apply After Cleansing: Apply glycolic acid to clean, dry skin after cleansing. You can use it in the form of a toner, serum, or peel, depending on your preference.

Follow with Moisturizer: After applying glycolic acid, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and minimize any potential dryness or irritation.

Frequency: Start by using glycolic acid once or twice a week, then gradually increase the frequency as your skin becomes more accustomed to it.

Potential Side Effects of Glycolic Acid

Irritation and Redness: Glycolic acid can cause irritation, redness, or a stinging sensation, especially if you have sensitive skin or use a high concentration.

Dryness and Peeling: Due to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid can lead to dryness and peeling, particularly when you first start using it.

Increased Sun Sensitivity: Glycolic acid makes your skin more vulnerable to UV damage, so using sunscreen is crucial when incorporating this acid into your routine.

Purging: Some people may experience an initial breakout when starting glycolic acid, as it accelerates the process of bringing impurities to the surface.

What Strength Of Glycolic Acid Should I Use?

Glycolic acid comes in different strengths and what strength you should use largely depends on your skin concerns. As a general rule, you should always start with a lower concentration, and then work your way up. Glycolic acid between 8 to 10% is considered most effective. You may find over-the-counter glycolic acid creams or serums between 1 to 25%.

If your concern is acne scarring, sunspots or hyperpigmentation, you should consider seeing a dermatologist for a professional chemical peel. Remember, chemical peels come at higher concentrations than those sold over the counter. Chemical peels should never be attempted at home.

Is It OK To Use Glycolic Acid Everyday?

If you are new to the product or if your skin is on the sensitive side, remember not to use it too often due to its exfoliating properties. You should use it once every other day if your skin is capable.

If you find out that your skin is getting too dry, reduce the frequency to twice weekly or once. Also, ensure you are moisturizing your skin well and avoid any other exfoliant when using glycolic acid.

You may notice a slight breakout when you start using glycolic acid for the first time. This is because your skin is purging out dead skin cells. It can be alarming to see your skin purge but it gets better. So stick with it for at least 2 months. If the purging persists past the 2-month mark, discontinue usage and consult your dermatologist.

Who Should Avoid Glycolic Acid?

While glycolic acid is suitable for most skin types, those with extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema may want to avoid it or consult with a dermatologist before use. If you experience severe irritation, it’s best to discontinue use and seek advice from your dermatologist.

Best Products With Glycolic Acid

Conclusion

Glycolic acid is a powerful skincare ingredient that can deliver impressive results, from brighter skin to reduced signs of aging. However, like any active ingredient, it’s essential to use it correctly to avoid potential side effects. Start slow, listen to your skin, and always protect your skin with sunscreen when using glycolic acid. With consistent use and proper care, you’ll be on your way to achieving glowing, healthy skin.

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