What exactly is glycolic acid?

When you think of acids, you might think of those cleaning agents we use to keep our bathrooms and kitchens spotless. But did you know that many common skincare products actually contain acids? They actually help to promote healthy skin. One such example is the glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which work by removing the dead skin cells from the skin’s topmost layers. This is usually derived from sugar cane. AHAs work to exfoliate the skin’s surface so this helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and reduce hyperpigmentation and minor blemishes like sun spots.

For professional-grade peeling methods such as chemical peels, dermatologists tend to prefer using glycolic acid. This is because it has the smallest particles which allow it to get in deep into the skin layers. Glycolic acid is an excellent anti-aging treatment in that it encourages collagen production and evens out your skin tone, as well as strengthen the layers of the skin. It also improves skin texture, so you get luminous, smooth skin.

Glycolic acid is also great for those with acne-prone skin, as it helps to loosen up dead skin cells, thus helping to reduce acne.

Not all glycolic acid products are created equal. Look for one that doesn’t go beyond 10% in concentration for best at-home results. Also, glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is recommended to always use sunscreen when you use glycolic acid treatments.

Ready to incorporate glycolic acid into your routine? Add our Glow Job 5% Glycolic Acid Gel Cream to your routine once a week to combat stubborn dark spots. For instantly brighter skin, try our Petal Skin Rose Clay Mask.