Glycolic Acid Benefits for Skin (2024)

How amazing it would be if there was a single product that helped us achieve glowing and healthy skin and also reduced fine lines and other blemishes? Wonderful, right?

But you do not need to worry much because a magical product like this exists. Yes, I am talking about the all-rounder, “Glycolic acid”. You genuinely have no idea how life-changing a small amount of glycolic acid can be for you.

If you are having acne breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, a rough skin texture, open pores, or dehydration, it is for you. Along with that, it will provide you a good textured, shiny, and clear skin.

In this complete article, we will be discussing the 8 major benefits of glycolic acid for the skin. Read on. 

1. Increases collagen production

As we age, the production of collagen in our skin reduces. Now what this collagen is? Basically, it is a kind of protein that is most abundant in our body, helps our skin generate new cells, and also repairs our skin. 

Using glycolic acid on your skin regularly increases the collagen level in your skin resulting in a more youthful and flawless skin.f

2. Prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles

If you are someone having issues like fine lines or even want to prevent such issues, you are on the right way. Glycolic acid is known for reducing and preventing the signs of aging. 

Let us discuss the science behind it. What is the main cause of aging? The answer is dehydration. Glycolic acid hydrates your skin deeply and locks the moisture throughout the deep layers of your skin. In this way, it results in providing you with anti-aging benefits and slows down the process of aging.

3. Cures acne breakouts

On this long list, another benefit of glycolic acid for the skin is that it prevents and cures acne breakouts. 

No matter at what age point you are right now. Everyone faces acne breakouts and it affects our appearance and impression a lot. The other big thing, these acne breakouts cannot be hidden through makeup and if done, it results in getting even worse.

Glycolic acid kills the germs that cause acne and other issues. It also reduces the extreme production of sebum and oil in the skin. There are many benefits of glycolic acid for oily skin.

4. Exfoliates the skin

Glycolic acid used in a cleanser helps exfoliate the surface of the skin. Exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin.

You can use an exfoliator once a week or if want to go for a cleanser, use it every day.

With continuous use, your skin will feel healthier and smoother. Glycolic acid will clean the pores deeply and will remove the dirt that is stuck in the deep layer of your skin for months. 

5. Hydrates your skin

Glycolic acid has the properties that hydrate your skin thoroughly. Our skin makes substances like mucopolysaccharides with the help of it which results in removing dehydration and locking moisture in our skin. 

If you have dry skin, it can be a boon for you. A moistened and hydrated face also keeps environmental damage away. If your skin is dehydrated continuously, it can lead to premature signs of aging like fine lines.

On this topic some say, inner hydration is important. Yes, that is important but along with that, you should also hydrate your skin from outside. Glycolic acid can help you.

6. Minimizes the appearance of large pores

If you were someone who used to pick your skin in your teenage, and now you have large pores, you should go for this acid. Glycolic acid benefits the skin in the matter of large pores a lot. 

Who wants enlarged pores? Noone. It makes your face look terrible. And ruins your impression among your favorite people. 

But do not worry, glycolic acid can help you. First, it will exfoliate the skin and will clean your pores deeply. And then it will also tighten up the pores. But with regular use.

7. Improves skin tone

If your skin is having unwanted tan and it is pissing you off, use this acid. 

It exfoliates and cleans your skin properly eventually removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It helps in even out your skin tone making it shiny and bright.

According to studies, this acid has the ability to light down your skin tone by 5%. And also reduces discoloration and hyperpigmentation. 

8. Remove dark patches and spots

Glycolic acid stays dermatologists’ first choice when it comes to dark patches and spots. When you have acne and if it is not treated well, it results in creating dark spots that do not leave even after trying lots of products. 

I am not saying that your dark patches and dark spots will vanish in a single day but yes eventually, it will. By eventually, I mean with the use of one or two months. Because dark spots are a tough skin condition.

If you are dark and afraid to use it, do not be. But yes, you can opt for using it in a light amount and in a light concentration. 

The final advice

Yes, glycolic acid is beneficial for the skin. But as with every other acid, it also has a thing to consider. If you have sensitive skin, you should not use glycolic acid. It can irritate your skin and day by day, it will also make your skin more sensitive.

Even if you have normal skin, do not use it in a huge quantity. The right quantity is 5 to 10 percent of this acid. 

Better if you opt for a cleanser, if you use a serum or moisturizer, you will not be able to unlock its all benefits like it would not be able to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate. You can also go for an exfoliator. 

After washing your face from this acid, make sure to tone and moisturize your skin with light products. Better if you do not apply heavy makeup afterward but it is necessary, then clean your skin properly with glycolic acid before sleeping. Spray a little toner, apply moisturizer and get a good sleep because our skin rejuvenates during sleep.

Be gentle and consistent to unlock glycolic acid’s all benefits. 

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