What are the effects of glycolic acid on the skin?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) widely used in skin care products, so “what is the effect of glycolic acid on the skin”? Accordingly, this active ingredient helps fight aging, hyperpigmentation, dry skin and acne.

An indispensable ingredient in most popular skin care products today, glycolic acid is considered a "miracle ingredient" because of its many benefits to the skin.
Glycolic acid is a substance derived from cane sugar, belonging to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family along with other components such as malic acid and lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of natural acids commonly found in all commonly used foods. For example, citric acid is found in citrus fruits, malic acid is found in apples, tartaric acid is found in grapes. A wide range of alpha hydroxy acids are used in skin care and cosmetics, mainly because they are great at helping to treat dry skin, acne, and superficial wrinkles.
Among them, glycolic acid is the most popular and widely studied substance in the alpha hydroxy acid family. The molecule of glycolic acid is very small compared to other members of the AHA family, so it is easily absorbed and can penetrate the skin at a very deep level, effective in helping to fight many types of skin problems. .
So “what is the effect of glycolic acid on the skin”, this is an active ingredient known to have anti-aging effects, effective in treating acne and its ability to exfoliate the skin in the morning. while maintaining the natural PH balance. Because of its ability to be safe for all skin types, glycolic acid is easy to use and an essential part of any skin care routine.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule size of all alpha-hydroxy acids. Due to these microscopic molecules, glycolic acid can easily penetrate the skin. This allows glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin more effectively than other AHAs.
Glycolic acid's effect on the skin through its cell turnover-accelerating action. Glycolic acid helps dissolve bonds, holding skin cells together, allowing dead skin cells to slough off faster than the natural process.
Furthermore, glycolic acid also stimulates the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its firmness, plumpness and elasticity. Meanwhile, as the body ages, the natural collagen production will be slowed down and destroyed by too much sun exposure. At this point, regular use of glycolic acid can help prevent collagen breakdown over time.

Anti-aging Because glycolic acid is a very small molecule, capable of penetrating deep into the epidermis of the skin, it can stimulate cell activity. This makes glycolic acid a commonly added ingredient to anti-aging and blemish treatments to hydrate, brighten, and firm skin.
Furthermore, glycolic acid is an active smoothing agent that helps improve skin's texture and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, removing excess dead skin cells to reveal soft, clean skin and youthful.
Exfoliating dead skin cells The main mechanism of action of glycolic acid on the skin is its ability to help remove the top layer of the skin, by breaking the bonds of dead cells together. Basically, glycolic acid is a substance that can work so that skin cells don't get mixed up. Therefore, breaking this bond creates a chain reaction, which in turn promotes cell renewal and metabolism, keeping the skin clean and bright. As such, using glycolic acid in your exfoliating routine will help keep your skin's pH balanced, fade acne scars, and unclog pores.
Safe for all skin types Perhaps because of the name 'acid', glycolic treatments were once only used by people with oily or acne-prone skin.
Today, as more and more research is being conducted, glycolic acid is recommended by dermatologists for all skin types. As a result, glycolic acid will regulate sebum secretion and other uncontrollable skin conditions.
Improves Acne Glycolic acid is a great addition to all skin care routines for those with acne in particular. During flare-ups, glycolic acid is particularly effective and can combat the entire spectrum of acne problems and skin irritations. Especially for those with cystic acne, glycolic acid helps clear even the deepest blockages of dead skin cells and sebum. As a result, when combined with other ingredients in your skin care routine, glycolic acid has become one of the top choices for preventing painful breakouts.

As with using retinol, your skin may need to get used to glycolic acid before it starts to feel its effects on the skin. Skin care formulations containing glycolic acid will vary in concentration, so be sure to check the percentage before purchasing. If you have sensitive skin, choose a formula with a low percentage. Starting the habit of using glycolic acid with too high a percentage will easily cause redness and irritation.
Besides, it is necessary to pay attention to the Vitamin A or AHA ingredients in other skin care products to avoid using too much, making the skin may become more sensitive, more susceptible to many dangers from the environment.
Sun exposure should be avoided when using glycolic acid, remember to apply sunscreen on the days you are using glycolic treatments, especially if applied in the morning. This is because glycolic acid removes the top layer of the skin, leaving it at risk for damage and unwanted hyperpigmentation.
Instead, apply glycolic acid along with your night cream, starting with once a week, then every 3 nights if skin is responding well to the initial regimen. Peeling therapy can be applied once or twice a week for a gentle, coordinated exfoliation.
In short, glycolic acid is a substance with many skin care benefits. Incorporating into your daily skin care routine, glycolic acid will help exfoliate dead skin cells, fight aging, stimulate collagen production as well as inhibit inflammatory acne and reduce acne scars. While products containing glycolic acid are easy to find, it's important to weigh your needs and make sure you choose one that doesn't have a high concentration to avoid sensitization.

References: loreal-paris.co.uk , gethealthyskin.com verywellhealth.com