Glycolic acid: What is this acid and what benefits does it offer for your skin? Here you'll find all the answers to the most important questions and learn how to best use glycolic acid in your skincare routine.
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is used in many cosmetic products, especially for skin care. Other AHAs include mandelic acid and lactic acid.
How does glycolic acid affect the skin?
Glycolic acid is a fruit acid extracted from sugar cane. It is used in dermatology, cosmetic studios, and in facial care products for home treatments. Like all acids, glycolic acid has an exfoliating effect on the skin and removes dead skin cells.
Glycolic acid simultaneously moisturizes the skin and stimulates collagen production, gradually reducing hyperpigmentation and fine wrinkles. The complexion appears visibly smoother and more radiant.
Products containing glycolic acid are therefore ideal for normal to dry skin and for anyone who wants to combat the first signs of aging.
Difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Unlike glycolic acid, salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA). It can therefore penetrate deep into pores and dissolve sebum and dead skin cells, while AHAs like glycolic acid work on the skin's surface.
Glycolic acid promotes collagen production and can thus counteract the first signs of skin aging. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for oily and combination skin – it counteracts impurities and blackheads and exfoliates the skin deep to the pores.
What is glycolic acid suitable for?
Glycolic acid is particularly suitable for:
- normal to dry skin
- dull complexion
- first wrinkles and fine lines
The best selection of products with glycolic acid
Geek & Gorgeous – Smooth Out
ab
10,90 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 8,18 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
facetheory – ClariCleanse AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
15,90 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 15,11 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
the purest solutions – 5% Glycolic Acid + AHA & BHA Exfoliating and Clarifying Toner
15,90 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 11,72 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Minimalist – AHA BHA 10% Face Exfoliator
13,90 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 11,12 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Paula's Choice - 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
49,00 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 49,00 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Paula's Choice – Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
39,00 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 39,00 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The correct use of glycolic acid
The exact application of glycolic acid depends on your personal skin condition and the specific product you choose. However, you should generally use products containing glycolic acid in the evening, as the acid makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
So never forget to apply sunscreen in the morning. You should use it every day, regardless of the weather or season, to protect your skin from UV damage and premature signs of aging.
When it comes to glycolic acid, it's always best to introduce it into your skincare routine slowly to minimize irritation. Over several weeks, you can then gradually increase the frequency of use to allow your skin to gradually get used to it.
Stop using immediately if you notice dryness, redness, irritation, or burning immediately after application. A slight tingling sensation is normal, but this should subside after five minutes.
You should not use glycolic acid on damaged or irritated skin, as this will only worsen your skin condition.
Combination with other active ingredients
Find out here how you can combine glycolic acid with other active ingredients and what you should consider.
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Above, you'll also find some products that contain a mix of AHA and BHA. These brands perfectly match the acids. You should avoid combining the two acids on your own. The two acids can overwhelm your skin.
This can lead to severe dryness, irritation and redness.
Glycolic acid and niacinamide
You should also avoid combining glycolic acid and niacinamide. The different pH values of the active ingredients can actually reduce the effectiveness of the glycolic acid. In this case, it's better to use the two ingredients separately.
Glycolic acid and azelaic acid
The combination of glycolic and azelaic acids is very effective for blemishes and hyperpigmentation. You can combine the two acids in a skincare routine. However, be sure to use the product with glycolic acid first, followed by the one with azelaic acid.
Tip: Pay attention to the individual tips and instructions on your products.
Glycolic acid and retinol/retinal
It's best not to use glycolic acid with retinoids in a routine. This would put too much strain on your skin and lead to unwanted reactions. Instead, alternate your retinol/retinal product with the glycolic acid—use one product one night and the other the next.
Glycolic acid and vitamin C
Both active ingredients offer your skin great anti-aging benefits. However, it's best to use them separately. Glycolic acid is more suitable for evening use, while vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is ideal for morning use thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) and is therefore perfectly suited for combining it with glycolic acid. Hyaluronic acid can alleviate potential side effects caused by glycolic acid, such as dryness and irritation.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about glycolic acid and found it helpful!
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
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