Here’s What Dermatologists Say Glycolic Acid Can Actually Do to Your Skin

If you are looking to simplify your skincare routine with a product that provides all the benefits of minimized pores, younger-looking skin and a clear, radiant complexion, keep your eyes peeled (pun intended) for glycolic acid. This miraculous ingredient is an all-in-one solution to your greatest skin troubles from aging to acne— glycolic acid takes care of it all. It’s one ingredient that you should definitely consider adding to your skincare playbook.

So, what is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), an organic, carbon-containing molecule. According to Dr. Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, this molecule naturally occurs in sugar cane and fruits. Some other AHAs you may be familiar with include lactic acid and citrus acid. Note that these should not be confused with beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid.“Glycolic acid helps to separate the connections between keratinocytes [skin cells] in the outer layers of skin without rough, mechanical exfoliation techniques and promotes exfoliation,” Dr. Krant says. “In this way, it can artificially speed up cell turnover and bring fresher, younger cells to the surface.”

Can anyone use glycolic acid?

“I think people underestimate how much glycolic acid does,” says Dr. Sapna Palep, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spring Street Dermatology in NYC. “It works for anti-aging. It’s very good for acne. It stops acne from the get-go — from the comedone stage. [Patients] come to me like, ‘I hate these blackheads on my nose, and my pores feel so big.’ I put them on glycolic right away.” Key benefits are:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimizes appearance of pores
• Fights acne
• Removes dead skin cells
• Evens skin tone

Another bonus: glycolic acid is safe for new mothers to use, says Dr. Palep. Since certain beauty ingredients, such as BHAs and retinol, should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, “it’s a lifesaver for women during this period of time.”

 Source: GH