What is glycolic acid in skincare?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. It has the smallest molecular size of the AHA family, which lets it penetrate the stratum corneum more readily than lactic or mandelic acid – and makes it both the most effective and the most likely to sting.
It works by dissolving the bonds holding dead cells to the surface, so they shed evenly instead of accumulating. Cosmetic strengths run from around 5% to 10%, with professional peels going considerably higher.
What skin concerns does glycolic acid treat?
It is one of the best-evidenced ingredients for dullness, rough texture and uneven tone, and it visibly brightens within a few uses. Over longer periods it fades sun spots and post-acne marks, softens fine lines and helps clear congestion.
Regular use also stimulates collagen production and thickens the deeper epidermis, so the benefit is structural as well as surface-level.
What ingredients are best paired with glycolic acid?
Follow it with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and panthenol to replace what exfoliation costs the barrier. Niacinamide is a good companion for tone, and vitamin C works well on alternate days.
Do not stack it with retinoids, BHAs or benzoyl peroxide in the same step unless your skin is well conditioned, and start at twice a week. Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity, so daily SPF is essential. Take our Skin Quiz.
What are clogged pores?
A clogged pore is a hair follicle blocked by a mix of sebum, dead skin cells and debris. Left open to the air the plug oxidises and darkens into a blackhead; sealed over by skin it becomes a whitehead or closed comedone.
Clogged pores are the starting point of nearly all acne – the microcomedone forms first, and inflammation follows only if bacteria and immune response get involved.
What causes clogged pores?
Excess sebum and abnormal keratinisation are the two mechanics. When the follicle lining sheds cells faster than they can clear, they bind with oil and form a plug.
Comedogenic products (heavy oils, some silicones and waxes), thick makeup worn for long stretches, humidity, sweat left on the skin, hormonal shifts and insufficient cleansing all contribute. So does over-cleansing, which damages the barrier and drives oil production up.
What ingredients are best for clogged pores?
Salicylic acid is the first choice because it is oil-soluble and works inside the pore rather than just on the surface. Glycolic and lactic acid clear the surface layer, and clay masks absorb excess oil weekly.
Retinoids are the most effective long-term fix, because they change how the follicle sheds in the first place. Add niacinamide to regulate sebum and keep the barrier intact, and switch to non-comedogenic, lightweight hydrators. Take our Skin Quiz to find products that will not re-clog you.
