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Glycolic acid has the smallest sized molecules of all the alpha-hydroxy acids. Because of these super tiny molecules, glycolic acid can easily penetrate the skin. This allows glycolic acid to exfoliates the skin more effectively than other AHAs.
Glycolic acid works by speeding up cell turnover. It helps dissolve the bonds that hold skin cells together, allowing dead skin cells to slough off more rapidly than they would on their own.
Glycolic acid also stimulates your skin to create more collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firmness, plumpness, and elasticity. (Collagen is also the protein that gives strength to your bones and connective tissues.) As you age, collagen production naturally slows down. It's also destroyed by excessive sun exposure. Using glycolic acid regularly can help prevent this breakdown of collagen.
Glycolic acid is an incredibly popular treatment because of the many benefits it has for the skin. It has effective skin-renewing properties, so it is often used in anti-aging products. It can help smooth fine wrinkles and improve the skin's tone and texture. Glycolic acid plumps the skin and helps boost hydration levels.
It's not just an anti-aging treatment, though. Glycolic acid can also help fight sun damage. It's often used to fade minor fade hyperpigmentation too.
Because it's an effective exfoliator, using glycolic acid regularly can help brighten the complexion. It's this exfoliating property that also makes it an effective preventative against ingrown hairs. If you have large pores, glycolic acid can help make those appear smaller as well.
Many acne treatment products also contain glycolic acid. Glycolic acid can help keep pores clear from blockages, preventing comedones, blackheads, and inflamed breakouts from forming
Rosacea refers to a redness of the face caused by a condition affecting the blood vessels in the face. It’s more common in middle-aged women with lighter complexions, although rosacea can affect anyone. The exact cause is unknown, though it is typically hereditary and not caused by pore clogs or skin infections. Many people mistake rosacea’s redness and bumpiness of the face for acne. Rosacea has no cure, and it can fluctuate in its severity from month to month.
There are a few ingredients that can help reduce inflammation associated with rosacea. For example, jojoba oil is good for reducing inflammation associated with certain conditions that cause redness. However, it is important to work with a dermatologist to determine the cause of redness on your skin to determine the right course of treatment if it is rosacea or a combination of concerns.
glycolic acid may be effective for rosacea, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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