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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
Wrinkles are creases and folds that form in our skin, usually most prominent in our face, neck and hands. Wrinkles are caused by the natural process of aging on our skin, though there are a few circumstances that increase the appearance and depth of wrinkles. Exposure to sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke increase the rate of wrinkling. Genetics also plays a role in the skin’s elasticity, plumpness, and the age at which wrinkles begin appearing.
To prevent wrinkles, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like rosehip oil, alpha-lipoic acid, herbal extracts, retinol, coenzyme Q10, alpha-hydroxy acids, etc are all beneficial for preventing and reducing wrinkles.
glycolic acid may be effective for wrinkles, 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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