Skincare is always evolving, and amidst thousands of products, few have risen to popularity. One such ingredient is Glycolic Acid. As one of the most talked-about skincare superheroes out there, it’s high time we understood what glycolic acid is and why it is a buzzword across the skincare space today. Diving deep into the science behind this powerhouse, let’s learn how it can help you change your skincare and shower routine.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family. AHAs are primarily made from sugar cane. However, they can be also manufactured in a lab for homogeneity and purity in cosmetic lines. So, what’s different about glycolic acid from its counterparts among the AHAs?
The Molecular Difference
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among all AHAs at 76.05 g/mol. This is its secret of power:
1. More Absorption: Since it is smaller, glycolic acid manages to penetrate more deeply into the skin than any other AHA such as lactic acid or mandelic acid.
2. Rapid results: The work of its fast action penetrates through the skin, allowing glycolic acid to work faster than most exfoliants.
3. Versatility: Because of its small size, it is useful in a range of concentrations: gentle daily products and high strength professional peels.
Chemical Structure and Properties of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid has the chemical formula C2H4O3. It is an odourless, colourless crystalline solid and is very soluble in water. In skincare, it is used in an aqueous solution, with concentrations ranging from 5% to 70%, depending on what the product is intended for and if it is for use by a professional or DIY.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid on Skin
There are many benefits of glycolic acid for the skin, making this a multifaceted ingredient in skincare:
1. Exfoliation: Disruption of Cellular Bonds
At the molecular level, glycolic acid works by weakening the cohesive bonds between corneocytes (dead skin cells) in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. This process, known as corneocyte desquamation, leads to:
– Smooth skin texture
– Clear skin and luminosity
– Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines
2. Enhanced Cellular Renewal: Fast Turnover
Glycolic acid exfoliates the dead skin on the surface by going deeper into the epidermal layers to produce more cells. This accelerated cell turnover:
– Helps bring newer and younger cells to the skin’s surface more quickly
– Aids in fading of hyper pigmentations and acne marks
– Evens skin tone and texture
3. Hydration: More Than Surface Moisture
Glycolic acid is a good humectant because it attracts water molecules and helps in holding the water in the molecules. This hydrating effect operates on multiple levels:
– Immediate Hydration: Draws water from the atmosphere to the stratum corneum, thus immediately hydrating.
– Long-term moisture preservation: Helps to improve the barrier function of the skin, thus reducing TEWL and promoting better long-term hydration.
– Boost in Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs): Regular use may increase the production of hyaluronic acid and other NMFs by the skin, promoting overall hydration.
4. Collagen Stimulation: Building Skin’s Foundation
One of the most exciting benefits of glycolic acid is its ability to stimulate collagen production:
– It penetrates the dermis, where it activates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
– This stimulates cells to make more Type I collagen. Remember this is the most abundant structural protein in skin
– It helps skin to be soft, and plumper, and smoothens out small wrinkles and lines
5. pH Modulation: Ideal Environment
Glycolic acid, like most AHAs, temporarily lowers the pH of the skin. Acidification:
– Does not feel as friendly to acne bacteria
– Allows the skin’s own acid mantle to be re-established, which is crucial to the well-being and integrity of the skin
– Allows the skin to absorb other skincare
Why should you use glycolic acid in skincare?
Here are the reasons for using glycolic acid in your skincare:
Smoothening of the Skin Textures
One of the most important effects of glycolic acid on the skin is its texture enhancement. Here are a few ways in which this outcome is achieved:
– Dead skin cells are exfoliated quite effectively, skin will appear smoother and softer, and rough patches seem to fade away, especially on elbows and knees.
-The pores look much smaller as debris is washed out from pores and sebum production decreases
Acne Prevention and Treatment
Glycolic acid acts as a strong combative agent for acne in several ways:
1. Pore Decongestion: Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin surface and inside pores. Dead layers of skin and sebum that normally cause acne are prevented from reaching the pores.
2. Antibacterial Properties: The low pH of the acid is not in favour for the survival of the bacteria.
3. Reduction in Inflammation: Routine use of glycolic acid helps reduce inflammation caused by acne.
4. Fading of Scars: Through cell turnover and promoting collagen production, it reduces acne scars over time.
Anti-Aging Actions
Glycolic acid works in multiple ways for anti-ageing:
1. Collagen production: It facilitates firmer and more elastic skin by inducing the synthesis of collagen.
2. Fine Lines and Wrinkles Smoothen out: The exfoliation itself, plus the turnover of the skin cells, will soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Better Absorption of Products
Additionally, it removes dead skin cells, which leads to open pores, and your other skincare products can penetrate deeper into the skin:
– Serums and moisturisers penetrate better and deeper.
-Active ingredients: vitamin C and E, peptides, anti-aging compounds, etc. will work better.
Glycolic Acid in Body Wash: Game Changer for Full-Body Care
Though glycolic acid has been part of facial skincare routines for decades, it is growing increasingly more popular in body care and changing how we treat skin as a whole.
Why You Should Start Using Body Wash with Glycolic Acid
Here are the reasons for incorporating a body wash ( aloe Mitti clay body wash ) in your shower routine with glycolic acid in it:
1. Holistic Exfoliation: It is sometimes gentler yet equally effective than typical exfoliating products for the whole body, turning the focus to rough patches, bumpy skin, and dullness.
2. Keratosis Pilaris Therapy: The exfoliating and keratolytic action of glycolic acid makes it invaluable for the treatment of keratosis pilaris, otherwise known as “chicken skin,” most frequently appearing on arms and legs.
3. Ingrown Hair Prevention: Frequent application may help prevent or dissuade the development of ingrown hairs by clearing the follicles and removing dead skin and its natural buildup on the skin surface.
4. Easy Absorption of Moisturizer: It allows room for the deeper penetration and therefore, better effectiveness of any moisturizer or body treatment applied after your showering.
5. Body Acne Control: The same principles of how it kills the acne bacteria on your face apply to your body: it can help control those breakouts of your back and chest as well as on any part of your body.
6. Even Skin Tone and Texture: Gradually, it smoothen out skin tone, reduces the visibility of sun damages and can even condition the skin texture of the body.
7. Preparation for Self-Tanning: It can help to make a smoother canvas for self-tanning products, resulting in a more even and natural-looking tan.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Glow with Glycolic Acid
No doubt, glycolic acid is among the mighty ingredients that help in getting healthy, radiant-looking skin. Since it merely presents an astounding effect on acne to signs of aging, its basis in science is strong. Once you know how to use glycolic acid be it from products you apply to your face or through body washes, there is no holding back in getting that glow on your skin from your head down to your toes.
Let’s remember that skincare is undertaken personally, and what works well with one may not work at all with another. Just pay attention to your skin needs, begin slow, and see the dermatologist whenever you have a concern. At this point, with glycolic acid at hand,