What Does Glycolic Acid Do for Your Skin?

 

If you’re into skin care, you’ve likely come across many glycolic acid products on store shelves. It’s long been a mainstay in dermatologist offices and the interest in glycolic acid for everyday use has spiked in recent years.  

As such, if you’re on the hunt for a new skin care product to add to your daily regimen, you have plenty of options formulated with this popular ingredient that you can choose from, ranging from facial cleansers to moisturizers to serums. But before you add this key active to your regimen, you may want to learn about glycolic acid benefits, side effects and topical application options. 

Keep reading to get the rundown on the beauty benefits of glycolic acid, and some amazing products to help you reap them.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

First things first, if you’re new to this ingredient, let’s define what it is before we discuss how to use it. Glycolic acid is one of the most common alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) used in cosmetics, and according to the Mayo Clinic, AHAs are a substance that can help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, as well as helping lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What Is Lip Oil?

True to its name, a lip oil is an oil or oil-based product that combines makeup and skincare into one luscious, lacquered package.

What makes lip oils different from lip balms and lip glosses is that they are typically formulated with various natural oils: jojoba oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, almond oil, sunflower seed oil, and avocado oil (among others). These natural oils help provide deep hydration and nourishment to the lips, giving them a soft, smooth, and plush feel. And depending on the type of lip oil formula you choose, some options might include other beneficial ingredients, like antioxidants and peptides that protect your skin’s barrier and improve the appearance of your pout over time.

As if that weren’t alluring enough, lip oils can also create a plumping, volumizing effect thanks to their high-shine consistency. It creates a bit of an optical illusion, instantly giving you a fuller-looking pout.

What Are the Biggest Glycolic Acid Benefits?

There are numerous noteworthy glycolic acid skin benefits. In fact, the ingredient’s versatile nature is a key factor in its popularity. Below learn a little about four key glycolic acid benefits.

1. Younger-looking skin

According to the Cleveland Clinic, glycolic acid is a top anti-aging ingredient. Take a stroll down a skincare aisle at most stores, and you’ll likely see a plethora of glycolic acid products with anti-aging claims. This is because the exfoliant helps refine the appearance of pores and make skin appear smoother.

2. Faster product absorption

Alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid can prep your skin to better absorb your other skincare products, leading to more effective results.

3. Fewer wrinkles

The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that in addition to resurfacing the skin and evening skin tone, glycolic acid can also minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

4. Reduction of dark spots

“Does glycolic acid help with dark spots?” is one of the skincare ingredient questions we hear most often. The answer? Yes. Per the American Academy of Dermatology, glycolic acid products can help fade existing dark spots.

What Are the Disadvantages of Glycolic Acid?

The effects of glycolic acid can vary from product to product, and it's important to be aware of potential side effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, side effects of AHAs like glycolic acid may include mild skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity. To mitigate risks associated with sun exposure, always apply sunscreen during the day and consider using glycolic acid products in the evening. If you experience any skin irritation or other side effects, it's best to speak to your dermatologist.

How To Use Glycolic Acid

Before you start using a skincare product formulated with glycolic acid, make sure you’re prepared. As noted above, alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity, so sun safety and protection are key. The FDA recommends using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure by seeking shade and avoiding the sun during its peak hours. For effective sun protection, consider using the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion. This sunscreen is formulated with UVA and UVB filters and provides broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s damaging rays..

When introducing a glycolic acid product, it’s also essential to follow the application instructions for the specific product you’re using. Beyond this, you may want to start slow to avoid potential irritation. For example, if a formula says it can be used nightly, start with two times a week and gradually build up to every day.

How To Choose the Right Glycolic Acid Product for You

If you're new to using glycolic acid, you may want to consult a dermatologist before incorporating it into your routine to avoid potential skin damage or irritation. For those who have used glycolic acid before, selecting a new product will depend on your specific skincare needs and whether you prefer incorporating it into your exfoliation, cleansing, moisturizing, or serum step.

Below, find three products you can try to start reaping glycolic acid’s benefits.

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel

As we mentioned, using glycolic acid for dark spots can be an effective skincare solution. This exfoliant in particular is one of our favorite options. It’s crafted to visibly fade all types of dark spots and renew skin texture. The formula with a unique blend of AHAs, BHA, and PHA, which takes inspiration from professional peels, provides gentle exfoliation, brightens skin tone, and improves skin texture. After just one use, skin appears instantly brighter and feels retexturized and softer. Plus, the dermatologist-validated peel is suitable for sensitive skin and all skin tones.

This chemical exfoliator is meant for use up to four times per week. Shake the bottle well, then apply evenly to clean, dry skin. Wait 15 minutes, rinse, and follow with moisturizer. And remember, during the day, sunscreen is a must.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser

This cleansing gel removes makeup, excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin’s surface. The combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid helps refine the appearance of enlarged pores while revealing smoother, brighter skin. It's a great introduction to glycolic acid and an easy way to incorporate it into your routine as the first step.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

This resurfacing serum uses pure glycolic acid to visibly even your skin tone and reduce dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Best for nighttime use, apply the serum before moisturizer. In the morning, be sure to apply SPF at the end of your skincare routine to protect your photosensitive skin.

Next Up: How To Use Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Together

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris