How Do You Use Glycolic Acid Products on Your Face?

Glycolic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare, and if you’re familiar with it, it’s easy to see why. The anti-aging hero is celebrated for its ability to exfoliate, brighten, and smooth the skin. But in order to reap these benefits, it’s important to know how to use glycolic acid correctly. Ahead, we’ll explain what glycolic acid is, how it works, and discuss how to use glycolic acid properly for radiant, healthy-looking skin.

What Is Glycolic Acid and How Does It Work?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly used in anti-aging skincare products. Like other AHAs, glycolic acid works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing your skin to shed them more easily. The Cleveland Clinic notes that glycolic acid has a small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin more deeply than many other AHAs.

Now, to the question at hand: What is glycolic acid good for? The answer to that varies depending on the specific product you’re using. However, generally speaking, skincare products with glycolic acid can help with the following:

• Smoothing the skin texture: Products with glycolic acid help promote exfoliation, which can help to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Improving skin tone: Glycolic acid can help to brighten and even the skin, making it incredibly useful for those with dark spots and discolorations.
• Boosting radiance: By helping to slough away dead skin cells, products with glycolic acid can help promote a more radiant, luminous complexion.
• Firming the skin: Per the Cleveland Clinic, long-term use of glycolic acid can help to firm sagging or crepey skin.

How To Use Glycolic Acid on Your Face

There isn’t a single correct way to use glycolic acid. As this ingredient can be found in so many skincare products, from cleansers to moisturizers, application depends on the specific product you’re using. However, here are a few tips to keep in mind when adding glycolic acid to your routine.

1. Choose the right product for your needs

When choosing a glycolic acid product, it's important to consider both the formula and concentration based on your skin type, needs, and goals. If you’re new to AHAs, for example, or are looking for something that you can use daily for gentle exfoliation, a glycolic acid cleanser or toner may be your best bet. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser is an excellent option for all skin types. The gentle formula helps remove excess oil and impurities (including makeup) while gently exfoliating the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed. You can use it twice daily as the first step in your skincare routine—even if you have sensitive skin.

Those with a bit more experience using chemical exfoliants might want to opt for a product with a slightly higher concentration of glycolic acid, like a facial serum. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum is among our top picks—it helps smooth and refine the skin to promote a visibly more even, youthful-looking complexion over time.

2. Read the instructions thoroughly

Anytime you’re introducing a new product or ingredient into your routine, it’s essential to read the instructions thoroughly to ensure a proper application. This is especially important if the product contains AHAs, as overuse can leave your skin feeling tight, dry, or irritated. Some products are meant to be used daily; others are best used more sparingly. To reap the intended benefits of your chosen product, follow the instructions outlined on the product’s packaging or consult your dermatologist for guidance.

3. Increase usage slowly

If you’re new to glycolic acid, it’s generally best to introduce the ingredient into your routine gradually rather than all at once. The Cleveland Clinic recommends starting with twice-weekly usage (at night) and increasing the frequency over time based on how your skin responds.

4. Keep your skin hydrated

It’s always important to apply moisturizer, but especially so after using a chemical exfoliant, as they can be drying (especially when you first begin using them). After using your chosen glycolic acid skincare product, apply a gentle moisturizer to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. We’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Facial Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which boasts a refreshing, non-greasy texture and provides up to 48 hours of hydration for smooth, youthful-looking skin. If you’re looking for something a bit richer, try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, which boasts a patented antioxidant blend and helps replenish the skin barrier at night, when it’s most receptive to recovery.

5. Don’t forget SPF

Last but definitely not least: Always wear sunscreen when using any skincare products with AHAs. While daily sunscreen use is important for everybody, it’s especially crucial for those using AHAs, as these powerful exfoliants can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s damaging UV rays, per the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To help protect your skin from damage, the FDA recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day and reapplying it every two hours (more often if you’re sweating or swimming). Try the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion—it’s suitable for all skin types and absorbs quickly with a lightweight, non-greasy feel.

What Not to Mix with Glycolic Acid

When using glycolic acid, it's important to be mindful of what products you mix it with. Some ingredients can increase the risk of irritation or reduce the effectiveness of your skincare routine. In general, it’s recommended to avoid mixing glycolic acid with:

• Vitamin C: Curious about how to use glycolic acid and vitamin C together? While both are powerful ingredients, using them together can cause sensitivity in some. If you want to use both in your routine, use your vitamin C in the morning and apply glycolic acid at night.
• Retinol: According to the Cleveland Clinic, combining glycolic acid with retinol can lead to increased irritation and sensitivity. To minimize this risk, alternate days, using your glycolic acid product one night and retinol the following night.
• Other exfoliants: Doubling up on exfoliants without knowing what you’re doing can result in overexfoliation, which may make your skin feel dry, tight, or uncomfortable. If you want to use more than one exfoliant in your routine, it’s best to reach for a product formulated with the ingredients you want to use.

How Often Should You Use Glycolic Acid?

Determining how often to use glycolic acid isn’t always that cut-and-dry—it depends on your skin type, tolerance level, and, of course, the product you’re using. Generally speaking, products with a lower concentration of glycolic acid (up to 15 percent) can be used daily once your skin acclimates. Stronger exfoliants, however, are best used more sparingly.

The L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Peel is one such example. This powerful at-home peel provides effective exfoliation and helps rapidly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations to promote brighter, more even-looking skin. However, unlike cleansers and serums, it’s not designed for daily use. We recommend reaching for it no more than four times per week for the best results.

Common Side Effects & How to Avoid Them

While glycolic acid offers many benefits for the skin, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and know how to avoid them. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of glycolic acid without irritation, leaving your skin smooth, glowing, and protected. Some common side effects of glycolic acid are:

• Mild irritation: Redness and discomfort can occur if you’re using glycolic acid too frequently (or using a stronger product than your skin is used to). To avoid this, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
• Flaking/peeling: Overuse of glycolic acid or skipping moisturizing can lead to dry, flaky skin. To help prevent dryness, stick to the recommended usage and make sure to hydrate your skin with a rich moisturizer after application.
• Increased sun sensitivity: As mentioned, AHAS—including glycolic acid—can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Next Up: 13 Must-Try Tips for Glowing Skin

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris