The Ultimate Guide to Glycolic Acid as Your All-in-One Solution

A must-have in any skincare routine for smoother, healthy glowing skin...

The Ultimate Guide to Glycolic Acid as Your All-in-One Solution

While maintaining a healthy diet is essential for glowing skin, caring for your skin is equally important. What if I tell you that this one product will be your first step to glowing radiant problem-free skin?

serum on a blue background

Derived from sugarcane, the all-in-one serum GLYCOLIC ACID is great for attaining healthy glowing skin. Many of you use glycolic acid for glowing, clear skin but are unaware of most of its uses. It is very effective as it can penetrate deep inside your skin thus providing hydration and skin renewal. 

What does Glycolic acid do?

a girl applying moisturizer on face

Dead skin buildup can cause various skin issues and being the smallest of AHA’s glycolic acid has the power to weaken the bonds between dead skin cells resulting in dead skin shedding more easily. This makes your skin look young and glowing. Let's see why glycolic acid is a must-have in your skincare routine, and the skin concerns it can handle!

Why Glycolic Acid is a Skincare Essential

From exfoliation to reducing fine lines and saggy skin, glycolic acid is used everywhere. Its unique ability to dissolve dead skin cells and its water-loving properties make it perfect for people with dry, sun-damaged, or aging skin. Here’s why glycolic acid deserves a permanent spot in your skincare routine:

Skin Exfoliation

Has it ever happened to you?

You have planned to go out ...

But the embarrassment of having strawberry legs kills your confidence. 

Strawberry legs are normal and are something to be embraced. Many women who shave their body hair love to have clear glowing skin and not strawberry legs which is why skin exfoliation is an essential part of their skincare routine. 

Glycolic acid with its fantastic exfoliation properties becomes the ideal ingredient to address these concerns. Not just strawberry legs, its regular use can help with issues like body acne and dullness, giving you healthy glowing skin.

Acne and Scarring

Many get confused and think acne scars and acne marks are the same and treat acne scars in the same way they treat acne marks. Acne marks are just hyperpigmentation followed by your pimple but acne scars can change your skin texture. Using Glycolic acid will help you get rid of these acne scars and clear out pores. It fades dark spots and pigmentation by encouraging cell turnover with time too.

Skin Moisturisation

Glycolic acid is the best moisturizer for dry skin. Its ability to draw moisture into the skin improves hydration and softness.

Anti-Aging 

wrinkles on a lady's face

Glycolic acid promotes collagen production and thus it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Use it regularly to keep skin looking young.

Targeted Treatment for Multiple Concerns

From addressing dandruff through scalp exfoliation to treating cracked heels, glycolic acid is incredibly versatile. It can even help exfoliate dry lips and lighten dark underarm skin.

How to Use Glycolic Acid?

Even if you’re familiar with all the amazing things glycolic acid can do for your skin, you might still be curious about a few details, like…
“How to use glycolic acid?”, “How often to use glycolic acid?”, and so on. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

The Right Product

What makes this product an ace is the fact that it can be used in most skin types, a glycolic acid serum or lotion works well, but it’s especially effective in leave-on products. Applying glycolic acid directly to areas with skin concerns will give you the best results.

Usage

If you’re new to glycolic acid, start by applying it a few times a week and then gradually increase to daily use, depending on your skin's tolerance.

Always Use Sunscreen

Glycolic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. This protects your skin from further sun damage and ensures you see results without irritation.

Pair with Other Moisturizing Ingredients

Since glycolic acid can be drying for some, pairing it with a hydrating moisturizer will keep your skin plump and reduce any potential dryness.

What is Glycolic Acid Used For?

bare legs

Glycolic acid’s versatility lets you use it on the face, body, and even specific areas like the scalp, feet, and underarms. With regular use, glycolic acid can address:

- Acne and acne scars

- Dark spots and pigmentation

- Strawberry legs

- Dry, cracked feet

- Wrinkles and fine lines

- Dandruff and scalp buildup

- Dark and smelly armpits

Experience the Benefits of Glycolic Acid

glycolic acid serum on blue background

A staple for smoother, clearer, and more youthful skin, glycolic acid is truly a hero ingredient. Due to its exfoliating nature, glycolic acid can make your skin more prone to sun damage. Always use a high-SPF sunscreen during the day to protect your newly rejuvenated skin and maintain your glow! So, if you haven’t tried it yet, add glycolic acid to your skincare routine and see the difference for yourself. 

There are many glycolic acid products in the market but the ‘Ordinary glycolic acid’ is a better option and if you want to go with a cheaper alternative you can choose the Minimalist one. 

Here’s a list of a few products you can try according to your skin type: 

  1. Paula’s Choice - Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA - Oily or Tolerant skin
  2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Pack of 240ml liquid - For Normal Skin
  3. Isntree, CHESTNUT AHA 8% CLEAR ESSENCE 100ml - for Combination Skin
  4. Loreal Revitalift Peeling- Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid 180 ml - Best for Sensitive Skin