Glycolic acid is an acid derived from sugar cane, and it is one of the most popular types of alpha hydroxy acid, which is used for the skin, as it is less irritating to the skin. Let us learn in more detail about the benefits of glycolic acid for the skin, its possible side effects, and important warnings before using it.

How does glycolic acid work?

When you apply the acid to your skin, it will work to break the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells, and the next layer, and this helps to give a peeling-like feeling, which gives a more smooth feeling.

Benefits of glycolic acid for the skin

As glycolic acid is one of several types of alpha hydroxy acid, these acids may offer many potential benefits for the skin, including:

• Work to lighten the skin.
• Preventing or alleviating acne.
• Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and simple lines.
• Unify skin tone affected by scars and spots.
• Improve natural collagen production.

Glycolic acid for acne

This type of acid may offer various potential benefits for the skin, and more specifically the acid may offer benefits for people with acne.

The advantage of exfoliating with glycolic acid may help reduce the effect of sticky substances, including dead skin cells, as well as oils that close the pores, and thus the skin becomes clean.

The acid can also contribute to maintaining skin moisture and protecting it from damage, and this may help people with acne, to retain anti-acne agents and prevent them from drying out, such as salicylic acid.

It is also reported that some research has shown that this acid can have antibacterial and antioxidant activity as well, which may help improve the appearance of the skin of people with acne.

Glycolic acid for sensitive areas

Some women may suffer from the problem of hair growth under the skin in the sensitive area, so it is possible to resort to some products that help exfoliate, including those that contain glycolic acid, as they can help prevent blockage of hair follicles, but if you do not suffer from The problem of hair growth under the skin, and if your hair growth is normal, do not use this product, which may irritate the area.

We stress the need to consult a doctor before using any exfoliating products in the sensitive area, as each case differs from the other, and to determine the most appropriate treatment.

glycolic acid products

Different products are available from the famous acid, due to the many different forms available in the market. For example, we find that there are:

• Face lotion.
• scrubs.
• Glycolic acid serum or solution.
• Skin bandages.

Generally, the acid is found in many different skin products, often in concentrations of less than 10%.

How to use glycolic acid

Products that contain acid are used carefully at first, especially if the use takes place without consulting a doctor, which we do not prefer, but in general you can start applying the product two to three times for one week, and follow up if there are any side effects such as irritation.

Of course, the situation may differ according to the skin type and condition, and according to use, according to the doctor’s instructions or without it. In general, you may feel roughness in the skin at first, but the extent of the situation should be noted.

We also stress the importance of using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30, in order to protect the skin from sun damage.

Important warnings before use

Make sure to use glycolic acid products that contain low concentrations, as they are more suitable for the skin and have less negative impact. The product should also be used on a small area of ​​the skin first, and monitor the situation for a sufficient period of time.

Do not use acid with other peeling products, especially those that contain retinoids, or skin treatments in general. We also advise you not to use these peeling products in beauty salons, and to go to a specialized doctor.

Glycolic acid side effects

Some may suffer from some side effects as a result of the use of acid on the skin, and some may show some symptoms such as:

• Note the swelling.
• Feeling itching and burning.
• The use of acid may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so sunscreen should be used.
• Also for people who have dry or sensitive skin, they may feel irritation in their skin as a result of use.
• May cause irritation to dark skin.
• Hyperpigmentation can occur.

In the end, we advise you to consult a doctor first, as each skin is different from the other, and there may be medical reasons that need treatment first before using any products.