This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website.
Today we’ve got another amazing cosmetic chemistry post! What does glycolic acid do to your face?
Readers have requested more skin care posts, so I wanted to share this one because it is a very important topic when it comes to skin.
You have probably seen the word glycolic acid on some of your skin care products, so knowing what it does to your face can help you use it more efficiently.
What Does Glycolic Acid Do To Your Face?
The Chemistry of Glycolic Acid
To understand how this acid works, you have to check out the chemistry of it.
Glycolic acid is an α-hydroxy acid (alpha hydroxy acid) or AHA as it is more commonly known in the skin care industry. Structure wise it is a crystalline that is very water soluble. Due to it’s small structure (smaller than other AHAs), it can penetrate skin efficiently.
Historically, glycolic acid was first synthesized in the 1850s by two chemists. One of them I studied a little in college, Adolph Strecker. By the way, chemists have invented and discovered so many awesome things. Check out these things invented by chemists that have changed the world.
Anyways, these chemists actually synthesized and formed glycolic acid in a lab, but today, it is also derived from many natural items like sugarcane, pineapple, and grapes.
How it Works
AHAs all work to exfoliate dead skin cells, but glycolic acid is the smallest AHA in the group, so it is able to penetrate deeper into the skin. By reacting and working on the top layer of your skin, it can eat away and break down the cells. Instead of a physical exfoliant (like sugar, baking soda), it is a chemical exfoliant working deep in the skin.
This sounds intense, but clearing away dead skin cells is very important for collagen and new cell growth.
So, What Does Glycolic Acid Do To Your Face?
Removes Dead Skin Cells
Like I mentioned above, this acid is very effective at removing dead skin cells.
Brightens Skin
By removing dead skin cells, you are also removing the dull layer of top skin. It will brighten your face after just one use, and regular usage keeps your skin really bright and healthy.
Restores Skin Tone
The skin on your face can have uneven tones due to the cells not repairing or turning over correctly. Glycolic acid helps restore the tone in your face making it more even.
Stimulate Collagen Growth
As we get older, our bodies make less collagen. By chemically exfoliating the top layer of your skin, it helps generate new collagen. This keeps your face firm and plump like when you were younger!
Minimizes Pores
This acid exfoliates the skin well which helps shrink pores. This also aides in the treatment and prevention of acne!
Helps with Aging
Removing dead skin cells, restoring skin tone, and stimulating collagen growth all help with signs of aging. Our skin ages because the collagen growth diminishes which causes wrinkles. Regular use of glycolic acid helps with this!
How to Use Glycolic Acid
Here is the most important part of this post! How to use it! You will find many products in the store that say glycolic acid, so it can get confusing on finding the right product.
Go for a cleanser with it! One of the most beneficial ways to use glycolic acid is in a a daily cleanser. They usually have a good percentage of the acid ( 7-10% is a good range). It allows you to harness the exfoliating power while cleaning your face at the same time. I love this one (pictured above)! It is amazing, natural, and full of beneficial ingredients! I highly recommend it. It lasts a long time too, you only need a small drop.
Use it directly! You can also just use the acid directly as part of your daily routine. This one from The Ordinary is great with 7% acid. Remember this is a water based acid, so you want to apply it before using oils or creams. Be sure to read this article on how to use these products!
Just make sure whatever product you use contains 7-10% glycolic acid. You don’t need anything more than that! Higher percentages can be too harsh for your skin. Using a smaller percentage means it is gentle enough to use daily.
Cautions
Remember that AHAs exfoliate so well, they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. ALWAYS wear sunscreen when using any type of AHA!
Read more important information on using sunscreen for your face in this article. I also share my favorite sunscreen in that post!
Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk
Linking with Met Monday and these link parties!
Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Good info daughter… I need this… love mom
I think you need to start using this too 🙂
Great info – I have seen AHA and glycolic acid on some products.. didn’t think too much about it. 7-10% strength seems a bit strong to start; should I start at a lower strength and see how my skin reacts? And thanks for the reminder post on sunscreen. Somehow I missed that one…
Happy Fourth of July!
7-10% is very low, so it is very gentle and safe. Some recommend going up to 20%, but I think keeping it lower is best for long term too 🙂 It’s really great for so many things!! Happy 4th!
Never heard of it before but now I will be on t he look out for it
It’s a really great product!
So good to know about the benefits of Glycolic acid so I can look out for it in my face products, Honestly I never read the ingredients which is probably terrible. Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
It is a great product! And really makes your skin so bright and smooth 🙂
Hello Alexis,
I love your website ! Is this glycolic acid moisturizing ? Even plain water irritates my face. I normally mix honey and sandlewood powder to exfoliate. What does this smell like ? Just like bugs, I can’t stand the smell of peppermint or lavender.
I have to spray my face with rosewater after I wash my face, then apply a moisturizing sunblock in the morning, or rosehip oil or squalane at night. I started using rose hip oil because of your recommendation, and I love it.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks Deborah! This acid is one of the more mild exfoliants, but it isn’t moisturizing. It doesn’t have much of a smell which I like, it is very mild in that area (the scrub has a little scent). I think you might benefit more from a glycolic acid serum and using occasionally just to overturn dead skin cells or mixing it with a little rose hip oil to get the benefits. I would definitely try it, but with caution on your skin!