This ingredient can be found in a variety of productsfrom creams and chemicalpeelsor on its own.
Its potency also means caution should be taken when using glycolic acid.
Those with sensitive skin may experience side effects such as irritation.
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Glycolic acid also stimulates collagen production and acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin.
Who Should Use It:Glycolic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types.
It is gentle enough to be used by those with sensitive skin, says Dr. Howe.
In most cases, it can be used daily.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
“Glycolic acid is analpha-hydroxy acidderived from sugarcane,” says Dr. Howe.
It comes in various concentrations and can be applied in a variety of ways.
This means it penetrates the skin more easily, explains Dr. Howe.
However, glycolic acid has other notable benefits.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
You may achieve smoother skin pretty much instantly thanks to glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties.
How to Use It
While both glycolic acid and retinol are exfoliants, they operate differently.
Glycolic acid removes debris and dead skin cells from the skin, while retinol aids in cell rejuvenation.
Avoid using glycolic acid at the same time as other active ingredients such asretinol.
Most over-the-counter products contain less than 1% glycolic acid.
However, this figure is not a true indicator of how strong or effective it will be.
Yes, it’s advisable to apply amoisturizerafter using glycolic acid.
