When it comes to acids in skincare, it can feel hard to know where to start. But your complexion capsule shouldn’t be without the multitasking skincare hero, glycolic acid.
As an AHA, glycolic acid’s primary function is exfoliation. The water-soluble acid breaks down dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin to reveal a healthy, beautiful glow.
Glycolic acid penetrates deep into the skin, offering many additional benefits. The gold standard exfoliator stimulates collagen production to reveal firmer skin, decreasing the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles. It also has potent sebum-regulating and moisture-retaining qualities, making it an effective acne fighter.
Unlike some other acids, glycolic acid is gentle enough to be used every day in low concentrations.
If you have sensitive skin, slowly incorporate glycolic acid into your evening routine as a mask, serum or cleanser. It can be used alongside BHAs such as salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid for added hydration. But retinol and glycolic acid should not be used together in the same evening.
You should also always wear SPF in the daytime if you are using products with glycolic acid, as it increases skin’s sensitivity to the sun.