Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in the skin. It is obtained from cinnamon, sugar or maguey. It is commonly used in beauty and skin care products as an exfoliating and rejuvenating active ingredient.
Glycolic acid treatments
It is applied topically to the skin and can help smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also improve skin texture and tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars. In addition, it can help increase collagen and elliptical production, which can improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Glycolic acid can be found in a wide variety of beauty and skin care products, such as creams, serums, lotions and chemical peels. It is recommended that you follow the directions for use of the product and consult with a physician or health care professional before using any product containing glycolic acid, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
Use of glycolic acid on the skin
There are many products that can contain glycolic acid such as creams, serums, lotions and chemical peels. It is recommended to follow the directions for use of the product and to consult a physician or health care professional before using any product containing glycolic acid.
It is important to apply the product containing glycolic acid properly to obtain the best results. It is recommended to apply the product on clean and dry skin and follow the instructions for use of the product.
When using glycolic acid or any other product that may exfoliate the skin, sunscreen must be used, otherwise the risk of sun damage may increase and wrinkles may worsen.
Precautions for the use of glycolic acid
Although glycolic acid can be effective in improving the appearance of the skin, it is important to use caution when using it and to follow certain safety precautions.
Glycolic acid is found in different concentrations in beauty products. It is important to start with a low concentration and increase it gradually to avoid possible allergic reactions or skin irritations.
May cause severe eye irritation if in contact with eyes. Be sure to avoid contact with eyes when applying products containing glycolic acid.
Do not apply an excessive amount of glycolic acid product to the skin. Only a small amount is needed to obtain effective results.
Can it be used every day?
Daily use of glycolic acid may depend on the concentration of the acid in the product and the skin type. In general, it is recommended to start with a low concentration of glycolic acid and increase the frequency of use gradually to avoid skin irritation.
If a product containing a low concentration of glycolic acid (less than 5%) is used, it may be safe to use on a daily basis. However, it is important to follow the product’s directions for use and to consult with a physician or health care professional before using glycolic acid with any frequency.
If a product containing a higher concentration of glycolic acid (more than 10%) is used, it may not be safe to use on a daily basis. In this case, it is important to follow the instructions for use of the product and to consult a physician or health care professional before using the product.
Commitment to quality
This text on glycolic acid has been prepared by professional editors. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following sources:
- Sharad J. «Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review» en Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Nov 11;6:281-8. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S34029.
- Drakou K, Tsianni A, Vrani F, Kefala V, Rallis E. «Revealing the Correlation between Altered Skin Lipids Composition and Skin Disorders» en Cosmetics. 2021; 8(3):88. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030088