What is glycolic acid and what are its benefits for the skin?

One of the most used products in the cosmetic industry today is glycolic acid. Its properties have made it one of the favorites of dermatological specialists, as well as artists and celebrities, and also of anyone who wants to restore and rejuvenate their skin. Famous from South Korea to the United States, here we tell you what it is all about.

What is the glicolic acid?

It is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that has been used especially for the treatment of the deeper layers of the skin.

The so-called alpha hydroxy acids are water -soluble molecular compounds (they dissolve in water) that help exfoliate the skin . Its most specific effects are the elimination of dead cells and epidermal renewal.

With the passage of time, the skin, which is always renewed, loses some of its natural capabilities, which is why hydroxy acids help increase this natural function of the body.

This molecule is extracted from sugar cane and is the best known and most used in the current cosmetic industry. Thanks to the tiny size of its molecules, it crosses the epithelial layers effectively and quickly, which is why it is the most used in cosmetic treatments.

Although it is the most famous, there are also other alpha-hydroxy acids that are used today, such as azelaic acid (mainly extracted from wheat, barley and rye), citric acid (located in fruits such as orange, lemon and tangerine), malic acid (obtained from apples), mandelic acid (extracted from almonds), tartaric acid (extracted mainly from grapes) and lactic acid (obtained through the natural fermentation of glucose as part of the anaerobic respiration processes).

What is glycolic acid used for?

The main use of glycolic acid is for deep skin repair and treatment. Thanks to its properties, it is highly recommended to treat wrinkles, luminosity problems, various types of spots, imperfections and damage caused by prolonged and constant exposure to the sun.

In addition, due to its specific characteristics, this compound noticeably stimulates cellular regeneration of the epidermis, helps regulate oil production by the sebaceous glands, collaborates in the fight against blackheads, reduces and refines the pores that appear. have enlarged or opened, contributes to the treatment of certain cases of acne, helps reduce and blur spots, stimulates the recovery of epithelial tone to combat wrinkles and expression lines, and contributes to exfoliation with a different level of depth depending on the concentration of the chemical used in the chosen product.

The effects of the product vary depending on the formulation of the product that contains them, as well as their effective concentration. In the pharmaceutical industry, its concentration cannot exceed 10%, but each product uses a different level depending on the objective pursued.

What are the benefits of glycolic acid for the skin?

This molecule, which restores and rejuvenates the skin in an intense, deep and sustained way (with medium and long-term effects based on its correct and constant use as part of a treatment or use of a specific product), provides the following general benefits :

• It helps correct skin problems by optimizing natural cell regeneration processes, especially on the face, where these mechanisms slow down as age increases.
• It contributes to the reactivation of the formation of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and whose production decreases as age increases.
• It promotes the renewal of the upper layers of the skin, through deep exfoliation based on its broad penetration power.
• Helps in combating dryness and dryness of the skin.
• It contributes to reducing the levels of water loss from the epidermis, which acts as a dehydrating factor that, at the same time, stabilizes optimal hydration levels.
• It contributes to the fight against eczema and psoriasis, as well as the treatment of other specific epidermal conditions, such as so-called rough skin, warts of various origins, psoriasis and rosacea. It also helps fight acne and pimples.
• Helps combat tone and pigmentation changes caused by exposure to polluting elements in the environment, as well as exposure to ultraviolet rays. This means that the homogenization of the natural skin tone is favored.
• It contributes to the fight against wrinkles and expression lines thanks to the fact that it promotes constant and sustained cell regeneration.
• Helps control fat production levels.
• It helps eliminate the levels of dead cells present, produced naturally by cell regeneration.
• It contributes to cleaning pores and softening the general texture of the skin, in addition to promoting an increase in its natural luminosity.
• In certain cases, it is also used due to its general benefits for the treatment of some forms and types of superficial and uncomplicated scars.

The best products with glycolic acid

Babaria Glycolic Acid Cream 30 Ml

Constituted as a facial cream that regenerates and renews the skin during the sleeping period, its properties make it an anti-aging treatment that performs two main functions: regenerate and unify the skin.

Its formulation includes liposomes that release glycolic acid progressively. Added to this are liposomes, vitamin E, sterols, ginger extract and bisabolol, which, together, tone the epidermis.

In addition to the main benefits, it has ruthless action (reduces the intensity of facial skin spots) while its hydrolipid repair effect blurs wrinkles and expression lines.

It is recommended for all skin types.

Babaria Oligopolilic Acid Serum

This product is a facial serum that is constituted as an anti-aging treatment with two fundamental properties: regeneration and unification of facial skin tone.

Its liposome-based formulation progressively releases the free and liposome glycolic acid it contains, which combines with the effect of the rest of the ingredients: sterols, ginger extract, vitamin E and bisabolol.

Reduces the intensity of the spots present, in addition to restoring the hydrolipid barrier, which blurs wrinkles and expression lines based on constant use.

It is recommended for all skin types and its use is recommended for those who want to regain the luminosity, flexibility and youth of their facial skin.

Catrice Facial Serum Night Treatment 30 Ml

This serum is a night-time application and action treatment whose main objective is to eliminate skin imperfections.

Its formulation includes 5% glycolic acid, which acts by sustainably and visibly blurring small imperfections located on the face, promoting skin regeneration and favoring the recovery of a toned state.

Chamomile and aloe vera extracts are added to the main ingredient, which help nourish and hydrate the skin deeply, in addition to providing greater luminosity.

Catrice Nail Repair Anti-Stretch Mark Repair Polish

It is a specialized product for nail care and has a repairing effect considered anti-stretch marks (combats nail cracking).

Thanks to its formulation that includes glycolic acid and yuzu seed oil (a hybrid citrus fruit between mandarin and papeda, from China), it provides total protection against the elements of the environment, while strengthening and nourishing.

The tone of the polish is nude, so it does not affect the general presentation. It is considered a 100% vegan product.

Payot Blue Techni Liss Week-End Peeling 10 Units

This product is a mask whose main function is to deeply cleanse the face, helping cell regeneration and maintaining a toned and luminous appearance.

Its formulation includes encapsulated blue chasteberry, horehound extract, lindera aggregatta extract and 8% glycolic acid, all arranged on a 100% natural and recyclable fabric.

Thanks to the combination of ingredients, it helps smooth wrinkles, restore skin texture and protect it from the elements of the environment.

It is used in a simple way: the mask is unfolded and the soft protective sheet is removed; Subsequently, it is placed on the face and left to act for fifteen minutes. Finally, it is removed and the face is rinsed with plain water.

Its use is recommended during the weekend to enjoy its benefits during the busiest days.

As you can see, glycolic acid can become one of your main allies to keep your skin in optimal condition for a long time. To achieve this, you have different options, each with a specific intention and characteristics, so it is only a matter of taking the first step and starting to enjoy the benefits that this hydroxy acid can bring you on a daily basis.