Glycolic acid for the skin: benefits, side effects, and how to use it

Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, especially those designed to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dullness and roughness. It is one of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help exfoliate the skin’s surface and remove dead cells.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your skin’s smoothness and even its appearance, it’s important to understand how this acid works, what benefits to expect, and how to use it without over-exfoliating. You can explore more skincare options at Dar Beauty, choosing products according to your skin’s needs.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an exfoliating acid in the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It is used in skincare products to help remove the buildup of dead cells on the skin’s surface.

Its molecules are smaller than those of some other acids, which helps it penetrate the skin’s surface layers. Its strength depends on several factors, including concentration, the formula’s pH, how it is used, and skin condition.

It differs from salicylic acid, which belongs to the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) family and is well suited to targeting oil inside pores. You can read more about salicylic acid, its benefits, and how to use it to understand the difference between the two ingredients.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid for the Skin

Results vary depending on the product formulation, consistency of use, and skin tolerance, but glycolic acid may help improve several skin concerns.

1. Improving skin texture and smoothness

Surface exfoliation helps remove accumulated dead cells, which may make the skin smoother and reduce the appearance of roughness and uneven texture when used appropriately.

2. Reducing the appearance of dullness

When dead cells build up on the skin’s surface, the skin may look dull and less radiant. Exfoliating with glycolic acid helps improve the appearance of the skin’s surface, which may give it a fresher look.

If dullness is your main concern, you can also read the article Causes of Dull Skin and Ways to Restore Its Radiance to learn about other factors that may affect your skin’s radiance.

3. Helping improve the appearance of superficial hyperpigmentation

Glycolic acid may help improve the appearance of some dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone by speeding up the shedding of surface cells. However, results vary, and it is not a guaranteed treatment for all types of hyperpigmentation or melasma.

It is important not to over-exfoliate; irritation caused by excessive use may worsen hyperpigmentation, especially in skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. Softening the appearance of fine lines

Regular use of suitable formulations may help improve skin texture and the appearance of some superficial fine lines. This does not mean deep wrinkles will disappear or that results will be immediate, as outcomes are affected by factors such as age, skin condition, and product formulation.

5. Improving the appearance of rough, uneven skin

Glycolic acid may benefit skin with surface roughness or uneven texture if it tolerates it well. Inflammatory acne or persistent skin concerns may require a different routine or a consultation with a dermatologist.

Who is glycolic acid suitable for?

Glycolic acid isn’t suitable for everyone in the same way; you should consider your skin type, sensitivity, and the concern you want to address.

• Normal skin: May benefit from moderate exfoliation when the product is used according to its instructions.
• Oily skin: May help improve texture and dullness, but it isn’t automatically a substitute for ingredients designed to target pores and oil.
• Dry skin: Requires caution and good moisturizing, as exfoliation may worsen dryness or flaking.
• Sensitive skin: May become irritated easily, so it’s best to avoid glycolic acid when irritation is active and consult a professional before adding it to your routine.
• Skin prone to pigmentation: Requires cautious use and regular sun protection, as irritation may worsen dark spots.

If you’re not sure what your skin type is, you can start by reading the guide How to identify your skin type before choosing a product.

What concentration of glycolic acid is right?

Choosing a concentration doesn’t depend on the percentage alone; pH, product formulation, and skin condition also affect exfoliation strength and the likelihood of irritation. So it’s best to follow the product instructions and not assume that a higher concentration will deliver better results.

If you have sensitive skin or have never used acids before, don’t start with a high concentration or a strong peel. Choose a product with clear instructions, and give your skin enough time to assess how well it tolerates it.

How to use glycolic acid on your skin

To benefit from glycolic acid while reducing the likelihood of irritation, follow these steps and always prioritize the product’s own instructions:

1. Patch test the product first: Apply a small amount to a limited area as directed on the package, and watch for any unusual redness, itching, or burning.
2. Use it in the evening at first: Many glycolic acid products are intended for nighttime use. Apply it to clean, dry skin if the product instructions say to do so.
3. Start at a low frequency: Using it once a week may be a suitable starting point for some products. You can gradually increase how often you use it only if your skin tolerates it and the instructions allow it.
4. Avoid the eye area: Don’t apply it to the eyelids, near the eyes, or on the lips, and don’t use it on cracked or irritated skin.
5. Use a suitable moisturizer: Moisturizing helps support the skin barrier and reduce feelings of dryness. Explore the moisturizers and creams collection to find what suits your skin’s needs.
6. Protect your skin from the sun: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day, reapply it as directed, and limit direct sun exposure.

Your skin doesn’t need daily exfoliation to improve. If persistent redness, burning, or severe flaking occurs, stop using the product and seek medical advice if the symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

Glycolic acid risks and side effects

Some people may tolerate it well when used correctly, but it can cause side effects, especially when used at a high concentration, too frequently, or together with other exfoliants.

• Redness and stinging: These may occur after use and may indicate skin irritation if they are severe or persistent.
• Dryness and flaking: These can occur with over-exfoliation or a weakened skin barrier.
• Increased sun sensitivity: Skin may be more prone to sunburn during and after using alpha hydroxy acids.
• Worsening hyperpigmentation: Inflammation and irritation may cause dark spots to appear or become more noticeable in some people.
• Chemical burns: The risk increases with strong formulas, incorrect use, or leaving the product on longer than recommended.

Avoid using it on skin with active eczema, wounds, or obvious irritation. If you have a skin condition or use strong topical treatments, consult a dermatologist before adding it to your routine.

Which ingredients should you avoid combining with it at first?

Not all of the following combinations are always off-limits, but using several active ingredients in the same routine may increase irritation, especially when you’re starting to use glycolic acid.

• Salicylic acid: Avoid starting both acids in the same routine; they are both exfoliants, and combining them may cause dryness and irritation.
• Retinol and retinoids: Combining them may increase the likelihood of redness and flaking. You can use them on different nights if your skin tolerates both ingredients, and follow a specialist’s advice when needed.
• Other acid exfoliants: Such as lactic acid or strong exfoliating products; using more exfoliants does not necessarily lead to better results.
• High-strength vitamin C: Combining them may irritate some skin types, so it’s best to use them at different times at first rather than adding several active ingredients all at once.

Gentle moisturizers are usually an important part of a routine that includes exfoliation. Introduce new ingredients gradually so you can learn what suits your skin and what irritates it.

A glycolic acid product from Dar Beauty

If you’re looking for an example of a product containing this acid, you can check out The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner.

The product contains 7% glycolic acid and is used for exfoliation and to improve the appearance of skin texture. It isn’t automatically suitable for everyone; its instructions advise against using it on sensitive, peeling, or damaged skin.

Before purchasing, check the package size, availability, and usage instructions shown on the product page. Don’t use it just because its concentration is popular; choose it only if it’s suitable for your skin condition and ability to tolerate acids.

Frequently asked questions about glycolic acid for the skin

Is glycolic acid suitable for daily use?

Not necessarily. How often you use it depends on the product’s concentration, formulation, directions, and your skin’s tolerance. Start with infrequent use, and only increase it if your skin tolerates it and the product instructions allow it.

Does glycolic acid help remove discoloration?

It may help improve the appearance of some surface-level discoloration and uneven skin tone, but results depend on the cause and depth of the discoloration. Irritation from improper use may worsen dark spots.

Is glycolic acid suitable for sensitive skin?

It may irritate sensitive skin, so it’s not recommended to start using it when your skin is already red, inflamed, or has a weakened skin barrier. Consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure whether it’s right for you.

Can glycolic acid be used with retinol?

Using both in the same routine may increase dryness, redness, and peeling. It’s best not to introduce them together at first. They can be used at different times if your skin tolerates them and you follow appropriate guidance.

When do glycolic acid results appear?

Some people may notice improvements in skin softness and appearance with regular use, but results vary depending on the product, the concern being addressed, and skin condition. Discoloration and fine lines may take longer to improve, and results aren’t guaranteed for everyone.

Should you use sunscreen when using glycolic acid?

Yes. Using alpha hydroxy acids increases skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, follow reapplication instructions, and limit direct sun exposure.

Summary

Glycolic acid may help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dullness, some surface-level discoloration, and fine lines, but it should be used thoughtfully to avoid dryness, irritation, and increased sun sensitivity.

Choose a concentration based on your skin’s needs, start gradually, and don’t combine it with multiple exfoliants or potent ingredients when you first start using it. If signs of persistent irritation appear, stop using it and seek appropriate advice.

To learn about more skincare options and choose products based on your needs, visit Dar Beauty, and make moisturizing and sun protection an essential part of your daily routine.