Whether you’re a long-time skin care junkie or a beginner building your skin care routine, you’ve probably heard of glycolic acid. This holy grail product is popular for its exfoliating and brightening properties, addressing issues like acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. However, using glycolic acid is not as simple as putting it on your face and waiting for results. This powerful alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) works best with other skin care ingredients and needs some extra precaution to ensure you don’t get any side effects like irritation.
Don’t worry because in this blog, we’ll explore how to use glycolic acid based on your skin type and other skin care products that could be in your kit.
What is Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s one of the most potent exfoliants and can give the most transformative effects because of its small molecular size, which can penetrate deeply into the skin. Don’t let the term “acid” scare you; glycolic acid usually comes in lower concentrations for commercial use.
How does it work? Since glycolic acid gets absorbed into the skin more effectively, it dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together and speeds up cell turnover. As a result, your skin sheds dead skin cells more quickly than it would without the aid of glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is hailed for its many benefits, including:
- Unclogs pores and prevents acne
- Refines skin texture
- Promotes a more even skin tone
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production
- Hydrates the skin
How to Use Glycolic Acid Based on Skin Type
Glycolic acid works wonders for all skin types. Here’s how to effectively use it for dry, combination, oily, and mature skin.
Dry Skin
Glycolic acid can be potentially drying. So, if you have dry skin, opt for a lower concentration (around 5-10%) to minimize irritation. Apply it at night after cleansing using a cotton pad. This timing allows the skin to regenerate overnight. Next, it’s crucial to layer a rich moisturizer containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to counteract any dryness.
Combination Skin
Combination skin (skin with both oily and dry areas) also benefits from glycolic acid. Start with a product that contains around 5-10% glycolic acid and apply it in the evening after cleansing. Focus on applying the tonic primarily on oilier zones such as the T-zone while being gentle around drier patches. This helps manage excess oil and prevent clogged pores without over-drying the skin. As always, follow up with a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate the skin without adding excess oil.
Oily Skin
Glycolic acid is particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin because it exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores. For best results, use a glycolic acid product with a concentration of 8-10% in the morning after cleansing. This helps control excess oil production throughout the day and reduces breakouts. Next, apply a water-based moisturizer or serum to maintain hydration without clogging the pores.
Mature Skin
Mature skin and glycolic acid are a perfect match due to the latter’s anti-aging benefits. Glycolic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a more youthful glow by encouraging cell turnover. Begin with a glycolic acid serum or toner containing 5-10% concentration applied in the evening after cleansing. This allows the skin to absorb it overnight. Don’t forget to follow up with a rich moisturizer with peptides or antioxidants to boost hydration and skin elasticity.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Based on Product Type
Glycolic acid is versatile and easy to use. You don’t need to search far and wide for this ingredient because it’s available in many over-the-counter (OTC) products. Here are a few recommendations on how to use glycolic acid and brands you can try:
As a Cleanser
A glycolic acid cleanser is a gentle way to introduce this exfoliant into your routine. It’s typically formulated at a lower concentration and rinsed off, making it ideal for beginners or those with sensitive skin. Massage a small amount onto damp skin, let it sit for about 30-60 seconds, and then rinse thoroughly. Products you can check out include:
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Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser is infused with 5% glycolic acid that effectively speeds up your cell turnover and boost collagen production, ideal for those new to AHAs. The mud component detoxifies pores, while hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and avocado oil nourish the skin. The Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser will leave your complexion smooth and purified after every use.
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Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions Face & Body Soap is not a cleanser but serves the same purpose. It has glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tea tree, lactic acid, and niacinamide to prevent acne, bumps, blackheads, and clogged pores.
- L’Oreal Glycolic Bright Glowing Daily Cleanser Foam exfoliates and removes dullness for even glowing skin.
As a Toner
Toners with glycolic acid help balance the skin’s pH level and prime it for serums and moisturizers.
Since these are more potent, how to use glycolic acid toner will depend on your skin’s tolerance and whether your cleanser already contains the ingredient. After cleansing, apply the toner with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area. Start with 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing frequency. Some products you can try include:
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Pixi Glow Tonic is a cult favorite for glowing skin. It has 5% glycolic acid and key ingredients like aloe vera, ginseng, and botanical extracts that restore the skin’s radiance from within. This product is alcohol-free and gentle enough for all skin types. With consistent use, expect to have youthful, gorgeous skin in no time!
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Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner has a combination of glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid to combat texture, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration.
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a daily surface exfoliator that smooths skin texture, evens tone, and boosts luminosity.
As a Serum
A glycolic acid serum delivers a concentrated dose of exfoliation, which is good for targeting specific skin concerns like dark spots or unpleasant texture. Apply the serum after cleansing and toning but BEFORE moisturizing. Here are some brands to check out:
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Pixi Overnight Glow Serum has 10% glycolic acid, arginine, and cucumber and aloe vera extracts that calm the skin. It also has vitamins A, C, and E that nourish the skin overnight. What makes this product a worthy staple in your skin care kit is that it exfoliates gently and does not strip your skin of its natural moisture.
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Belo Essentials AHA/BHA Skin Renewing Serum contains a blend of exfoliating acids, including 2% glycolic acid, 5% mandelic acid, and 0.5% salicylic acid, that help reveal smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin.
- BioBalance AHA Peeling - Glycolic Acid 8% Super Serum mildly exfoliates the skin and diminishes the appearance of pores with 8% glycolic acid.
As a Peel or Mask
Glycolic acid peels or masks provide a more intense exfoliation, so use them sparingly. They are available as over-the-counter products and as a professional service provided by an aesthetician at a salon or spa. If you prefer the DIY route, here below are products you can try:
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Pixi Glow Glycolic Boost mask sheets are infused with glycolic acid, ginseng, and witch hazel which gives you a brighter and healthier complexion. You can take these mask sheets wherever you go for a quick touchup. If you’re feeling dry and dull, the Pixi Glow Glycolic Boost is a great skin refresher!
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The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution has a high percentage of AHAs and BHAs, it’s advisable to only use this at night and only once or twice a week.
- Andalou Naturals Brightening Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask contains a blend of vitamin C, glycolic acid, manuka honey, and organic pumpkin to gently dissolve skin impurities.
Combining Glycolic Acid with Other Skin Care Ingredients
What you need to understand about skin care is that some ingredients work well together and others do not. To reap the full benefits of glycolic acid and achieve your desired results, you must pair this powerhouse ingredient with something that complements it. Here’s how:
Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that pairs perfectly with glycolic acid. After using glycolic acid, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
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Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C: This combination is effective in increasing collagen production and brightening the skin, but they can be too harsh when used together in the same routine. You can apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night.
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Glycolic Acid and Retinol: These two ingredients are extremely powerful and can lead to irritation if your skin doesn’t have the right tolerance. Use them alternately on different days to avoid irritation.
- Other Ingredients to Avoid: Do NOT combine glycolic acid with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and other strong acids because it can cause irritation, redness, and excessive dryness.
As a rule of thumb, glycolic acid can be used with other ingredients as long as you do it gradually to build up your skin’s tolerance. If you want to introduce new products and ingredients into your skin care routine, do it one at a time to ensure that your skin is responding well and not having any negative side effects. More importantly, consult a dermatologist as they will tailor your routine to your skin concerns.
Glycolic Acid Safety Precautions
While it seems intimidating or even scary at first to use strong skin care actives such as glycolic acid, the good news is that these are proven to be the most effective in addressing stubborn skin issues. When glycolic acid is used properly, the benefits simply outweigh the risks. If you’re dealing with acne, dullness, and signs of aging, glycolic acid is definitely a must-have in your skin care arsenal. There are ways to safely incorporate it in your routine, so don’t fret.
Here are tips to keep your skin safe and healthy when using glycolic acid products:
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Patch Test: Before applying glycolic acid, do a patch test on a small area to check for any adverse reactions.
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Skin Tolerance: If you’re new to glycolic acid, start with lower concentrations and slowly build up the quantity to allow your skin to adapt. If you notice redness, peeling, or irritation, reduce the frequency of use or lower the concentration.
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Frequency and Use: Considering that it’s a potent ingredient, you might be wondering how often to use glycolic acid. Dermatologists recommend applying glycolic acid in the evening as it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Cleansers and toners with glycolic acid can be used daily, while masks should only be used once a week.
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Sun Protection: Like all AHAs, glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Remember to apply sunscreen daily, even when indoors.
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Hydration: After using glycolic acid, always follow it with a hydrating moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation. For enhanced hydration throughout the day, freshen up with mists like the Pixi Glow Mist Hydrating Facial Spray. This product is enriched with 13 natural oils, propolis, aloe vera, and fruit extracts that brighten the complexion. It also has a strong setting power to keep your makeup in place for longer.
- Other Skin Care Ingredients: As we’ve mentioned, do not combine glycolic acid with other products that have strong exfoliating properties.
Restore Youthful, Radiant, and Healthy Skin
Discover the transformative power of glycolic acid! When used correctly and religiously, glycolic acid offers several benefits for all skin types. No matter how you integrate it into your skin care routine, the key is to start slow, pair it with the right ingredients, and prioritize hydration and sun protection. Just have some patience and you’ll see the results soon enough!
