The 7 Beauty Benefits Of Glycolic Acid

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane and belongs to the family of alpha-hydroxy acids. It has the smallest and lightest molecular weight among all acids, which makes it easier to penetrate deep into the skin and provide maximum benefits. Glycolic acid is odourless, colourless, and highly soluble in water.

It is added to treatments designed for oily or acne-prone skin, dry skin, dull complexions, sun-damaged skin, and mature skin. Glycolic acid was once used only on oily or acne-prone skin. Nowadays, it's recommended by dermatologists for all skin types, depending on the formula. It regulates seborrhoea on young or oily skin, and moisturises and brightens mature or dry skin, depending on the amount of glycolic acid in each treatment (between 2 and 15%). However, be warned that it can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

Now that you know what this super ingredient is, let’s understand the benefits of glycolic acid in detail and why you should consider adding it in your skincare ritual.

Benefits of glycolic acid

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

This is one of the major benefits of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This, in turn, accelerates skin cell renewal, increases collagen production, and maintains the skin’s natural ability to retain hydration while preventing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles when used regularly. Apart from dissolving dead skin cells, glycolic acid also flattens the skin’s surface, leaves it feeling even and makes wrinkles less noticeable.

Hydrates the skin

Moisturisation is the key to healthy skin and glycolic acid for skin helps you unlock it. It is categorised as a humectant that attracts water molecules to itself, leaving the skin feeling hydrated.

Makes the skin feel bright and smooth

One of the main functions or benefits of glycolic acid is that its little molecules go deep beneath your skin’s surface and eliminate dead skin cells. This reveals fresh, baby-soft skin that is bright, smooth, and radiant.

Fades hyperpigmentation

Using glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation is great as it regularly helps fade mild hyperpigmentation like dark spots and age spots. Wondering how? Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin’s surface changes its colour, i.e., it starts becoming darker and the skin underneath remains less pigmented. Glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation works by removing darker skin cells from the surface to reveal a fresh layer of even skin. This benefit can only be achieved with regular use.

Fights acne

Using glycolic acid for oily skin as well as acne prone is great as it exfoliates dead skin cells that tend to clog pores and trigger breakouts.

Allows penetration of ingredients

Glycolic acid exfoliation properties not only accelerate skin cell rejuvenation but also allow deeper penetration of other skincare ingredients and help achieve maximum benefits. When your skincare products penetrate better and deeper, they work their magic and give you faster results. Thus using glycolic acid for skin can be beneficial while applying other products as well.

Maintains your skin’s lipids

You need to understand that even though glycolic acid melts away dead skin cells, your lipids remain intact. Now, what are lipids? Lipids are healthy fatty acids that make up the skin’s bouncy barrier while keeping the hydration in and bad stuff out.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of glycolic acid, let us tell you how you can include this star ingredient into your regular skincare routine and get the most out of it.

Glycolic acid skincare routine

Here’s an easy yet effective glycolic acid skincare routine to reveal healthy skin with ease -

Step 1: Glycolic acid cleanser

The first step in a glycolic acid skincare routine is to eliminate dirt, dust, impurities, and makeup residue with the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser that leaves your skin feeling fresh and radiant. This glycolic acid cleanser exfoliates the skin gently by penetrating deep within and reveal a healthy skin. It is made with a soft, foamy formulation that doesn’t cause any irritation to your skin.

Step 2: Glycolic acid serum

The best way to get maximum benefits of glycolic acid is by using it in a serum form as serums are made with potent formulations and absorb into the skin quickly. We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum to even out the basal layer of the skin where melanin starts to build up. But what exactly is melanin? It is a natural pigment that gives your skin its colour. When an excess of it is deposited into the skin, it leads to dark spots and uneven skin. In this case, this glycolic acid serum benefits by reducing up to five years of dark spots in just a few weeks.

Step 3: Glycolic acid moisturiser

AM – Opt for the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream with SPF 17 to hydrate your skin, protect it from the harsh UV rays of the sun and achieve brighter skin. This cream infused with glycolic acid is made with a lightweight formula that doesn’t make your skin feel sticky.

PM – Provide your skin with the nourishment it needs while you enjoy your beauty sleep by using the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream that repairs the skin’s barrier, fights dullness, reduces dark spots and gives you supple and radiant skin every morning.

The good news is that all the above-mentioned products enriched with glycolic acid are dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types. So, what are you waiting for? Browse through our wide range of L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Acid products and make glycolic acid a part of your regular skincare routine right away to flaunt healthy skin all day, every day.