To fully understand why glycolic acid is good for skin, it is important to understand skin’s natural exfoliation process. Every month your skin sheds dull, dead skin cells to reveal newer, healthier cells underneath. On average, this natural exfoliation or cellular turnover occurs every 28 days in young adults. However, as skin ages, cellular turnover slows, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells that contributes to dull skin or uneven tone and texture.

Glycolic acid is an essential ingredient that helps slough away dead and dehydrated skin cells on the surface layer of the skin. Unlike abrasive mechanical exfoliants that can tear the skin and cause inflammation, glycolic acid efficiently dissolves the bonds that bind surface dead cells to the skin, providing a gentle, yet effective exfoliation. This accelerated rate of cellular turnover promotes skin clarity and a more even skin tone and skin texture.

Overuse of any chemical or mechanical exfoliating agent can result in redness or irritation. However, in moderate concentrations, glycolic acid can be well tolerated for daily use to help facilitate skin’s natural exfoliation. When considering a glycolic acid treatment for your skincare routine, it is important to identify the right concentration for your specific skin concern.

Concentrations under 4% provide low-level exfoliation and may be used once or twice daily depending on the potency and pH value of the formula. Sometimes glycolic acid may be added to acne formulas at lower levels to enhance skin detoxification and turnover. If looking for an effective nighttime product that primarily targets visible signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness, and skin texture, a 4-10% concentration of glycolic acid is recommended. Any glycolic acid formulation featuring a concentration above 20% should be recommended and administered by a skincare professional. This includes chemical peels, which may require pre-conditioning and specific post-procedure care.

Due to the exfoliating nature of glycolic acid, always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day when using these products.

Not all glycolic acid skincare products are created equal. The free acid value, determined by pH level and concentration, dictates how beneficial the glycolic acid treatment will be. A glycolic acid concentration of 4-10% is ideal for nightly use but a lower pH is necessary to preserve the strength of the glycolic acid for optimal efficacy. Always look for the free acid value in a glycolic formula, not just the total concentration claimed. As pH levels increase, glycolic acid may become largely neutralized, decreasing the effective acid level and weakening its strength. The key is finding a formula featuring the right balance between glycolic acid concentration and pH levels.

Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight provides a unique blend of 10% glycolic free acid value, a soothing complex, and 2% phytic acid, delivering the perfect formulation that is safe and effective for improving skin texture, radiance, and overall glow.

Simply put, a glycolic acid peel is a chemical peel formulated with glycolic acid as the primary exfoliant in the peel solution. Performed by a skincare professional, these treatments exfoliate and resurface the topmost layer of the skin to reveal new, healthy skin underneath. They are effective in increasing cell turnover, softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin tone and texture. During a glycolic acid peel, one or more layers of the solution are applied onto the skin for a predetermined amount of time based on concentration, skin type, and the patient’s reactivity to the treatment. Once the solution is left on for the desired amount of time, the formula is neutralized with a buffering solution or water.

Following a glycolic acid peel, a skincare professional will apply post-procedure care, which includes a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen to help protect skin against damaging UVA/UVB rays. After any type of chemical peel, skin is more susceptible to damage from environmental aggressors. Therefore, it is key that sunscreen is applied daily and diligently. Your skincare professional may also recommend advanced homecare to help maintain and protect the results of your glycolic acid peel.

Learn more about chemicals peels >