Glycolic Acid Face Wash: Exfoliation Explained

Glycolic acid is a well known ingredient in the skincare world and has been incorporated in several products as an exfoliant. It is not like physical exfoliants that need to be scrubbed for cleansing. Instead it is a chemical exfoliant which gets derived from natural sources like sugarcane.

This chemical exfoliant belongs to the class of alpha hydroxy acids. It is unlike other alpha hydroxy acids because they have large molecular size and glycolic acid has a small molecular size.

It works quicker and better than most AHAs as it can penetrate better. Glycolic acid works by cutting down the dead skin cells and helps clearing them. It does so by breaking the cellular bonds holding dead skin cells together.

Glycolic acid is a gentle exfoliator as it usually does not have to be rubbed harshly like physical scrubs. It works smoothly and has a non-abrasive exfoliating approach on the skin. It helps greatly in accelerating the skin renewal process. It works exceptionally well in providing a clear and radiant skin if incorporated in daily routine. Using a gentle cleanser formulated with glycolic acid helps the most.

What glycolic acid basically is?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid which gets derived mostly from natural sources like sugarcane. It is a chemical exfoliant like other alpha hydroxy acids. Glycolic acid has smaller molecule size as compared to most of the other alpha hydroxy acids.

It is also a water soluble compound. The minute size of glycolic acid allows it to penetrate deeply in the skin surface and helps in clearing the impurities faster and with efficiency.

When glycolic acid reaches the skin surface it works chemically to dissolve the dead skin cells and shed them from the skin. It works by cutting down the molecular bonds of dead skin cells and loosens them up to clear them. It works well for skin clearance unlike harsh physical scrubs.

Beneficial effects of glycolic acid face wash

• Deep Exfoliation: It helps in loosening or cutting down the dead skin cells bonds which hold them together. This process helps in easy shedding of dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. It delivers clear skin and performs safely as compared to the harsh physical scrubs.
• Reduce skin dullness: When dead cells get accumulated on the face they might make your face appear dull or uneven toned. Glycolic acid sheds the buildup of these dead skin cells and helps reveal fresh new skin cells. The skin starts looking radiant and even toned after using this AHA in routine.
• Improve skin texture: When dead skin cells get accumulated unevenly on the skin they make the skin texture uneven and rough. Glycolic acid helps in shedding these cells and when they get cleared from the skin it evens out the skin texture. It creates a smooth skin texture.
• Unclogs Pores: The molecule of glycolic acid penetrates deep into the pores of the skin and clears the impurities. It breaks down the buildup of dirt, oil and other buildup from within the pores. When the pores get cleared after exfoliation the skin starts looking clear and it also reduces the chances of active breakouts.
• Prevents acne breakouts: when the pores get they allow acne causing bacteria to thrive.glycolic acid clears the pores and prevents the buildup in the pores which reduces the chances of acne breakouts from occurring. It also helps in clearing blackheads from the face.
• Fades skin pigmentation: It helps in accelerating the skin cell renewal process which helps to shed the pigmented cells easily. When the pigmented or discolored cells shed they reveal new even toned cells. This helps in achieving an even toned skin free from dark spots or pigmentation.
• Boosts Collagen production: Glycolic acids work very efficiently for stimulating the production of collagen in the skin and helps to even out the skin texture. This makes the fine lines smoothen and also helps in improving the texture of the face.
• Better absorption of skincare: When the dead skin cells or other impurities buildup on the skin they create a blockage on the skin and decreases absorption of skincare products. Glycolic acid helps in clearing out the buildup of dead skin cells and dirt and clears the skin providing a clear canvas for skincare products. This allows absorption of products into the skin.

How to exfoliate using glycolic acid face wash?

For exfoliating your skin using glycolic acid face wash you have to follow a guide for better results.

• Wash your face with lukewarm or cold water first
• Take some amount of face wash in your hands
• Now gently massage in on the face
• Massage for about a minute or so in order to clear the buildup
• Rinse off the product using water
• Pat dry the face using soft towel
• Apply hydrating cream after that
• During day time apply sunscreen , it must not be skipped

Incorporate glycolic acid in both AM & PM routine after adapting it to once a day use.

Summing up

Glycolic acid is a great exfoliating agent in the skincare products range. It works very gently to lift off the buildup from the skin and helps in clearing the skin out. It is a chemical exfoliant which works very smoothly on the skin unlike harsh physical scrubs. When incorporated in routine and paired along with other skincare products it delivers a smooth skin.