The Secret to Baby-Soft Skin: One Miracle Ingredient Found in Many Cosmetics

There are ingredients that, when used in the right amounts in cosmetics, can work wonders. Among the popular ones is Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This ingredient can reduce discoloration, improve skin elasticity, and provide soothing and anti-acne effects.

However, it’s not always necessary to follow the most popular trends. There are also less popular but highly effective ingredients. One of these is glycolic acid. Most often, you can find it on the labels of facial products. But its uses don’t end there. Increasingly, its beneficial properties are being utilized in other products. Cosmetics with glycolic acid for the body are no longer a rarity.

Glycolic Acid in Cosmetics

Glycolic acid is an ingredient that can play a very important role in skin care. Many cosmetic brands appreciate its effectiveness and base their formulas on it. How does glycolic acid work in cosmetics? The main advantage of this ingredient is its exfoliating ability. That’s why products with high concentrations are used by cosmetologists during professional procedures. However, this doesn’t mean that lower concentrations for home use are ineffective. In daily care, a lower concentration is sufficient and additionally protects us from irritation. Another positive effect is hydration and skin regeneration. As a result, after using cosmetics with glycolic acid, the skin becomes radiant.

Glycolic acid is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. Alpha-hydroxy acids stimulate collagen production and remove dead skin cells, unlike their BHA acid counterparts, which penetrate deeper into the pores to reduce sebum production. The good news is that glycolic acid doesn’t have to be used exclusively for facial skin care. This heroine of cosmetic care also works well in body washes, scrubs, and lotions. Thanks to it, you can achieve baby-soft skin.

Cosmetics with Glycolic Acid – For Which Skin Types?

Miracle ingredients don’t always work the same way for everyone. In addition to individual tendencies, it’s also important to choose products for a specific skin type. Glycolic acid is one of the ingredients especially recommended for people with oily and problematic skin due to its effect on reducing sebum secretion. In such cases, its presence is particularly important in facial cleansers, tonics, and creams.

Cosmetics with a high concentration (50-70%) of glycolic acid are available only for use in professional salons. Such saturation is mainly intended for exfoliating the epidermis and cleansing the skin. Products with a low concentration (5-15%) of glycolic acid are an option for people whose skin needs hydration. In this case, facial creams with glycolic acid and body lotions are best suited.

The presence of glycolic acid in cosmetics can also be useful in combating the first signs of aging. In the context of mature skin, this ingredient can smooth out wrinkles. This is due to its elastic properties (it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin).

Does glycolic acid work for acne-prone skin? Yes, but with one exception. Glycolic acid is great for maculopapular acne. However, it cannot be used when dealing with rosacea. How does this ingredient affect acne-prone skin? The presence of glycolic acid helps regulate and normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands. Additionally, it also smooths out acne scars.

For more information on skin care, you can refer to authoritative sources such as American Academy of Dermatology.