Is Glycolic Acid Good for Acne?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s been gaining popularity in the skincare industry due to its many benefits such as:

• Exfoliating dead skin cells
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimizing acne breakouts
• Lightening dark spots and acne scars 
• Balancing out skin tone

Let’s dive into the benefits of glycolic acid for acne and determine if it’s a viable option for your skin.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a small compound that makes it easy to absorb and penetrate deep into the skin [1]. It has become a popular exfoliating ingredient that effectively removes dead skin cells to promote a more youthful, radiant look [2]. This skincare ingredient is also praised for its anti-aging properties, as it can help stimulate collagen production and encourage skin elasticity [3].

Additionally, it can be beneficial in treating acne since it promotes skin cell turnover, which prevents pores from getting clogged. It’s great to layer on after using a gentle facial cleanser to clear any makeup or dirt accumulated throughout the day.

Does Glycolic Acid Help With Acne?

Short answer is yes; Glycolic acid may be a beneficial skincare addition to help treat inflammatory and noninflammatory breakouts [4]. If you want to shrink a cystic pimple overnight or keep whiteheads at bay, using glycolic acid can gently exfoliate and treat the active pimple. The skincare ingredient’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce the redness associated with acne breakouts. 

Besides treating existing breakouts, glycolic acid can also help lighten age spots, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots [5]. With regular use, it can also help fade away any discoloration left behind by old acne scars. Since it can help reduce the appearance of blemishes, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, glycolic acid may be the ingredient you need to prevent future breakouts. 

How to Use Glycolic Acid for Acne Treatments

Glycolic acid is one of the most popular ingredients for treating acne. It can be found various skincare products, including exfoliating pads, serums, toners, cleansers, and night creams [6]. Skincare should be simple and effective, which are our two key pillars at PROVEN. We make custom formulations based on your responses for our Skin Health Quiz that factors in your environment, skin type, lifestyle, and more. Skip the hassle of testing new products by choosing our 3-step system – cleanser, daily moisturizer with SPF, and night cream – that’s created by Stanford scientists who care about your skin.

To safely use glycolic acid and optimize its efficacy, you can: 

• Use a cleanser with glycolic acid: Glycolic acid can be incorporated into daily cleansers to gently exfoliate the skin. Start by using it every other day and move to daily use if your skin can handle it.
• Use other products that contain glycolic acid: Look for glycolic acid in moisturizers, toners, and spot treatments. These products are meant to be used in addition to a daily cleanser and can help speed up the healing process of existing acne and prevent new breakouts from forming. 
• Get a professional chemical peel: If you want a more intense treatment, a chemical peel performed by a board-certified dermatologist may also be beneficial. Glycolic acid peels work by exfoliating the top layer of skin and allowing new skin cells to form. This can help reduce the appearance of scarring and discoloration caused by acne. 

It’s important to note that if you have sensitive skin that it’s best to start with lower concentrations of glycolic acid and gradually increase the amount. Always apply sunscreen when using an AHA like glycolic acid in the daytime. It may be best to only use glycolic acid in your nighttime routine and follow up with an SPF in the morning [7]. 

Unlock Your Best Skin Yet

Generally, glycolic acid is praised for its efficacy and for the fact that it provides an array of benefits for the skin. By incorporating it into your skincare routine, you can see noticeable results in treating acne, fighting signs of aging, targeting blemishes, and improving your overall complexion. 

If you’re looking to personalize your skincare routine further, PROVEN Skincare is here to help. Using AI-powered technology, we evaluate your unique skin’s needs and concerns to formulate tailored products that feature key ingredients such as glycolic acid to give you the best skin results possible. Ready to experience how a personalized skin care plan can improve your complexion? Try it today. 

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