Glycolic acid in skin care can significantly change the look and feel of your skin in very positive ways.  Read on to learn more.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid has the smallest sized molecules of all the alpha-hydroxy acids.  Because of these super tiny molecules, glycolic acid can easily penetrate the skin. This allows glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin more effectively than other AHAs.

Glycolic acid works by speeding up cell turnover.  It helps dissolve the bonds that hold skin cells together, allowing dead skin cells to slough off more rapidly than they would on their own.

Glycolic acid also stimulates your skin to create more collagen.  Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firmness, plumpness, and elasticity. (Collagen is also the protein that gives strength to your bones and connective tissues.) As you age, collagen production naturally slows down.  It's also destroyed by excessive sun exposure. Using glycolic acid regularly can help prevent this breakdown of collagen. 

Where Does Glycolic Acid Come From?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (or AHA) that's derived from sugar cane.  Glycolic acid can also be derived from other natural sources, such as sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe and unripe grapes.

How Can It Improve Your Skin?

People underestimate how much glycolic acid can do for your skin.  It works for anti-aging. It’s very good for acne. It stops acne from the get-go — from the comedone stage. People who are experience the signs of aging, blackheads, large pores, etc. can start using glycolic acid and see results almost immediately.  

Here are the primary benefits to using products with glycolic acid:

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Minimizes appearance of pores
Fights acne
Removes dead skin cells
Evens skin tone

Another bonus:  Glycolic acid is safe for everyone to use at some level, even if it's a low potency or introductory level - it can truly make a difference. 

Best Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products for Your Skin