Skincare Series: Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is part of a small group of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and it also has the smallest diameter within the AHA group; and this makes it easier to penetrate the top layer of skin.

It's most often found in chemical peels and chemical exfoliants.

The aim of glycolic acid is to improve how the skin looks in texture and feel. Glycolic acid is used to help to reduce wrinkles, scarring from acne; as well as many other skin concerns.

Skincare Series: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are found in some cosmetic products, and these can either be natural or synthetic AHAs. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are more commonly found in skincare products that claim to help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as improving the look, feel, and also the texture of the skin.

The most common forms of AHAs are glycolic acid, which comes from sugar; lactic acid, which comes from sour milk, and citric acid, which comes from citrus fruits.

AHAs become effective once it penetrates into the skin, and they work by acting on living cells within the top layers of skin.
The AHA that has the ability to get into the skin quickly, due to it having the smallest molecules of the AHA family is glycolic acid. Thus, also makes it the most effective.