Q: What is glycolic acid?
A: Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derives from sugar cane. It acts as an exfoliant by loosening the bond between our dead skin cells and thus helping our skin to shed the dead skin cells easily. This will then reveal the newer, healthier skin cells underneath.
Due to its small molecular weight, it can penetrate deeper into our skin to stimulate fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) in the dermis. This is where glycolic acid exerts its second function to stimulate collagen production which will make our skin firmer and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid works on shedding the superficial dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production down in the dermis. These make glycolic acid an all-rounder acid in treating acne, rough skin surface, dull skin tone, hyperpigmentation and anti-aging (tackles fine lines and wrinkles).
Depends on its concentration, low concentration of glycolic acid can be used in skincare like daily face wash or moisturizer for its exfoliating, anti-acne and anti-aging purpose. Higher concentration can be utilized as an in-clinic treatment peel to target more serious acne or aging skin condition. This peeling procedure can be carried out fortnightly or monthly. And fret not, glycolic peel is a superficial peel, it does not cause any downtime!
Dr. Tan
