{"id":5748,"date":"2023-01-23T17:50:05","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T01:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=5748"},"modified":"2023-01-25T14:46:23","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T22:46:23","slug":"hype-or-holy-grail-part-3-six-reminders-why-you-need-glycolic-acid-plus-the-best-ingredients-to-pair-it-with","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/hype-or-holy-grail-part-3-six-reminders-why-you-need-glycolic-acid-plus-the-best-ingredients-to-pair-it-with\/","title":{"rendered":"Hype or holy grail, part 3: 6 reminders why you need glycolic acid, plus the best ingredients to pair it with"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exfoliate. Renew. Smooth. Improve. Those aren\u2019t just words: they\u2019re proven benefits of skincare exfoliating superstar glycolic acid. Dermatologists and skincare pros alike say that glycolic acid is in the same class as retinoids because it can literally change your skin. Are they right\u2014and if so, can it work on your skincare routine? Keep reading as we discuss the top glycolic acid benefits you don\u2019t want to miss.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s address the basics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a naturally occurring chemical exfoliant that helps break down dirt and grime on the surface of your skin. <\/sup>Glycolic acid extracts its acidic qualities from sugarcane or sugar beets. This exfoliating skincare ingredient can penetrate deep into your skin’s pores and has been shown to help improve skin texture, smooth fine lines, improve skin tone, minimize hyperpigmentation<\/a> and encourage cell turnover<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does glycolic acid work? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you may be familiar with <\/em>physical exfoliants with bumpy jojoba beads that you can feel, AHAs are invisible and undetectable to the touch. Glycolic acid breaks down the bonds of dead skin cells to loosen the \u201cglue\u201d holding together dead skin cells and dirt so they can be sloughed off and reveal newer, brighter skin underneath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can glycolic acid do for your skin? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If used correctly, glycolic acid benefits your skin through exfoliating<\/a>, brightening<\/a> and moisturizing to support healthy skin.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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01<\/div>\n
Brightens<\/div>\n

Glycolic acid dissolves the top layer of dead skin cells, taking with it dullness and dark spots with it for a brighter complexion. And newer, fresher skin cells help skin reflect more light to further enhance natural radiance.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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02<\/div>\n
Hydrates<\/div>\n

Skin looking dull, dry or sunken? Chalk it up to dehydration.<\/a> While you wouldn\u2019t normally associate an \u201cacid\u201d with hydration, glycolic acid is a natural humectant<\/span> that attracts water molecules like a magnet and draws moisture to skin for a more plump and supple complexion.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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03<\/div>\n
Improves the look of wrinkles and smooths <\/div>\n

According to a Kobe University School of Medicine study, participants who routinely used glycolic acid saw a reduction in total wrinkle length. Glycolic acid <\/span>benefits include removing<\/span> dead skin cells in and around wrinkles<\/a> and level<\/span>ing<\/span> out the surface of skin to visibly reduce signs of fine lines<\/a>, while its water-absorbing properties can plump wrinkled areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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04<\/div>\n
Improves hyperpigmentation<\/div>\n

Sick of stubborn dark spots<\/a>, age spots and melasma? In a 12-week clinical study, researchers found that participants who used a topical treatment containing 10% glycolic acid saw a significant improvement in hyperpigmentation, suggesting that glycolic acid may help decrease discoloration on the skin.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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05<\/div>\n
Helps fight blemishes\u00a0<\/div>\n

Glycolic acid\u2019s small molecular structure means it can dive deep into pores<\/a> and dissolve excessive oils that are known breeding grounds for acne. Glycolic acid can also remove excess dirt or dead skin that may clog your pores and cause inflammation\u2014another well-known acne trigger<\/a>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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06<\/div>\n
Corrects well beyond the skin on your face <\/div>\n

Your scalp is part of your skin, too! Glycolic acid <\/span>benefits your scalp by moisturizing and decreasing dryness to help <\/span>prevent conditions like dandruff. Glycolic acid can also remove product build-up, oil or sweat that\u2019s weighing down hair. Seek out specially formulated glycolic acid shampoos and conditioners to target scalp conditions.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How does glycolic acid work with other skincare ingredients? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glycolic acid\u2019s exfoliating properties clear the way for deeper penetration of other skincare ingredients. But use caution when cocktailing, layering or mixing glycolic acid on your own; rather, invest in your skin\u2019s health with a skincare product that perfectly blends glycolic with other ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n