Glycolic Acid: Uses, Benefits, Products, and Side Effects for Indian Skin
- Kavya Goswami
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Glycolic Acid or AHA, these are the two terms that the skincare industry has been using like synonyms for the past few years. But just because it is marketed crazily, do you really think it is worth using, especially for Indian skin?
There are a few things that the skincare industry is hiding from you, and we as consumers need to educate ourselves before using any skincare product, just out of FOMO or because it is a trend. In the past 2 years, we have all come across some crazy Glycolic Acid hacks that may or may not work, or just make the condition worse.
Take this moment to understand the real science behind Glycolic Acid, the world-famous Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), and learn the right way and concentration we as Indians should be using in our skincare routine with La Peau.
Tune in to debunk the myths about Glycolic Acid and what the best Glycolic Acid-based skincare products are that are good for Indian Skin.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is widely considered the "gold standard" of chemical exfoliation, and it works faster than the two other AHAs, Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid.
Why do we say Glycolic Acid works faster? That's because it has the smallest molecular size and goes deeper into the skin very easily, while Mandelic Acid has the largest molecular size. It works faster, but it is also more reactive and irritating for the Indian skin type. So, the higher the concentration of Glycolic Acid, the higher the chances of it irritating the skin barrier.
We need to act smartly while using glycolic acid on our skin. The key is to use a product with a lower concentration of Glycolic Acid, because "more is no more here. "
How does skin exfoliation work?
Chemical Exfoliation is a biological process that relies on chemistry rather than physical friction to remove dead skin cells. While physical exfoliants tear away cells manually, exfoliating acids, specifically Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHAs), work by dissolving the structural "glue" that holds those cells together.
AHAs are water-soluble acids, which work primarily on the surface of the skin to improve texture and tone. As they love water, they hold onto moisture while they exfoliate.
As AHA, like Glycolic Acid, speed up cell turnover, they can also cause skin "purging." This happens when the acid clears out the "glue" in a clogged pore faster than usual, bringing an existing micro-comedone to the surface quickly. This looks different from usual acne breakouts as it is a reactive action of a product to your skin. So, you need to be more careful while using this skincare ingredient.
Why Use Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is an exfoliating acid that helps improve the texture of skin by removing dead skin cells and making your skin look brighter, and smoother.
In the initial days, use Glycolic Acid once or twice a week, then slowly shift it to alternate days a week. Don't over do it.
Always wear sunscreen the next morning after exfoliating your skin with Glycolic Acid.
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid for Indian Skin
The side effects of Glycolic Acid includes, it having a smaller molecular size, which penetrates deeper into the skin, although it is usually labeled to improve hyperpigmentation faster. But Indian Skin's pigment-producing cell, melanin, is larger in size and they get easily triggered, and Glycolic Acid is more reactive and irritating in comparison to other AHAs, hence it can easily trigger these melanocytes and can make hyperpigmentation more severe.
Also, India has a humid climate, where we have to be very careful after using these exfoliating acids, as AHA makes our skin sensitive to light, and an excess amount of sun exposure can disrupt the skin barrier and increase hyperpigmentation.
Best Way to Use Glycolic Acid
Use Glycolic Acid at less than 5% concentration, not more than that, as it can be irritating.
Myths About Glycolic Acid
Higher concentration gives better results
In skincare products like Glycolic Acid, "more is not more." The lesser concentration you use, the better it will work for your skin.
Using it for dark underarms
This isn't true for Glycolic Acid, as the underarm area is the warm region of the body, and glycolic acid is the smallest and most reactive acid; it can make pigmentation of the underarms worse rather than improving it. It is not recommended for Indian Skin.
Using it for Dandruff
You can use it for dandruff, but it won't have any effect on it. Just because it is an exfoliating acid, it feels like it is clearing out dead skin cells, and it looks clean.
Top Glycolic Acid Skincare Products in India
Minimalist 10% AHA BHA Face Exfoliator is one exfoliator with the minimum percentage of all the exfoliating acids. I find it best suited to Indian skin types because it won't disrupt the skin barrier by applying too many harsh skincare actives at once. Beginners can use it. It is advisable to use it once a week, and as a beginner, you should only use it two times a month, and see how your skin reacts to it.
Skincare Actives:
Lactic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Mandelic Acid
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Salicylic Acid
Hyphen Rice Water Brightening Daily Cleanser is a good face cleanser with an appropriate percentage of Glycolic Acid in it. This is a good cleanser to be used by people with any skin type.
Skincare Actives:
Fermented Rice Water Extract
Glycerin
Propylene
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Glycolic Acid
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract
Citrus Junos Fruit (Yuzu) Extract
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract
Pilgrim 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum with 3% Glycolic Acid, which is a recommended percentage of Glycolic Acid to be used by Indian skin. This serum is goof for people with hyperpigmentation and people who have oil and combination skin type.
Skincare Actives:
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
{This is not the complete ingredient list of the product. Still in research.}
Cera Ve Blemish Control Gel is a good face gel to use on targeted areas of the face where you have dark spots or freckles, as it contains glycolic acid at a good percentage, along with Lactic Acid, which is hydrating, and Salicylic Acid, which controls oil production in the face.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide
Chlorphenesin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Ceramide NP
Ceramide AP
Phytosphingosine
Foxtale AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum is one good serum that I found in Foxtale because it is also Fragrance-Free. It is an exfoliating serum, and it is recommended to exfoliate once a week, so that you won't rupture your skin barrier.
Skincare Actives:
Propylene Glycol
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Betaine
Niacinamide
Sodium Hyaluronate
Panthenol
Beauty of Joseon Refreshing Toner is a good hydrating and face exfoliating toner by one of the best Korean Beauty Brands, and this is a good product to try, especially as a beginner in skincare.
Skincare Actives:
Prunus Mume Fruit
Glycolic Acid
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Oryza Sativa Bran Water
Glycerin
Salicylic Acid
The Derma Co 15% AHA + 1% BHA Beginner Peeling Face Solution is another good exfoliating serum to try, but I would only recommend this to people who have been indulging in skincare for a long time and want to scale their skincare process. It is not a recommended skincare product for beginners because it contains very strong exfoliating acids. Use it once a week. Always do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
Skincare Actives:
Aloe Vera
Glycolic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Lactic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Panthenol
Green Tea Extract
The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Cream is a good face cream to treat hyperpigmentation and get clear, healthy skin.
Skincare Actives:
Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
Glycerin
Niacinamide
Acetyl Glucosamine
Centella Asiatica Extract
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Glycolic Acid
Still using the Glycolic Acid the same way? It's time to reinvent your skincare routine and be more conscious about your skincare to get brighter and healthier skin. It's not just about using skincare products; it's about using them the correct way, where you notice your skin and how it reacts to every product, because every skin type is different, and we should be using it accordingly.
Use Glycolic Acid the better way in your skincare routine with La Peau's skincare guide.
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