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All the uses of glycolic acid

From the face and body to the hair

All the uses of glycolic acid From the face and body to the hair

If there’s one ingredient that should never be missing from your vanity table, it’s glycolic acid. Not just for your face, but also for your body and even your hair: glycolic acid has become a true ally in self-care. You’ll find it in exfoliating toners, body lotions, shampoos, and targeted treatments. But how does it actually work? And why is it so beloved by those seeking glowing skin and healthier hair?

Glycolic acid: what is it?

@yurileeeee When #glycolicacid is your best friend

Glycolic acid belongs to the AHA family, a group of acids derived from natural sources like fruit, or in this case, from sugarcane. Among all AHAs, glycolic acid is the most potent, but also the most effective: it has a very small molecule that allows it to penetrate the skin easily and work deeply. Its main role is to help the skin get rid of dead cells that build up on the surface.

The benefits of glycolic acid on the face

Glycolic acid is the secret ingredient for achieving perfect glass skin. It gently yet deeply exfoliates, making skin instantly smoother and more radiant. It’s ideal for refining skin texture, lightening sunspots, reducing fine lines, and minimizing the appearance of pores. It also boosts collagen production and helps with post-acne marks or mild scarring. But be careful: it's powerful, so don’t overdo it. Just 2–3 applications a week, in the evening, are enough, and never forget sunscreen the next day.

The benefits of glycolic acid on the body

@volpi_nana Parliamo di come rimuovere le macchie sul corpo con un prodotto che mi ha veramente rivoluzionato la pelle negli ultimi mesi: il tonico esfoliante al 7% di acido glicolico di @The Ordinary #macchie #solari #macchiesolari #corpo #bodycsre #glicolico #acido #acidoglicolico #esfoliante #brufoli #schiena #bodycare #esofliazione #esfoliantecorpo #theordinary #theordinaryskincare #glycolicacid #exfoliatingtoner #glycolicacid7 suono originale - Anna Volpi
@farmaciestilo Hai la pelle cosi? Si tratta di cheratosi pilare! Una soluzione potrebbe essere l’acido glicolico! #farmacista #acidoglicolico #keratosis Montagem Mysterious Game - LXNGVX
@sonyaskinss Domande nei commenti #theinkeylist #brufoli #brufolicorpo #peliincarniti #acnecorpo #talloniscrepolati suono originale - Sonyaskins

Glycolic acid works wonders on the body too. Thanks to its exfoliating power, it’s especially effective for issues like ingrown hairs. By removing dead skin cells, it helps prevent hairs from getting trapped under the skin, reducing irritation and redness. It’s also perfect for treating "strawberry legs," those tiny red dots that appear when hair follicles get clogged, especially after shaving. On top of that, it helps with sunspots and discoloration, promoting cell turnover and evening out the skin tone. Bonus tip: it’s fantastic on rough areas like heels and elbows.

The benefits of glycolic acid on hair

Glycolic acid is also widely used in haircare. It’s ideal for exfoliating the scalp by removing dead skin cells and product buildup, which improves root health and stimulates blood circulation, therefore encouraging healthier, stronger hair growth. It helps balance sebum production, easing irritation and dandruff. When used in shampoos or targeted treatments, it can also make hair shinier and softer, improving texture and reducing frizz, making it a great option for those with high-porosity hair.