How Does Glycolic Acid Combat Aging?

So what are the mechanics behind that ability? As we’ll see, not only is glycolic acid incredibly effective at reducing the signs of sun damage, it also boosts collagen and elastin production, and smoothes out the appearance of fine lines, skin roughness, and wrinkles.

For consumers who are in search of healthy, radiant skin at any age? They’re increasingly incorporating glycolic acid into their skincare routines, and reaping the benefits of this Alpha Hydroxy Acid that goes the distance when it comes to battling the effects of the passing years on the face, neck, hands, and body.

One of the first and most noticeable signs of aging is the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Luckily for consumers, readily available glycolic acid packed products are one of the best defenses to both minimize existing lines and slow the arrival of new wrinkles.

As an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), it’s one of a family of acids which have long promoted by both skincare industry insiders and dermatologists alike for their ability to reduce signs of aging, acne, and other skincare woes. Glycolic acid is composed of the smallest molecules of all the AHAs, and as a result can most easily penetrate the skin and cells. The result? The fastest, most visibly dramatic improvements to the skin.

“There’s a reason glycolic is the acid used the most in anti-aging products and doctor’s-office peels,” said Ranella Hirsch, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine, in an interview with Allure Magazine. “Glycolic acid does the job.”

Consumers seeking out smoother, line-free faces would do best to start with a glycolic acid packed cream or lotion into their nighttime skincare routine, and then experiment with an at-home glycolic acid peel for the fastest, most dramatic wrinkle-free results.

Time spent in the sun can result in a glowing tan and supply a boost of all-important Vitamin D. But, too much exposure baking in those golden rays can also lead to seriously damaged skin. In fact, experts believe that 90% of premature aging signs can be traced back to sun (ultraviolet) exposure. The telltale signs of sun-damaged skin? Think: wrinkling, a rough texture, broken capillaries, sagging, brown spots, crepey skin, or an uneven color and tone.

Although sun-damaged skin was once thought of as an inevitable and permanent part of aging skin, glycolic acid has actually been shown to reverse the effects of sun damage on our skin. How does it turn this trick?

Glycolic acid interacts with the topmost layer of skin and dissolves the dead, sun-damaged skin cells on the top of the epidermis. Healthier skin cells are then revealed, and the outward effects of sun damage are quite literally sloughed off by the properties of GA.

Sun damage, once thought to be a permanent sign of aging, can now be mitigated and even reversed with the continual, long-term use of glycolic acid application.

So sun damage, once thought to be a permanent and pretty much unavoidable sign of aging, can now be mitigated and improved with the continual, long-term use of glycolic acid products.

In addition to reducing wrinkles and reversing the signs of sun damage, glycolic acid has another anti-aging superpower. 

Collagen is a protein found in all of the body’s organs and tissues, including the skin. Elastin is another protein, found in the connective tissue of the body, and helps all tissues retain their shape. Together, they’re the duo responsible for creating the firm, smooth, and plump skin we all long to hold onto. Unfortunately, production of both collagen and elastin begins to slow down after the age of twenty-one.

What’s that superpower we mentioned? You guessed it: Glycolic acid is a tried-and-true agent for stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin. In fact, studies have found that skin treated with glycolic acid experienced increased collagen gene expression. Additionally, topical glycolic acid application has been shown to increase skin thickness up to 25%, thus increasing that healthy firmness of younger skin.

Although some signs of aging are inevitable, it’s a battle many consumers will never give up. So glycolic acid is a perfect ingredient for them to include in any skincare routine so they can maintain healthy, firm, smooth skin – at any age.