November 4, 2020 

With adult acne cases on the rise and acne contributing to consumers feeling “unattractive, embarrassed, or self-conscious” effective acne treatments are needed now, more than ever.

Luckily for acne-prone consumers, glycolic acid is a workhorse ingredient that can unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and help stop the frustrating cycle of blemishes and inflamed, irritated skin.

In the recent consumer survey conducted by Global Cosmetic Industry, acne was rated as the most troubling skin condition, beating out common complaints like “dark circles, hyperpig­mentation, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and even firmer skin.” 

Additionally, acne was rated as the top consumer skincare concern until the age of 60.

The most common areas for acne were:

• chin (89%)
• cheeks (71%)
• forehead (66%)
• nose (62%)
• Additionally, 41% of respondents regularly deal with bacne, or body acne.

While acne is a common skincare problem for consumers throughout their lives, glycolic acid offers fast, effective relief.

Glycolic acid is a key ingredient for efficacious acne treatment, thanks to its superior ability to chemically exfoliate the skin.

Once applied to the skin, glycolic acid works to break down the outermost layer of skin cells. This helps to target current acne flareups, by peeling away the dead, damaged, and inflamed skin cells that make up a blemish. 

Glycolic acid can also improve the skin redness, discoloration, roughness, flaking, and scars associated with acne. 

Glycolic acid is also beneficial for stopping the formation of future breakouts. In addition to breaking down the links holding skin cells together, glycolic acid drives new cells to the surface of the skin. 

New skin cells are less likely to become clogged with dirt, old skin cells, and sebum, which can help prevent acne over the long term.

“For people with acne, the benefit of glycolic acid is that the peeling effects results in less “gunk” that clogs the pores. This includes dead skin cells and oil. With less to clog the pores, the skin clears and you usually have fewer breakouts,” explains Healthline.

This ability of glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and clean out the pores is critical for stopping the cycle of breakouts and blemishes.

Finally, glycolic acid offers one more benefit to acne sufferers. Glycolic acid helps to retain the skin’s moisture barrier, unlike other common, more drying ingredients that target acne.

“Acne medications with benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics have dominated acne treatments, according to the authors. But both come with side effects. For example, benzoyl peroxide can cause hypopigmentation and isn’t safe for darker skin types,” according to Dermatology Times. “Today’s patients want a more natural, safer approach for treating their skin. Glycolic and salicylic acids are well-known peeling agents used to treat melasma and acne.”

Glycolic acid also increases collagen production, the protein responsible for smooth, firm skin, which can help improve overall tone, texture, and health of the skin.

Acne is one of the most universal and troublesome skincare issues for consumers to deal with. Glycolic acid can help to banish acne for multiple skin types by exfoliating the skin, cleaning out pores, and offering a safe, gentle option for reducing breakouts.