The 5 benefits of glycolic acid.

Wondering what glycolic acid does for your skin? Here are the five benefits of glycolic acid and how my Glycolic Body Scrub works hard so you feel soft.

1. The holy grail of KP exfoliation

Glycolic acid devours dead skin cells and clears out the congestion sitting in your pores. For keratosis pilaris (KP, chicken skin, strawberry skin), it's particularly effective because it softens and dissolves the keratin plugs that cause those small rough bumps, revealing a fresher layer of skin underneath. The result is reduced texture, clearer pores, and more even skin.

2. It tackles acne and breakouts

Because glycolic acid is such an effective exfoliator, it clears out the pore congestion that leads to blackheads and breakouts. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the redness that comes with acne, and it helps balance oil production so your skin isn't overcompensating with excess sebum.

Paired with pumice, it's an even harder worker. Pumice is a physical exfoliant made from ground volcanic stone, and once glycolic acid has softened the congestion in the pore, pumice whisks it away down the drain. My Glycolic Body Scrub uses both together for exactly this reason.

3. It suits all skin types

Too dry? Too oily? Too acne-prone? Glycolic acid is still for you. It's the most powerful AHA because it has the smallest molecule size of any alpha hydroxy acid, which means it can penetrate more deeply and get to work inside the pore rather than just buffing the surface. It's a gentle chemical exfoliant that's suitable for all skin types and particularly useful if you have specific skin concerns to target.

4. It's a hydrating hero

Glycolic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts water molecules to the skin's surface. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps ward off dryness to keep skin plump and hydrated, smooth over dry patches, and soften rough areas. It exfoliates and hydrates at the same time, which is what makes it such a useful daily active.

My Smoothing AHA Body Lotion pairs glycolic acid with lactic acid and mango seed butter for exactly this reason — exfoliation and hydration in one step, applied to damp skin after showering. My Triple Acid Body Wash keeps the same combination working in every shower.

5. It reduces the appearance of ageing

Glycolic acid speeds up skin cell renewal and deeply exfoliates the top layer of skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture over time. It also helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving skin looking fresher and more even. It's an active ingredient that earns its place in any anti-ageing routine.

Shop my Glycolic Body Scrub to put all five of these benefits to work.

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