What Is Glycolic Acid and What Does It Do for Your Skin?

Confused about every brand promoting glycolic acid toners in Pakistan and claiming them as a solution for all skin problems? You might be wondering how a single product can treat all skin-related issues and which brand to trust. Your confusion remains valid as people post mixed reviews about glycolic acid toners. Since they are widely used, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, as Pakistani skin, prone to pigmentation, may react adversely to this AHA. The best glycolic acid cleanser for Pakistani skin tones must have a specific concentration, formulation, and usage to get the right results. 

Seeing videos of people using glycolic acid on underarms as a deodorant and brightening ingredient, on the scalp for dandruff, for feet exfoliation, and more, must have confused you. This guide explains what glycolic acid actually is, what it can realistically do, how to use it without irritating the skin, and where a product like AsraDerm’s 7% Glycolic Acid Toner fits into the picture. 

Key Takeaways

• Glycolic acid is an AHA, a water-soluble exfoliant that helps shed dead skin cells faster with its better absorption due to its smaller molecular size.

• Glycolic acid benefits include exfoliation, anti-aging, brightening, even skin tone, and improved texture. 

• Asra Derm’s Glycolic Acid Toner 7% contains glycolic acid with other ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, and hyaluronic acid, which soothe and hydrate while exfoliating skin. 

How Does Glycolic Acid Work?

Glycolic Acid is an AHA, which is a water-soluble acid that works on the surface level of skin without penetrating into the pores. Glycolic acid has a smaller molecular size than other AHAs, which allows it to penetrate the outer skin layer. The smaller molecular size does not mean it is stronger; rather, it supports efficient absorption, which is why this ingredient stands as a common starting point for chemical exfoliation. 

In simple terms: glycolic acid loosens the dead skin cells and makes them shed faster than they would on their own. As a result, users get improved skin texture, even skin tone, and faded acne marks. 

What Does Glycolic Acid Do For Your Skin?

Glycolic acid can work as a one-stop solution for most of your skin-related issues, like exfoliating dead skin cells, improving texture, evening out skin tone, and more. It works effectively for both body and face when used correctly. 

Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells

Glycolic acid dissolves the skin’s surface that glues the dead skin cell buildup. It supports the shedding of cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface, revealing smoother-looking and more evenly textured skin over time. 

Improves Skin Texture

With appropriate and consistent use, many people get less pronounced rough patches and unevenness in texture. It reduces the surface buildup that contributes to the roughness. 

Improves Cell Turnover

Glycolic acid supports cell turnover through exfoliation. It dissolves the layer of dead skin cells on the surface, which gets replaced by new cells through the skin regeneration process. Therefore, skin appears brighter over time as pigmented, spotty, or sun-damaged cells get replaced. 

Smooth Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Glycolic acid can assist as an anti-aging ingredient by stimulating collagen production in the cells. Thus, skin gains elasticity and firmness, which smooths the fine lines and wrinkles over time with consistent use. 

Help with Post-Acne Marks

Glycolic acid may be a useful addition to the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation routine. It supports surface renewal and does not treat acne itself. So, it complements the acne-reducing medications by fading post-acne marks through exfoliation. 

Is Glycolic Acid Good For Dark Spots?

Dark spots appear in different ways and due to different reasons. So, glycolic acid cannot work as an ultimate dark spot solution. It can treat some types with consistent use, like:

• Post-acne marks: encourages cell turnover that fades post-acne marks over time

• Sun-related pigmentation: may improve gradually with consistent exfoliation and sun protection. Without sunscreen, new pigmentation can form in the place of the old one. 

• Uneven skin tone: often responds reasonably well to consistent use. 

• Melasma: melasma stays resistant to glycolic acid use as it is a deeply rooted, hormonally induced type of pigmentation. It requires a broader dermatologically guided plan. 

Pigmentation can also return or worsen with consistent UV exposure regardless of how well your product is working. Therefore, sunscreen remains a vital step in your everyday skincare routine. 

Glycolic Acid vs Other Exfoliating Acids

None of these is a universally best acid for your skin. The right exfoliant depends on your skin type, your main skin concern, how well your skin tolerates the actives, and your entire skincare routine. Someone with dry and sensitive skin should start with gentle exfoliation with lactic acid. Someone dealing with clogged pores and blackheads may get benefits from salicylic acid. Glycolic acid tends to be a strong exfoliant for general-purpose use that improves texture and tone. 

What Does 7% Glycolic Acid Mean?

The percentage in any skincare product refers to the amount of a certain ingredient in the whole formula. 7% means glycolic acid makes up 7% of the product by weight, while the rest of the formulation comprises other ingredients. The product’s pH, the other ingredients in the formula, and how the acid is buffered affect how the product actually behaves on the skin. 

It is worth noticing that a 7% active ingredient is still an exfoliating concentration and not a gentle one. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel’s safety conclusions for AHAs generally apply to concentrations up to 10% at a product pH of 3.5 or higher when the formulation includes sun protection or clear sunscreen instructions. It is a helpful frame of reference, but not a guarantee that any specific 7% product will suit every skin type and tolerance level. 

Moreover, a cosmetic glycolic acid toner with a 7% concentration is different from a professional glycolic acid peel. A professional peel requires clinical supervision and different aftercare requirements. Thus, both of them should never be mistaken for the same. 

Who Can Use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is potentially suitable for:

• Dull-looking skin

• Rough or uneven texture

• Uneven tone

• Post-acne pigmentation

• Normal, combination, or oily skin

• People who are already comfortable with chemical exfoliants

However, there are still some cautions when using it. You should not use it, or use it with extreme caution, if you have:

• Sensitive or reactive skin

• Compromised skin barrier (tight, flaky, or easily irritated)

• Active irritation, sunburn, or broken skin

• Recently gotten any cosmetic procedures involving peels, laser, or microneedling

• Been using several other strong actives like retinoids

Glycolic acid comes from natural sources, but that does not mean it is gentle, as it is still an active ingredient that requires slow and steady introduction to your routine for safer results. 

How to Use Glycolic Acid Toner

• Cleanse your face and pat it dry completely

• Once your face is completely dry, apply the toner to a cotton pad. 

• Sweep it across the face and neck; avoid the eye and lip area. 

• Let it absorb fully before going in with serums or moisturizer

• Follow with a suitable moisturizer to support the skin barrier and avoid dryness

• Apply sunscreen every morning to prevent further sun damage

Glycolic Acid Uses

Marketing claims place glycolic acid as a one-stop solution for everything. It corrects your body pigmentation, texture, breakouts, and much more. As an exfoliating ingredient, it offers various uses. You can use glycolic acid toners for:

• Strawberry skin and bumpy texture on arms and legs

• Body acne and bacne by clearing pore congestion and minimizing breakouts.

• Underarm brightening and odor with a 7% glycolic acid concentration that helps reduce dark pigmentation and neutralize odor-causing bacteria.

• Rough patches and calluses around heels, elbows, knees, toes, and more

• Anti-aging by offering a firmer appearance through cell turnover

The key to getting all these benefits is to start slow. Using glycolic acid on underarms, hair, face, or other body parts. As an active ingredient, you have to pair it with a moisturizer, as exfoliants can dehydrate the skin. Furthermore, use sunscreen every morning, as consistent use increases sun sensitivity. 

How Often Should You Use Glycolic Acid?

Skin cannot handle exfoliants and active ingredients excessively, as it accelerates irritation. Using it at a higher frequency increases the chances of irritation rather than maximizing the results. For beginners, two to three times a week is a common starting point. You can further increase the frequency gradually if your skin tolerates it. Otherwise, two to three times is enough. 

Should You Use Glycolic Acid at Night?

Glycolic acid is an AHA that should be used in the evening. Evening use avoids layering an exfoliant under makeup or sunscreen. Use it at night to support skin repair overnight. However, even if you use it at night, you should not compromise on using sunscreen every morning, as it is an AHA that increases sun sensitivity. 

Side Effects and Reactions

Like other active ingredients, glycolic acid can also cause some side effects or irritation. Some normal reactions are:

• Mild tingling

• Temporary redness

• Slight dryness

These mild effects occur as the skin adjusts to the ingredient use. But there are some serious reactions that you should not ignore. IF you notice the following reactions, know that the reactions are not normal:

• Persistent burning

• Significant peeling

• Continuous redness

• Increased sensitivity

If you witness any of these effects, you should quit the use or consider talking to your dermatologist to change the formulation, concentration, or other factors regarding suitability. 

Why Does Asra Derm Glycolic Acid Toner 7% Work?

Other formulations usually contain glycolic acid as a main ingredient that offers only limited benefits in a toner form. On the contrary, Asra Derm’s Glycolic Acid Toner 7% has a different formulation and FDA approval. Its ingredient list contains mandelic acid, willow bark extract, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, green tea extract, rose water, and aloe vera. 

These ingredients help balance the exfoliating and drying properties of the glycolic acid. It contains hydrating ingredients. With consistent use and directions, Asra Derm’s glycolic acid toner exfoliates dead skin cells, supports a brighter complexion, and helps fade the appearance of post-acne marks. Moreover, it also soothes the dryness that comes with exfoliation. 

Usually, it is suitable for all skin types. Howefor with sensitive skin, always do a patch test and introduce it gradually. 

Learn more about the glycolic acid 7% toner by Asra Derm on the official website. Look for ingredients, certifications, price, and usage directions to place your order.