{"id":737669,"date":"2025-11-25T20:01:28","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T17:01:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=737669"},"modified":"2025-11-25T20:01:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T17:01:28","slug":"how-to-incorporate-glycolic-acid-into-your-skincare-routine-according-to-the-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=737669","title":{"rendered":"How To Incorporate Glycolic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine, According To The Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Skin<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

How To Incorporate Glycolic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine, According To The Experts<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
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By <\/span>Tish Weinstock<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

November 25, 2025<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jonathan Knowles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n
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Glycolic acid is the hero ingredient you may not know you needed. Brilliant at brightening skin tone and texture, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts and blemishes, it really is a routine must-have. But you can just throw it in anywhere; given that it\u2019s an active ingredient, a little bit of homework is required before you introduce it into your beauty routine. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n

What is glycolic acid?<\/h2>\n

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that belongs to a family of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids, or\u00a0AHAs\u2014a term you\u2019ve probably heard being bandied about in skincare circles. Widely used and derived from sugar cane, other AHAs include lactic, citric, and mandelic acids. \u201cIt is found in many skincare products like face washes and serums, in mild strengths, but is often used in stronger formulations by professionals as a skin peel,\u201d says beauty specialist\u00a0Nilam Holmes.<\/p>\n

What does glycolic acid do to your skin?<\/h2>\n

Glycolic acid is a powerhouse ingredient with so many skin benefits. \u201cIt\u2019s the ultimate exfoliator,\u201d explains skin expert\u00a0Keren Bartov. Loosening the glue that holds dead cells to the skin\u2019s outer surface, the stratum corneum, glycolic acid helps to reveal the younger, fresher cells underneath. \u201cFurthermore, because it has the smallest molecular structure of all AHAs, it can penetrate deeper and faster into the skin than other acids,\u201d adds Bartov.\u00a0Thanks to this ability to penetrate the dermis\u2014the layer of skin beneath the epidermis where collagen is secreted by fibroblast cells\u2014it helps promote collagen synthesis, too.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also fantastic for treating breakouts. \u201cGlycolic is great for anyone who is suffering with breakouts,\u201d says facialist\u00a0Teresa Tarmey.\u00a0\u201cI find salicylic drying, which can then create another problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Is it OK to use glycolic acid every day?<\/h2>\n

As with any acid, overuse or combining it with other harsh acids can lead to skin irritation. \u201cUsing glycolic acid in high strengths too frequently can lead to over-exfoliation, which can destroy the skin\u2019s protective barrier,\u201d says Holmes. \u201cThat said, it can be used every day in mild strengths. It really depends on the formula.\u201d<\/p>\n

If your skin becomes sensitive, shows signs of redness or flaking, or if it feels fragile, stop use. \u201cThe protective invisible shield which protects our skin from daily pathogen attack could have been breached,\u201d says\u00a0Diane Ackers, specialist at\u00a0Doctors Formula. \u201cIf the skin looks ultra-smooth, almost waxy in appearance, this is often the first sign that you\u2019re using too many acids.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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If in doubt, start with the lowest concentration of acid, use it every two to three days, and gradually increase your frequency of use and strength of acid as your skin adjusts.<\/p>\n

Is glycolic acid suitable for all skin types?<\/h2>\n

Glycolic acid is effective when used on normal, combination and oily skin, but sensitive skin should be wary of diving straight in, as it can cause irritation.\u00a0\u201cIf your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation, then glycolic acid may cause a reaction like dryness, redness and create more sensitivity,\u201d says Bartov. Just as you\u2019d use\u00a0retinol sparingly to start with, exercise caution when it comes to trying glycolic for the first time.<\/p>\n

Seasonality can also impact how well it\u2019s tolerated. \u201cAs [glycolic acid] is effectively stripping away the upper layers of skin cells, it can make your skin more sensitive to sunshine; using sunscreen is therefore essential,\u201d warns\u00a0Dr. Anjali Mahto. Happily, for those trying to navigate the confusing world of pregnancy-safe skincare, glycolic acid (in low concentrations) is on the accepted list of ingredients to use\u2014particularly welcome news if you\u2019re experiencing hormonal dullness or breakouts.<\/p>\n

Those with darker skin types may want to approach with caution. \u201cI\u2019ve found higher strength products can actually create a burn on darker skin types as it changes the PH of the skin,\u201d says Tarmey. \u201cThis is more to do with in-clinic products as opposed to at-home ones.\u201d\u00a0If you do find yourself unable to tolerate it, for whatever reason, you may want to try lactic acid as an alternative.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best form of glycolic acid to use?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re new to this AHA, an easy way to incorporate it into your routine is through a cleanser, which won\u2019t come into contact with skin for too long and is quickly washed off. It\u2019s also a good litmus test for sensitivity as glycolic acid is immediately neutralised on contact with water. Once you\u2019ve acclimatized, you can move on to leave-on formulations including toners, serums and moisturizers, where concentration will be a little higher.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While products like cleansers and toners that contain small amounts can be used daily, most people find that once or twice a week is sufficient when using anything stronger.\u00a0The ideal concentration is somewhere between\u00a08% to 15%.\u00a0Higher concentrations of glycolic acid will naturally yield more intensive results and offer an instant skin glow, but these should only be used by professionals. As well as the concentration, pay attention to the pH of your chosen product; those formulated with a higher pH are done so in order to weaken the acid\u2019s strength, and therefore minimise potential irritation to the skin. If the pH of your product sits between three and four, then it is guaranteed that the strength of glycolic acid is as it is stated on the bottle.<\/p>\n

What are the disadvantages of glycolic acid on the skin?<\/h2>\n

Although it can be used seamlessly with other AHAs and BHAs, including pore-refining salicylic acid, there are some ingredients that should be avoided while you use glycolic acid. First up, retinoids. If you\u2019re desperate to reap the skin-boosting benefits of both, start using one and work up your tolerance gradually. Once you\u2019ve established that, introduce the other slowly and only use them on alternate days. The two used together at the same time is a recipe for serious irritation, no matter how robust you think your skin is.<\/p>\n

Although it\u2019s a gentle exfoliant, as with anything active, overuse can cause damage, particularly to the skin barrier, the skin\u2019s first line of defence against harmful pollutants and pathogens.\u00a0\u201cUsing glycolic acid too frequently or in high concentrations can lead to over-exfoliation and strip the skin of its natural oils, damaging the skin barrier and leading to irritation, sensitivity, dryness, redness, flakiness, and breakouts,\u201d says Holmes. \u201cOveruse can also make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In the winter months, particularly, the skin barrier is often compromised by colder temperatures and fluctuating central heating anyway, so avoid being too overzealous with your glycolic, especially if trying it for the first time. If you have overdone it, you\u2019re likely to experience dryness, flakiness, redness and irritation.\u00a0Slow and steady wins this race,\u201d says Bartov. \u201cOr you\u2019re risking damaging the skin\u2019s barrier and inviting in sensitivity, irritation, and inflammation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shop Vogue<\/em>\u2019s favorite glycolic acid products, below.<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SkinCeuticals<\/p>\n

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Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$96<\/span><\/p>\n

BLUEMERCURY<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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La Prairie<\/p>\n

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Cellular 3-Minute Peel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$295<\/span><\/p>\n

NORDSTROM<\/p>\n

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$295<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Ordinary<\/p>\n

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Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$13<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Alpha-H<\/p>\n

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Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$57<\/span><\/p>\n

NORDSTROM<\/p>\n

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$57<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Paula’s Choice<\/p>\n

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Skin Perfecting Glycolic Acid Exfoliant<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$37<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Cyklar<\/p>\n

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10% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Spray<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$35<\/del>$28<\/span>(20% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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$34<\/span><\/p>\n

CYKLAR<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Some By Mi<\/p>\n

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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$22<\/del>$12<\/span>(45% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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AHA\/BHA Treatment Toner<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$12<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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L’Or\u00e9al<\/p>\n

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Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$18<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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Replenix<\/p>\n

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Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Cleanser<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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$38<\/del>$23<\/span>(39% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

AMAZON<\/p>\n

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Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send<\/em>\u00a0Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at\u00a0beauty@vogue.com.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

Source URL: http:\/\/vogue.com\/article\/glycolic-acid<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Skin How To Incorporate Glycolic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine, According To The Experts By Tish Weinstock November 25, 2025 Jonathan Knowles Glycolic acid is the hero ingredient you may not know you needed. Brilliant at brightening skin tone and texture, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts and blemishes, it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":737670,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[50],"class_list":["post-737669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-vogue-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=737669"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737669\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/737670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=737669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=737669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=737669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}