8% glycolic acid is a medium amount of glycolic. Between 5 and 7%, it’s mild. Above 10%, it’s strong.
Listed below are the uses of 8% Glycolic acid in skin care:
To remove old dead cells from the top layer of skin.
Old cells need to fall off regularly by themselves, but often, they don’t.
All these old cells bind together and form a thin layer in the skin’s top layer (visible layer), giving our skin a very dull look.
These cells also clog pores (openings) in the skin, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and acne.
To exfoliate deeper than other acids belonging to its category.
Glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids belong to the alpha hydroxy category.
It is the smallest molecule in this category, so it can penetrate deeper into the skin than lactic and mandelic. This makes it more effective in removing old cells stuck deep in the skin.
To give the skin a well-ageing (anti-ageing) benefit.
Glycolic acid stimulates fibroblasts in the deeper layers of the skin. Fibroblasts secrete collagen, which gives the skin its structure. As the amount of collagen reduces, the skin sags, and wrinkles and fine lines start appearing.
According to a study about glycolic acid and its ageing effect published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, at least 10% glycolic acid is needed to impact fine lines.
8% glycolic acid might not help produce enough collagen to be classified as anti-ageing, but it will at least give skin a slight benefit.
To reduce pigmentation.
Some old cells stuck in the skin have many extra deposits of a pigment called melanin. These large deposits of melanin give the skin in that area a darker colour than the surrounding skin. These are dark spots/patches…also called pigmentation.
When glycolic acid gets rid of these old cells, these dark spots go away, too.
Glycolic acid is more effective than other acids in its category, as it can penetrate deeper into the skin.
Glycolic acids at concentrations higher than 15% are used as peels to remove pigmentation more effectively. However, these must be administered only by professionals and should not be done at home.