9 Surprising Uses Of Glycolic Acid Beyond The Face
Glycolic acid is possibly one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare, but its potential goes far beyond the face. This alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) is the smallest in its family, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin and affect each layer, offering benefits that many brands don't promote because they border the line between cosmetic and medication.
Unlike other exfoliants, glycolic acid doesn't just remove dead cells from the surface, but also:
- Promotes collagen production
- Improves the appearance of fine lines
- Reduces dark spots and discoloration
- Stimulates natural hyaluronic acid production
- Smooths skin texture
This makes it a powerful ally for your entire body, not just your face. Let's see how you can leverage its benefits from head to toe.
9 Effective Ways to Use Glycolic Acid Throughout Your Body
1. Dry and Cracked Lips
Do you suffer from perpetually dry lips where even petroleum jelly doesn't seem to work? Try "lip basting": apply a small amount of 7-10% glycolic acid directly to your lips and seal with an occlusive ointment. This combination removes the top layer of dead cells while retaining moisture, leaving your lips noticeably softer in just a few days.
Caution: If you're prone to cold sores, use lower concentrations or try gentler alternatives like gluconolactone.
2. Dry Scalp with Flaking
Not all scalp flaking is dandruff. If you've tried anti-dandruff shampoos without success, the problem might be simple dryness. Apply 7% glycolic acid directly to the scalp before showering, letting it work for about 10-15 minutes. This treatment dissolves the buildup of dead cells and helps maintain hydration, reducing itching and flaking.
3. Natural Deodorant and Underarm Lightener
Glycolic acid addresses two common underarm problems: body odor and hyperpigmentation. Its exfoliating action eliminates the bacteria that cause odor while gradually lightening discoloration. You can apply it with a cotton pad or use deodorants specifically formulated with glycolic acid for daily results.
4. Treatment for Body Dark Spots
Sun spots on the chest, arms, or hands respond well to glycolic acid. Applied regularly in 10-15% concentrations, it helps lighten hyperpigmentation in areas like elbows, knees, or scars. Body skin is usually more resistant than facial skin, allowing for more frequent treatments (4-5 times per week).
Important: Always use sunscreen after these treatments.
5. Solution for Keratosis Pilaris ("Chicken Skin")
Those small bumps on the back of the arms (keratosis pilaris) improve significantly with glycolic acid combined with urea products. This combination gently exfoliates while hydrating, smoothing the characteristic texture of this common condition. Apply the acid, let it work for 10-30 minutes, and follow with a moisturizer rich in urea.
6. Rejuvenator for Rough and Cracked Hands
Winter punishes our hands, leaving them rough and cracked. Create a homemade mask by applying glycolic acid for 10-30 minutes while watching TV, followed by an intensive moisturizer. To enhance results, use nitrile gloves after applying the cream to seal in hydration overnight.
7. Treatment for Problematic Cuticles
Dry cuticles and hangnails can be prevented with regular applications of low-concentration glycolic acid. This treatment gently removes dead cells, followed by a cuticle oil that seals in moisture and significantly improves their appearance.
8. Exfoliant for Dry and Callused Feet
Feet neglected during winter benefit enormously from a glycolic acid mask. Apply generously, wrap your feet in plastic wrap, and let it work during a TV show or even overnight. Chemical exfoliation gently removes layers of dead skin without the harshness of files or pumice stones.
9. Preparation for Even Self-Tanning
Before applying self-tanner, use glycolic acid on areas prone to excessive product absorption: elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and collarbones. This pre-exfoliation ensures that the self-tanner distributes evenly, avoiding those unsightly dark patches and resulting in a much more natural artificial tan.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid deserves a prominent place in your body care routine, not just facial care. Its multiple benefits make it a versatile solution for common problems from lips to feet. Start with low concentrations if you have sensitive skin and gradually increase according to tolerance.
Always remember to protect your skin from the sun after using products with acids, as they increase sun sensitivity. With regular and proper use, you'll notice significant improvements in problem areas that you may have thought had no solution.