Glycolic acid can boost collagen production in the skin through its exfoliating and stimulating effects. Here’s how it works:
- Exfoliation: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that acts as a chemical exfoliant. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, promoting their shedding and revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. This exfoliation helps to remove dull and damaged skin cells, allowing new cells to surface.
- Stimulation of Fibroblasts: Fibroblasts are cells in the skin that are responsible for producing collagen, a structural protein that gives the skin its strength and elasticity. Glycolic acid has been found to stimulate fibroblasts, increasing their activity and promoting collagen synthesis. This leads to the production of new collagen fibers in the skin.
- Increased Cell Turnover: Glycolic acid accelerates the natural process of cell turnover, which is the rate at which old skin cells are replaced with new ones. By speeding up cell turnover, glycolic acid helps to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, which can contribute to a dull complexion and hinder the production of collagen.
- Improved Penetration of Other Ingredients: Glycolic acid has the ability to enhance the penetration of other skincare ingredients. By exfoliating the skin and removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, it allows other collagen-boosting ingredients in your skincare routine to penetrate more effectively and reach the deeper layers of the skin where collagen production occurs.
By promoting exfoliation, stimulating fibroblasts, increasing cell turnover, and improving ingredient penetration, glycolic acid can effectively boost collagen production in the skin. This, in turn, can help improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful and revitalized complexion.
