Understanding How Glycolic Acid Works on Each Skin Layer

The Three Layers of the Skin

1. Epidermis – The Outer Protective Layer
The epidermis is the skin’s outermost layer, composed of a thin surface of dead cells (the stratum corneum) and several underlying live cell layers. This layer acts as a protective barrier and is where glycolic acid begins its transformative work.

2. Dermis – The Supportive Middle Layer
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, a thicker layer made up of connective tissue, collagen, and elastin. It also contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and oil (sebaceous) glands that nourish and support the skin’s outer layer.

3. Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer) – The Foundation
The hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, is the deepest part of the skin. It consists mainly of fat and connective tissue, helping anchor the skin to muscles and providing insulation and cushioning.

How Glycolic Acid Transforms the Skin

Its Actions on the Epidermis

Glycolic acid works first on the epidermis, gently loosening the bonds between excess dead skin cells on the surface. This allows them to shed invisibly, revealing smoother, fresher, and more radiant skin underneath.

Here’s where we can debunk a common myth:
While Glycolic acid does thin the dead cell layer, it actually thickens MORE the living cell layers beneath. The net result? A healthier, thicker, and more resilient epidermis — not a thinner one!

Its Actions on the Dermis

Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of all alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), it penetrates deeply and efficiently into the dermis, where it:

• Stimulates collagen synthesis

• Improves skin firmness and elasticity

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

With consistent use of a correctly formulated glycolic acid product - and by correctly formulated, we mean the concentration, pH, and its delivery system - the skin becomes firmer, thicker, and healthier over time — a true transformation from within.

Conclusion: Glycolic Acid Strengthens, Not Thins, the Skin

Far from thinning your skin, glycolic acid builds it up from the inside out. By removing dead surface cells and stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers, it helps create a stronger, smoother, and more youthful complexion with a reduced appearance of fine lines.

When ideally formulated and used consistently, glycolic acid remains one of the most effective, scientifically proven ingredients for anti-ageing, skin rejuvenation, and long-term skin health.

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