Glycolic acid is commonly used as an exfoliant. It helps reveal new skin layers by shedding dead skin cells. Glycolic acid serums and creams penetrate deep into the skin, and can help produce increased amounts of collagen, which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles by helping skin feel firmer.

One of the best ways to incorporate glycolic acid into your skin care routine is with a face cleanser. It can help your skin get used to the ingredient before moving on to products with higher concentrations. Once you're ready for increased skin contact with the ingredient, reap the benefits of glycolic acid by moving on to a glycolic acid toner or serum is a good choice.

When Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, it is also helping to unclog your pores. Since this process also helps in reducing oil build up, the result is not only treatment but prevention of acne and pimples. However, it is important to remember that acne-prone skin can be sensitive, so testing out how your skin reacts to glycolic acid in low to moderate amounts is an important first step in your skincare routine.

Glycolic acid and retinol can be used together. What's important before mixing potent skin care ingredients is knowing how your skin behaves and reacts when it comes into contact with them seperately. Retinol can cause a harsh reaction on the skin for some more than others. Retinol use can lead to the outer layer of skin becoming more thin, thus allowing ingredients like glycolic acid skincare products to penetrate deeper. This, however, can cause skin discomfort, so it is important to start small and see how your skin reacts.

When it comes to mixing active ingredients like glycolic acid and niacinamide, it is best to only use one on your skin at a time to avoid irration, or in a worst case scenario, skin damage. Niacinamide can help keep your skin cells together by producing more lipids. This in turn strengthens your skin barrier so that the risk of discomfort from later using other active ingredients or exfoliants, like glycolic acid, is reduced.