The recommended age to start using glycolic acid is in your mid to late 20s, or even after the age of 30.
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help exfoliate the skin, improving its texture and appearance. However, because young skin is delicate, it's best to wait until your skin is more mature before introducing glycolic acid into your skincare routine.
Here's a breakdown of why this age range is typically recommended:
- Skin Sensitivity: Children and teenagers have more sensitive skin, making them more prone to irritation from acids like glycolic acid.
- Skin Maturity: As you age, your skin's natural exfoliation process slows down. Glycolic acid can help speed up this process, revealing newer, brighter skin. This is generally more beneficial for those in their mid-20s and beyond.
- Prevention vs. Correction: Younger skin often doesn't require the same level of exfoliation as older skin. Using glycolic acid too early might not provide significant benefits and could potentially damage the skin's barrier.
Therefore, while there isn't a strict age cutoff, starting in your mid to late 20s is generally considered the safest and most effective time to incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare regimen.
