On Glycolic Acid and Melasma
Melasma is a skin problem that plagues many people. Its causes are complex and have a great impact on appearance. Glycolic acid has gradually shown unique effects in the treatment of melasma, which is worthy of in-depth investigation.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid with a small molecular structure and good skin permeability. Its mechanism of action is exquisite. First, it can regulate the metabolism of keratinocytes. The replacement of stratum corneum cells in normal skin is orderly, but this process may be abnormal in melasma skin. Glycolic acid can accelerate the shedding of keratinocytes, accelerate the renewal speed of the skin surface, and then improve the uneven color of the skin in melasma. For example, when glycolic acid acts on the skin, it can loosen the connections between keratinocytes, promoting the orderly shedding of aging keratinocytes, allowing new cells to emerge more quickly on the surface, making the skin smoother and melasma lighter.

Second, glycolic acid can affect melanin metabolism. Melanin production is composed of a series of complex biochemical reactions, and tyrosinase is a key rate-limiting enzyme. Glycolic acid can inhibit tyrosinase activity to a certain extent and reduce melanin synthesis. Studies have shown that after using products containing specific concentrations of glycolic acid for a period of time, the content of melanin in the skin is significantly reduced. Melanin production is reduced, and melasma pigmentation naturally gradually fades.

In practical applications, the selection of glycolic acid concentration is crucial. Low-concentration glycolic acid (such as 2% - 5%) is relatively mild, suitable for early users with poor skin tolerance. It can be used in daily skin care products. Long-term use can gently improve the skin and have a certain effect on mild melasma. And high-concentration glycolic acid (15% - 70%) is usually used for professional medical and aesthetic skin replacement operations. Although the effect is significant, it requires high operation requirements and requires careful care after surgery. Improper operation or poor care can easily cause skin redness, swelling, desquamation, infection and other adverse reactions. Therefore, in medical and aesthetic institutions, professionals operate, and the concentration is accurately selected and treated according to individual skin conditions to ensure safety and efficacy.

Glycolic acid has great potential in the field of melasma treatment. However, it is necessary to choose products or treatment methods scientifically and rationally according to the individual skin type and the severity of melasma, in order to achieve the best improvement effect and help many people affected by melasma regain their skin luster.