Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It is one of the most well-known and widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in the skincare industry. Other alpha-hydroxy acids include lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid.It works by speeding up cell turnover. It helps dissolve the bonds that hold skin cells together, allowing dead skin cells to slough off more rapidly than they would on their own. Glycolic acid also stimulates your skin to create more collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firmness, plumpness, and elasticity. (Collagen is also the protein that gives strength to your bones and connective tissues.) Using glycolic acid regularly can help prevent this breakdown of collagen. Glycolic acid is an incredibly popular treatment because of the many benefits it has for the skin. It has effective skin-renewing properties, so it is often used in anti-aging products. It can help smooth fine wrinkles and improve the skin's tone and texture. Glycolic acid plumps the skin and helps boost hydration levels. Glycolic acid can also help fight sun damage. It's often used to fade minor fade hyperpigmentation. Because it's an effective exfoliator, using glycolic acid regularly can help brighten the complexion. If you have large pores, glycolic acid can help make those appear smaller as well. Many acne treatment products also contain glycolic acid. It isn't an acne treatment per se, but glycolic acid can help keep pores clear from blockages, preventing comedones, blackheads, and inflamed breakouts from forming. Glycolic acid can lighten dark discolorations left by acne or other wounds, and may soften the look of raised scars and pitted scars.