How does glycolic acid help with skin discolorations such as age spots?
Previously, one of the problems with age spot removal products was that the lightening agent, typically hydroquinone, could not get past the thick outer layer of dead cells to reach the melanocytes, the source of the pigmentation. When hydroquinone is combined with glycolic acid, as in Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel, glycolic acid removes the excess buildup of dead cells on the surface and hydroquinone reduces the production of melanin, allowing pigmentation to diminish gradually.
