Get Smooth, Soft Elbows with a Glycolic Acid Exfoliant

Do you deal with perpetually dry, rough, and bumpy elbows? No matter how much moisturizer you slather on, those rigid patches of reptilian skin refuse to budge.

Excess friction and pressure quickly wear down the thin skin on our elbows. And unlike the rest of our body, elbows lack oil glands to keep skin supple. This causes the dead skin cells on elbows to accumulate into flaky, discolored patches that no amount of cream seems to fix.

While learning to live with lizard arms may seem like your only option, it doesn’t have to be that way! Bring on the buttery smooth elbows with a powerful skin savior: glycolic acid.

What Causes Rough, Bumpy Elbow Skin?

Before we dive into how glycolic acid smooths elbows, let’s break down what makes elbows so rough and scaly compared to other body parts.

Lack of Oil Glands

Unlike most areas of our skin, elbows completely lack sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum that lubricates and protects skin. Without a natural supply of sebum, elbow skin dries out easily.

Thin Skin

The skin covering elbow joints is 40% thinner than elsewhere. With less padding cushioning the bones, frequent rubbing and pressure quickly degrade elbow skin.

Dead Skin Buildup

On top of no lubrication and barely-there padding, elbows accumulate dead skin cells rapidly. Without sebum’s exfoliating properties, these dead cells glue together and amass into dry, flaky patches.

Discoloration

With thin skin and negligible cell turnover, elbows readily show age spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation from minor scrapes. These dark spots further make elbows appear drier and rougher.

Learning what sabotages smooth elbows gives us clues about what can restore them – mainly speeding up cell turnover and replenishing lost moisture. Cue glycolic acid…

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s often called the smallest AHA because its tiny molecular structure allows it to penetrate deeply into skin.

This chemical exfoliant is praised by dermatologists for its ability to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal fresher, glowing skin underneath. How does it work its magic?

Breaks Down “Glue” Between Skin Cells

The top layer of our epidermis contains keratin proteins that act like “glue”, holding skin cells together tightly. Glycolic acid breaks down these proteins, loosening the bonds between dying skin cells.

Whisks Away Dead Cells

Once the cellular glue dissolves, those dead, dry skin layers easily wipe or rinse away. This reveals the newer cells below with a smoother texture.

Triggers Collagen Production

Removing the dull skin triggers fibroblast cells in the dermis to produce more collagen and elastin. These structural proteins plump up skin and smooth wrinkles.

Boosts Cell Turnover

Shedding dead cells also accelerates cell regeneration. The basal layer of the epidermis ramps up division to replace what’s been removed.

For perpetually parched elbows, the exfoliating and skin-renewing perks make glycolic acid a godsend ingredient.

Glycolic Acid Elbow Peel Benefits

Using a targeted glycolic acid elbow peel containing 8-10% glycolic acid 2-3 times per week works wonders for rough, discolored elbows.

Here’s what this AHA acid can do for sad, scaly elbows with consistent use:

• Lifts away dry, dead skin almost instantly to uncover smooth skin. Elbows look and feel softer after the first use as flaky bits slough off.
• Prevents dead cell buildup by speeding up cell turnover. This stops new flaky skin patches from forming.
• Boosts collagen production to reinforce thin elbow skin from underneath making it stronger and more resistant to damage.
• Reduces age spots and pigmentation by fading accumulated pigment stuck in the outer skin layers to even tone.
• Minimizes fine lines by stimulating collagen. Elbow creases look less prominent.
• Clears discoloration from past cuts, scrapes and eczema flare-ups by lifting damaged skin and inhibiting excess melanin production.
• Unclogs hair follicles to prevent keratosis pilaris bumps.

Many people notice a drastic improvement in elbow texture and color after 4-6 weekly glycolic acid treatments. But the benefits continue to improve the longer you stick with a consistent exfoliation schedule.

How Glycolic Acid Smooths Rough Elbow Skin

Using glycolic acid on dry, rough elbows seems too good to be true. How does this simple AHA offer such transformative elbow-smoothing effects?

Glycolic acid’s small molecular structure is the secret behind its skin-enhancing powers. Being the smallest AHA, glycolic acid can slip through the lipid layers of our skin much easier to penetrate deeper than other chemical exfoliants.

Once inside the skin structure, glycolic acid works its magic:

• Its super acidic nature breaks up the glue-like bonds between dead keratinocytes (skin cells). This allows the accumulation of rough, scaling skin to wash away easily with a scrub.
• Removing those dead cell layers triggers the basal layer where cell division occurs to ramp up reproduction. New cells push upwards rapidly to replace what’s been exfoliated away.
• Boosting cell turnover rate means fresh, healthy, smooth skin migrates closer to the surface on a regular basis.
• Meanwhile, glycolic acid stimulates collagen-producing fibroblasts to strengthen the dermis. This reinforces thinning elbow skin.
• Over time, accelerated cell turnover plus fortified structural proteins restores elbow skin to a healthy thickness and texture.

With consistent use, glycolic acid thoroughly retextures even the roughest elbows.

How Often Should You Use Glycolic Acid on Elbows?

Since our elbows tolerate acids well compared to the face, you can use glycolic acid on elbows more frequently without irritation. But take care not to overdo it!

For the fastest results revealed by Reddit users and skin experts, use a glycolic acid elbow scrub 2-3 times per week max. Here’s why:

Daily Use Causes Over-Exfoliation

Using glycolic acid every day initially seems logical to smooth elbows ASAP. But this backfires by irritating and inflaming skin without extra benefits.

Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient. Elbow skin sheds entirely about every 2 weeks which daily glycolic acid disrupts. You’ll end up removing fresh, healthy skin before it reaches the surface!

Frequent use also depletes natural hydrating factors in skin. Plus thin elbow skin is sensitive. Too much acid too often compromises the moisture barrier leading to dryness, redness and peeling.

Every 2-3 Days Allows Skin To Normalize

Limiting glycolic acid scrubs to 2-3 times weekly gives your elbows a chance to regenerate and stabilize properly between exfoliation sessions.

During the off days, new skin cells generated after exfoliating reach the elbow surface to reveal smooth, glowing skin. Collagen also replenishes to fortify skin.

Twice Per Week Is Minimum For Improvement

Only using glycolic acid once weekly won’t provide enough exfoliating action to appreciably improve rough elbow texture. Build up to at least twice per week for noticeable smoothing effects.

Be patient and stick with the 2-3 times per week application frequency. Rushing the process with daily use risks irritation and damage that hinders your results!

Step-By-Step Routine For Glycolic Acid Elbow Peel

Using glycolic acid on elbows is simple with this 5 step routine:

1. Soak Elbows

Run elbows under warm (not hot!) water for 2-4 minutes before exfoliating. The moisture softens and lifts rough skin to prepare for removal by glycolic acid.

Soaking also prevents the acidic scrub from pulling moisture out of dry skin which saves your moisture barrier.

2. Apply Glycolic Acid Scrub

With skin still damp, apply your glycolic acid elbow scrub containing 8-10% AHA. Too strong of acids won’t necessarily improve efficacy but definitely increase irritation.

Using gentle, circular motions, massage the entire elbow area concentrating on extra rough patches for 1-2 minutes. The gritty scrub particles manually slough off dead cells lifted by glycolic acid.

Pro tip: Use an old toothbrush to exfoliate stubborn patches on pointy elbow tips!

3. Rinse

Rinse thoroughly with cool water to neutralize any remaining acid. This closes your pores to lock in moisture and prevents penetration by contaminants.

Glycolic acid only requires 1-2 minutes max to destroy enough “glue” between dead skin cells for exfoliation.

4. Moisturize & Protect

Pat skin dry then apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer while elbows are still slightly damp. Look for barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, shea butter and jojoba oil.

Moisturizing after provides moisture to condition newly revealed skin. It also counteracts any drying effects from the acid.

Finally, apply broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen to your elbows before going outside! Glycolic acid makes skin sun-sensitive. Burning rough elbows further worsens problems.

5. Repeat 2-3 Times Weekly

Stick to repeating the routine only 2-3 times weekly for smooth elbows without irritation. Consistency is key for cumulative benefits over time!

What Percentage Glycolic Acid Is Best?

Glycolic acid scrubs and peels range from 5% to 30%+ in concentration. So what percentage glycolic acid should you use on dry elbows?

We recommend starting with an 8-10% glycolic acid elbow peel then gauging your skin’s tolerance. Here’s why this strength works well:

5-7% Glycolic Acid

This concentration provides very gentle exfoliation better suited to extremely sensitive skin types. It likely won’t smooth rough elbows noticeably faster than a regular scrub.

8-10% Glycolic Acid

This strength offers the best elbow smoothing results for most people based on Reddit reviews. The acid lifts away dead skin without provoking excessive dryness or irritation.

10-30%+ Glycolic Acid

Higher glycolic acid levels do accelerate skin shedding. But the risks of redness, burning and peeling outweigh added benefits. Stick near 10% then increase concentration later only if your elbows don’t improve.

Remember, thinner elbow skin absorbs products easily. Too high of percentages irritate more than smooth! Start gently then work up if needed.

Precautions When Using Glycolic Acid on Elbows

Glycolic acid seriously improves rough, scaly elbows with consistent use. But a few precautions ensure you get the best results safely:

• Wear UVA/UVB sunscreen on elbows when outdoors. Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity. Unprotected exposure leads to burns then extra skin damage.
• Consider wearing elbow pads during repetitive tasks. Added friction immediately after applying acids further aggravates skin.
• Rinse with cool water and limit contact with moisture after applying acid. Damp skin facilitates deeper penetration which boosts irritation risk.

• Know your acid tolerance. Ease into 2-3 weekly uses watching closely for redness, peeling or burning. Slow down applications if this occurs.
• Avoid super hot showers and baths. Excessive heat strips natural skin oils that protect and hydrate the deeper layers.
• Stay hydrated and moisturize skin daily. Well-nourished skin regenerates faster after shedding layers.

Adjust your glycolic acid regimen based on your skin’s initial response and needs. Be consistent tracking elbow improvement as enhanced smoothness takes time through consistent, gentle exfoliation.

Transform Rough, Bumpy Elbows

Rough elbows got you down? You don’t have to hide lizard skin under long sleeves forever. Reveal noticeably smoother, softer skin in as little as 2 weeks.

The powerful skin resurfacing and retexturing benefits of glycolic acid can completely transform even the roughest elbows overtime.

Use an 8-10% glycolic acid elbow scrub 2-3 times weekly to remove dead cells, stimulate collagen and renew skin’s surface. Then moisturize and protect fresh skin daily. Don’t let past damage and neglect continue ruining your elbows.

Take control of stubborn dry, flaky skin with a simple glycolic acid routine. You’ll be shocked at the silky-smooth transformation when you stick with it!