When winter arrives, many South Africans find their skin suddenly feeling tight, dry, or flaky. While heaters and chilly winds may bring comfort and change, they also strip the skin of moisture. But there’s one powerhouse ingredient that can help restore hydration, improve skin texture, and give you that healthy glow—even in the coldest months: glycolic acid.

In this article, we explore:

• • Why skin dries out more during winter
  • What glycolic acid is and how it works
  • The surprising hydrating benefits of glycolic acid
  • Who can benefit from using it
  • How to incorporate glycolic acid into your winter skincare routine using NassifMD® Skincare

Winter’s low humidity levels, cooler temperatures, and artificial heating can wreak havoc on your skin. These environmental stressors weaken your skin barrier and lead to increased water loss. The result? Skin that feels rough, irritated, and lacks its usual glow.

To protect and nourish your skin during the colder months, it’s essential to exfoliate gently and boost hydration. Glycolic acid can play a valuable role in that process.

Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s one of the smallest AHA molecules, which means it can penetrate the skin deeply and effectively.

Used widely in over-the-counter products and professional treatments, glycolic acid works by gently exfoliating the surface of the skin—removing dead skin cells and revealing smoother, more radiant skin underneath. It’s also a key ingredient in many chemical peels, with concentrations varying depending on the product.

Although it’s best known as an exfoliator, glycolic acid offers a host of additional skin benefits—particularly during the dry winter months:

• • Boosts skin hydration by improving absorption of moisturisers and serums
  • Promotes cell turnover, revealing fresher, healthier skin
  • Stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin’s plumpness and elasticity
  • Fades dark spots and breakout scars, improving overall skin tone
  • Helps unclog pores, supporting breakout-prone skin, even if it’s dry.

Glycolic acid can be especially helpful in winter, when hydration isn’t just about adding moisture—it’s also about preparing your skin to retain it.

Glycolic acid is suitable for most skin types, but as with any active ingredient, it’s important to start slowly:

• • Begin with 1–2 times per week, then increase as tolerated
  • Sensitive skin? Use once weekly or choose lower concentrations
  • Always follow with sunscreen—glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity

If you’re using retinol or other active treatments, speak with your dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the right routine.

Looking to add glycolic acid to your winter skincare lineup? NassifMD® Skincare offers a selection of expertly formulated products designed by renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Nassif. Each product combines advanced science with nourishing ingredients to support your skin during winter and beyond.