Glycolic acid has officially outgrown your face. Thanks to viral, practical advice from Dr. Neera Nathan, this powerhouse exfoliant is being repurposed from a one-note facial acid into a true head-to-toe skin care MVP. Dr. Nathan, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon, is known for translating medical-grade skin science into routines that actually work in real life.
No 12-step regimens. No fantasy products. Just smart ingredient use backed by biology and common sense. Her glycolic acid hacks have gained serious traction because they are affordable, effective, and surprisingly simple. If glycolic acid is sitting in your bathroom cabinet collecting dust, this is your sign to put it to work.
© Getty ImagesWhy Glycolic Acid Works So Well Everywhere
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane. What makes it special is the small molecular size that allows it to penetrate the skin more efficiently than other AHAs, loosening dead skin cells and helping them shed evenly.
The result is a smoother texture, brighter tone, fewer clogged pores, and improved absorption of whatever you apply next. That mechanism is not limited to the face. Skin is skin, whether it lives on your scalp, elbows, or legs. Dr. Nathan’s approach is about strategic placement. Same ingredient. Different problem. Thoughtful execution.
© Getty ImagesScalp Care: The Pre-Shampoo Reset
One of Dr. Nathan’s most shared tips is using glycolic acid as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment. If your scalp flakes, feels itchy, or seems perpetually coated in dry shampoo residue, exfoliation may be missing from your routine.
Applying glycolic acid to the scalp before washing helps dissolve dead skin cells and excess oil that shampoo alone may not fully remove. It creates a cleaner environment for hair follicles and can even make your shampoo work better.
Use a liquid glycolic acid product on dry hair, focusing on the scalp rather than the hair length. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then shampoo thoroughly. Think of it as clearing the runway so healthy hair growth can actually take off.
© Getty ImagesDark Elbows and Knees: Gentle Brightening That Works
Elbows and knees tend to darken because the skin there is thicker and accumulates dead cells more easily. Aggressive scrubs often irritate these areas without fixing the root problem.
Dr. Nathan recommends using glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and gradually brighten these zones. Applied a few times a week, it helps smooth texture and improve discoloration by encouraging even cell turnover.
Follow with a rich moisturizer to support the skin barrier. Consistency matters far more than intensity. Your elbows respond better to patience than punishment.
© Getty ImagesBack Acne: A Smarter Way to Treat Breakouts
Back acne can be stubborn, partly because it is difficult to reach and often worsened by sweat, friction, and lingering hair products. Dr. Nathan’s solution is refreshingly practical.
Using glycolic acid on the back helps unclog pores and reduce the buildup that leads to breakouts. It also helps fade post-acne marks over time by promoting even exfoliation.
Applied after showering on clean skin, glycolic acid can become a low-effort, high-impact addition to your routine. Let it dry fully before dressing, and remember that sun protection matters if your back is exposed.
© Getty ImagesStrawberry Legs and Rough Arms: Smooth Without Scrubs
Those tiny dark dots on the legs, often called strawberry skin, are usually clogged hair follicles. Physical exfoliation can worsen irritation, especially if you shave frequently. Glycolic acid works more quietly and more effectively. Dissolving dead skin cells inside the follicle helps smooth the appearance of pores and reduce bumpiness over time.
Dr. Nathan suggests applying glycolic acid to arms and legs a few nights a week, followed by a fragrance-free moisturizer. Over time, skin looks smoother, more even, and far less irritated.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Without Overdoing It
Even dermatologist-approved hacks need guardrails. Start slowly, especially if you are using glycolic acid in new areas. Two to three times a week is enough for most people.
Avoid broken or freshly shaved skin, and do not layer glycolic acid with other strong actives in the same routine. Sun protection is essential. Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity wherever it is applied, not just on the face.
Hero Ingredient
Dr. Neera Nathan’s glycolic acid advice is a masterclass in working smarter, not harder. One well-studied ingredient. Multiple real-world uses. Clear explanations grounded in skin biology. It is not about trends. It is about understanding how skin functions and using proven tools creatively. Your scalp, elbows, legs, and yes, your face, all benefit.
Sometimes the most effective skin care upgrade is simply using what you already own, better.
