From my experience incorporating glycolic acid into my skincare routine, I found it perfectly fine to use during the day as long as I committed to diligent sun protection. Glycolic acid is a powerful alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which can make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays. This increased photosensitivity typically develops after consistent use over a couple of weeks rather than immediately after the first application. Because of this, it’s crucial not to skip applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, regardless of whether you are spending significant time outdoors. In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours further reduces the risk of sun damage while using glycolic acid. Many skincare enthusiasts recommend using glycolic acid at night to minimize sun sensitivity, but daytime use is still acceptable if combined with strong sun protection measures. Importantly, the photosensitivity caused by glycolic acid diminishes within about a week after you stop using it, but continuous sun protection should remain a non-negotiable part of your skincare regimen. I also noticed that layering glycolic acid with other beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide helped maintain skin barrier health during this period. Overall, glycolic acid remains a gold standard ingredient for brightening and smoothing skin texture. Its benefits outweigh the risks as long as you respect the increased sun sensitivity it causes and use sunscreen consistently. If you’re new to glycolic acid, start slowly and monitor how your skin adjusts before integrating it into your daily routine. This approach ensures effective exfoliation with minimal risk of irritation or sun damage.