In the treatment of acne, what role does glycolic acid play?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is widely used in the treatment of acne primarily due to its ability to exfoliate the skin. Its role involves breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their shedding, and preventing pore blockages. This process effectively opens up impactions in the pores, which are often the culprits behind the formation of acne. By facilitating the removal of these obstructions, glycolic acid helps to reduce the occurrence of whiteheads, blackheads, and other acne lesions.

The other options, while they do relate to various skin treatment functions, do not accurately capture the primary function of glycolic acid in acne treatment. Moisturizing deep tissues is not a characteristic of glycolic acid, as it typically acts on the surface layers of the skin. Multiplying antioxidants and suppressing melanin production are also outside the main therapeutic effects of glycolic acid in the context of acne treatment. Thus, the accurate role of glycolic acid is focused on its capability to open up impactions and clear clogged pores, making it a valuable ingredient in acne management.