At what age should you use glycolic acid?

Author: Abagail Altenwerth  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

Uses & Effectiveness Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to help reduce acne in people 12 years and older who have mild to moderate acne.

What age is glycolic acid suitable for?

Anyone in the age group that belongs to more than 20 years old can include glycolic acid in their skincare routine. Glycolic acid is suitable for all skin types, especially those who deal with acne. However, sensitive skin must undergo patch testing before introducing it into the skin regime.

Is glycolic acid good for 12 year olds?

No, it is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 to use any type of skin care product containing glycolic acid. TO SUPPORT FOLLOW ME!

When should I start using glycolic acid?

If you actively use retinol and your skin is used to it, you may be able to slowly start incorporating glycolic acid. Glycolic acid and vitamin C: This combination can increase collagen production and smooth skin, but it's best to stagger application to keep skin from getting irritated.

Who should avoid glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, remember to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.

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Does glycolic acid worsen acne?

Moreover, Glycolic Acid has antibacterial properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria, further reducing the risk of acne. Its exfoliating action also encourages the turnover of skin cells, helping to fade acne scars and dark spots over time.

What Cannot be mixed with glycolic acid?

Combining glycolic acid and lactic acid can be quite potent and is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of irritation. Both acids are effective exfoliants, and using them together can over-exfoliate the skin.

Is glycolic acid better on wet or dry skin?

To achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin, start by removing your makeup and then cleanse your face. Also, ensure your skin is properly dried: applying on wet skin will be less effective and less well-tolerated, as the presence of water makes the acid more irritating.

What pairs well with glycolic acid?

If your skin tolerates retinol well, combining it with glycolic acid is a good idea given their different actions. A study has shown that the combination of glycolic acid and retinol proves to be effective in treating acne and brown acne scars.

Is 15 glycolic acid too strong for the face?

Concentrations of greater than 10% glycolic acid should only be used while under the care of a dermatologist. Using high concentration products inappropriately can cause serious skin reactions.

What skincare should a 12 year old use?

Here's what she recommends for tweens ages 8 through 12: Wash face with water and a gentle cleanser twice a day. Apply a hypoallergenic, unfragranced or unscented moisturizer to skin. Apply a sunscreen that contains a physical blocker, such as zinc oxide.

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What happens if I use glycolic acid daily?

It is OK to use 1-2% containing glycolic acid face wash or ointments daily. The creams have a higher glycolic acid content (10% and above) and must only be used once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation. The creams with a concentration above 15% may need to be kept only for a few minutes and then wiped off.

What are the side effects of glycolic acid?

Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.

Does glycolic acid work on armpits?

Glycolic acid's penetration can easily restore balance to your armpits, dislodging the bacteria breaking down your sweat, to create a fresh and odorless environment. It has worked wonders for people with a variety of skin types and has quickly become one of the hottest products on the market.

Does glycolic acid lighten skin?

Yes. Glycolic acid, together with lactic, citric & mandelic acids can lighten skin by one to two shades. This AHA group of acids act as chemical exfoliants and remove excess pigment in the upper layers of skin. Careful application of glycolic acid is required as it may cause blotchy pigmentation of surrounding skin.

What cancels out glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid and niacinamide.

Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.

Can I use glycolic acid 7% everyday?

More irritation does not mean better results. You know your skin best and if you feel any discomfort, rinse off. Though gentle enough for everyday use, we generally recommend to exfoliate once or twice a week.

What to avoid when using glycolic acid?

If you're using Glycolic Acid, be wary of throwing the kitchen sink at your skin by layering it with too many other active ingredients – ideally, Vitamin C and Retinol should be applied at a different time to Glycolic Acid rather than one after the other.

Can I leave glycolic acid on my face overnight?

Use glycolic acid products exclusively at night. This is important as glycolic acid, and all other AHAs increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. To safeguard the freshly exfoliated skin, apply at bedtime and wear sunscreen in the morning.

What does glycolic acid do to hair?

It Can Reduce Breakage

Many people experience hair breakage, making it difficult to grow the hair thick and long. Glycolic acid can nourish and hydrate the hair, which, in turn, prevents tangling, making it easier to style the hair without it breaking off.

Do I put moisturizer over glycolic acid?

Should I Moisturise After Glycolic Acid? We always recommend using an intensive moisturiser after a Glycolic Acid product, as this AHA can be drying to your complexion. This is particularly important if you already have dry skin or are prone to sensitivity.

Which is better retinol or glycolic acid?

Clinically speaking, retinol lacks the penetrative strength of Retin-A and glycolic acid, as it remains inactive and fails to reach beyond the superficial layer of the skin. Conversely, glycolic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, breaking down the "glue" that holds together dead and dull skin cells.

What clashes with glycolic acid?

Retinoids and Glycolic Acid

Retinoids (including retinol) are fantastic for boosting cell turnover and fighting aging. However, pairing them with glycolic acid is like inviting two energetic party crashers into a small room—they can overwhelm your skin.

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid with glycolic acid?

Absolutely! In fact, these two ingredients are a skincare dream team. Glycolic acid exfoliates and renews your skin, but it can sometimes cause dryness or irritation. That's where hyaluronic acid comes in—it replenishes moisture and soothes your skin after exfoliation.

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