Hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid can be an effective ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation. However, strong or irritating skin care products can also cause hyperpigmentation. It is especially important for people who are prone to hyperpigmentation to use nonirritating, gentle exfoliants.
After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested. Two months in, you should see that dark spots and pigmentation is reduced as the regular glycolic acid application is melting away old, dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover.
Yes, but glycolic acid is better for normal to dry skin, while vitamin C works well for all skin types, especially those prone to dullness or pigmentation.
“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.
Salicylic acid
It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation. However, you need to be patient while using salicylic acid to treat hyperpigmentation.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
Glycolic Acid: The Exfoliation Champion
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), excels in exfoliating the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter, more even complexion. It is particularly effective for treating uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
“Those with darker skin tones, need to be cautious with glycolic acid,” warns Dr Buldeo. “It can cause a paradoxical darkening of the skin by stimulating melanocytes,” These are the melanin-producing cells in your skin's deepest layer so this can lead to hyperpigmentation in black skin.
6. Always moisturize after use. Glycolic acid exfoliates and hydrates the skin, but it can irritate or dry out sensitive skin. Always follow your glycolic acid application with an additional light moisturizer to reduce the effects of dryness and irritation on the skin.
Glycolic acid can be an effective ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation. However, strong or irritating skin care products can also cause hyperpigmentation. It is especially important for people who are prone to hyperpigmentation to use nonirritating, gentle exfoliants.
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
But there isn't enough reliable information to know if glycolic acid is safe to use by mouth. Stay on the safe side and stick to topical products. Sensitive skin: Glycolic acid can cause skin irritation and make certain skin conditions worse. Use cautiously in people with sensitive skin.
If you do not face any skin reaction or irritation and want quick results, you can use 10% glycolic acid products 5 days a week. You can leave it on your face overnight and let it absorb into your skin. Wash it out the next day with water.
Signs that glycolic acid is working include smoother skin texture, fewer breakouts, and a more even skin tone. Some people may also notice a light tingling sensation on application, which is normal.
Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.
The fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation is through dermatologist treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing is the most effective non-surgical method to improve the appearance of your skin overall and hyperpigmentation specifically. It uses highly specialized lasers to remove dead and damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production.
Both are available over the counter and inhibit melanin production. However, Kojic acid is considered more potent and is thus a preferred choice for more stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks. After two months of use, users may experience significant fading of hyperpigmentation.
Skin concerns: Because of their different modes of action, glycolic acid is generally better suited for addressing surface-level skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging. Salicylic acid is better suited for addressing acne, blackheads, and other types of clogged pores.