Dr Zamani says: “Overusing glycolic acid can leave the skin red, dry and more sensitive to the sun. This can cause premature ageing, thinning of the skin and heightened risk of pigmentation.”
Using glycolic acid can benefit the skin, but overdoing it can lead to unwanted consequences. Excessive use can cause irritation, redness, itching, and burning sensations, leaving your skin feeling dry and sensitive.
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.
Can I use glycolic acid everyday? Short answer: yes, Glycolic Acid can benefit your skin, but the key is finding the right strength that your skin can tolerate. As dermatologist Dr. Bottiglione explains, irritation or redness may occur initially, but there is no need to worry as permanent scars are uncommon.
- glycolic acid may be used safely at a level of up to 4 % and a pH ≥ 3.8 - lactic acid up to a maximum level of 2.5 % and a pH ≥ 5.0.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.
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.
Glycolic acid can be used on the face and let it absorbed into the skin by leaving it on all night. Rinse off with water the next day.
Yes, you can! With strategic use, the combined benefits of glycolic acid and retinol can help you attain a healthier, radiant complexion. Need help with your skincare routine? Take help from the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to get a customized skincare routine and take care of your skin like a pro.
Yes, Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick is suitable for up to 1x daily use on the bikini line and underarm areas. If using on the underarms, apply 10-15 minutes before using deodorant/anti-perspirant.
If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and tighten saggy skin, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that. Glycolic acid works as an antiaging product by regenerating collagen production. Younger skin is super rich in collagen, whereas it's the opposite of aging skin.
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best hydrating ingredients, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its own mass in hydration. Therefore, if you're using Glycolic Acid, we highly recommend following up with a Hyaluronic Acid treatment. This will help undo the drying side effects and restore balance within the skin.
While glycolic acid is an effective skincare ingredient, over-reliance and prolonged use without proper skin support can lead to long-term sensitivity and barrier damage. The key is to maintain a balanced routine with gentle exfoliation, proper hydration, and a focus on long-term skin health.
It might take some time to build up your tolerance to glycolic acid, so if you're new, go slow at first, Dr. King suggests. She recommends taking an approach that's similar to skin cycling: Use your glycolic acid product once or twice a week to give your skin time to rest between applications.
Red, irritated skin is likely the first sign that you exfoliate too much. Immediately after any exfoliation, the skin will appear slightly red and puffy. However, if the redness and irritation linger for hours or into the next day, you can be sure that you've gone a bit too far.
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.
Glycolic acid is easy to use because there are so many ways to incorporate it into your skin care routine. As a rule of thumb, use one glycolic acid product at a time to avoid irritation, and incorporate it into your evening routine, since it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Decide which ingredient is more crucial for your skin concerns and stick to that. If you're concerned about exposure to environmental aggressors and free radical damage, vitamin C is your go-to. If you're after more general exfoliating benefits that can address existing skin concerns, glycolic acid is beneficial.
AHAs/BHAs and Retinol: Combining exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) with retinol can lead to excessive dryness and irritation.
One thing: we hope you're not using EVERY Glycolic Acid product at once. Too much of a good thing is, you know, really bad. You could end up over-exfoliating your skin, making it red, irritated, and vulnerable.
Glycolic acid is generally considered safe for daily use when used in moderate concentrations. However, any chemical exfoliant can potentially lead to redness or irritation. While it's not recommended to cause irritation it can provide a deeper and faster treatment when applied daily or consistently.
Moistuizing with Dermatolist's Choice hydrating cream or Vaseline is the first option. In the event you continue to experience redness or dryness after using glycolic acid, it's your chance to determine if that particular concentration of glycolic product is the best for your skin.
As part of the Treat step, the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner would be applied after cleansing to dry skin. We would recommend using a gentle cleanser without any strong actives such as our Glucoside Foaming Cleanser.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
The American Society for Dermatologic Study has confirmed that glycolic acid can be applied to the skin at two levels. In low or "superficial" amounts, this alpha-hydroxy acid penetrates only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it and reveal the new, less damaged skin underneath.