Glycolic Acid Cream: For a more targeted approach, glycolic acid creams can be applied to the affected areas after shaving. These creams usually contain a lower concentration of glycolic acid than the pads but are still effective in exfoliating the skin and reducing redness and bumps.
Use glycolic acid , two days after shave to prevent ingrowns and strawberry spots!
Use ideally in the PM, no more frequently than once per day. Soak a cotton pad with the glycolic acid toner. Swipe it over your legs. Get a good night's sleep.
Meanwhile, Dr Praveen Bharadwaj adds, "Strawberry legs can only be reduced not cured as it's an ongoing process. Use of glycolic acid improves the condition by helping to unclog the hair follicles or hair pores." "Its use is not curative but one of the ways to maintain the condition.
Moisturize your legs after you shave
When satisfied with your shave, rinse off your legs, pat your skin dry with a towel and apply a moisturizing lotion or oil. This will help prevent skin irritation post-shave and keep your legs hydrated.
Post-shave skin care is important, but many dermatologists recommend avoiding alcohol-based lotions, as these can irritate your sensitive, newly-shaven skin. Instead, opt for lotions and balms with ingredients like aloe vera, lanolin, and natural oils.
By sloughing off dead cells, it allows ingrown hairs to emerge without obstruction, reducing bumps and inflammation,” she says. "This is particularly handy if shaving or waxing are your hair removal methods of choice." Apply glycolic acid with a cotton pad once a day until the hair emerges and can be removed.
Like any other potent treatment, a few precautions need to be taken while using glycolic acid. “Avoid using it after any skin treatment, like facial, waxing, etc. till your skin recovers, which is around 45 to 72 hours. Using any strong actives after such treatments will do more harm than good.
Glycolic acid, like other exfoliating acids, can be irritating on the skin, especially when used on your armpits, where your skin is thin and the folds rub against each other, Dr. Garshick says. This can lead to redness, flaking and sensitivity.
In intimate areas, the skin may become rough due to factors like shaving, friction, or hormonal changes. Glycolic acid's exfoliating properties can help improve texture and smoothness. Low concentrations, typically around 5-10%, are advised for use in sensitive areas to minimize the risk of irritation.
Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product.
As for whether you should apply glycolic acid morning or night, we recommend applying it as part of your evening skincare routine.
Weekly exfoliation
The granules in a good scrub will remove dead skin cells and wear down any stubble present, so to speak, making it feel softer. Always use a natural, plastic-free scrub, though. This is palpably better for your skin and the environment.
Although petroleum jelly products are non-comedogenic, they can trap bacteria and dead skin cells worsening acne. Never slug when using active ingredients such at retinoids, salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids. (Save those for nights when you aren't slugging).
We don't recommend perfumed products down there at all. Tanning beds or direct sun on the waxed area. Picking at your skin with your fingers or a sharp instrument. Fragrance oils, bath bombs, deodorants or exfoliating products.
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.
Glycolic Acid Cream: For a more targeted approach, glycolic acid creams can be applied to the affected areas after shaving. These creams usually contain a lower concentration of glycolic acid than the pads but are still effective in exfoliating the skin and reducing redness and bumps.
For most people, a bit of stubble begins to grow back after a few days. Shaving does not remove the hair from the root; it cuts hair close to the skin's surface.
'Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off more easily,' says Dr. Fabusiwa. 'This process, helps remove the top layer of skin that's trapping the ingrown hair.
It sounds counterintuitive, but shaving at night will actually leave your legs smoother. As you sleep, your legs swell slightly, which can make hair retreat back into its follicles. Extra credit: Rub body moisturizer onto your legs before bed to hydrate skin as you sleep, so you'll wake up even silkier.
Some individuals experience dermaplaning side effects, such as irritation, redness, or breakouts, particularly if they have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Common reasons for dermaplaning regret include: Unrealistic expectations – It's an exfoliation treatment, not a cure-all for acne scars or deep wrinkles.