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 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.
Dosing. Glycolic acid has most often been applied to the skin by adults in lotions and creams containing glycolic acid 10% to 15% once or twice daily for up to 4 months.
Overuse can lead to skin irritation, redness, peeling, burning, stinging, and breakouts. It's crucial to listen to your skin and adjust usage accordingly, experimenting carefully without overdoing it. I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any skincare company; all content is created independently.
Though gentle enough for everyday use, we generally recommend to exfoliate once or twice a week. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, which can lead to redness, irritation, or breakouts.
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.”
Superficial peels, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid peels, typically provide results that last for several weeks to a few months.
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. 7.
Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.
With regular glycolic acid use, your skin gets used to a faster shedding cycle. When you stop, the skin's natural cell turnover slows back down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. This buildup can make your skin look dull, rough, and uneven.
It is important to identify the appropriate concentration of glycolic acid for your specific skin concerns. Lower concentrations, typically under 4%-5% like the Facial Enhancement Cream, provide gentle exfoliation and may be used once or twice daily.
Common side effects reported after the use of glycolic acid peels include reddening; a stinging sensation or sensation of pulling of facial skin; mild burning; and temporary post-inflammatory dark spots.
“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.
When it comes to anti-aging, glycolic acid can penetrate deeper layers to promote collagen synthesis and work magnificently by dissolving dead skin and revealing a flattened skin surface. When the skin has a flattening effect, fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable.
(1) Because glycolic acid has no end point, allowing the acid to travel deeper than intended if left on the skin too long, it requires neutralization to end the peeling process. Due to its small molecular size, glycolic acid also has the ability to absorb quickly and can cause the skin to peel unevenly.
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.
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.
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.
However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.
Glycolic acid 6% cream can be used on alternate nights. This causes gentle exfoliation and reduces darkening and thickening of skin in underarms.
When the acid is neutralized, it loses its effectiveness and can't penetrate the skin. Non-neutralized glycolic, on the other hand, retains its strength as a powerful agent of brighter, firmer, cleaner skin.
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.
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.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.