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.
I would definitely recommend moisturizer after glycolic acid! Just wait about 20 mins before you throw on your moisturizer (the glycolic acid will have done its job by 20 mins so there is no harm in throwing the moisturizer over it).
Apply to clean, dry skin: Apply the glycolic acid product to clean, dry skin, preferably after showering. Massage it into the skin and leave it on for the recommended amount of time.
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.
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.
Using glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid together can be highly beneficial, as they complement each other well. Here's how to combine them effectively: Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first to exfoliate and prepare the skin. Follow up with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and replenish moisture.
For starters, you can use glycolic acid two to three times a week. Apply it at night rather than during the day since glycolic acid increases your skin's photosensitivity and makes it more susceptible to sunburn and damage. Once your skin has gotten used to the peel, you can begin to use it daily for the best results.
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.
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.
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).
Next, take an adequate amount of glycolic acid toner on your palm or a cotton pad and gently wipe your face and neck. Follow up with a hydrating face serum and face moisturizer for best results. Lastly, use an SPF or sunscreen before stepping out under the harmful UV rays.
Hydrate and moisturise: Use hydrating products like serums or moisturisers after using glycolic acid. These aid in rehydrating and nourishing the skin. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils to help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.
Because Glycolic Acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin, we would recommend avoiding any other products that also promote skin cell turnover. This would include ingredients such as Retinoids and Copper Peptides. Combining multiple resurfacing products may increase the chances of developing skin sensitivities.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
If you plan on using glycolic acid in your lip care it is best to seek the advice of a trained professional to ensure the acid is not too potent for your lips. Salicylic acid is the most used BHA, and unlike other AHAs mentioned, this acid is oil-soluble with a smaller molecular size.
Generally speaking, the experts recommend that you not apply any other product or moisturizer to your face until 60 seconds have passed. The reason is that you want the glycolic acid to be fully absorbed into the skin and to dry before you put anything else on top of it.