Glycolic acid gently removes dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup to promote a healthier scalp environment and support hair growth.
When used in hair care, glycolic acid for scalp can offer specific benefits. The dead skin buildup on the scalp is a little more because of the natural oil secretion. It also helps remove stubborn product buildup caused by shampoos and conditioners.
Glycolic acid side effects
In rare cases, the use of glycolic acid can cause a flare-up of pimples, persistent redness and a loss of pigmentation in the skin.
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.
Are there any downsides to using glycolic acid on the scalp? Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliating ingredient, and overusing it could cause irritation, including dryness and sore skin. This may make a flaky scalp worse. ``I would advise using glycolic acid as a quick, rinse-off treatment,'' says Dr. Qureshi.
The Cons of Glycolic Acid for Hair
In some cases, glycolic acid may cause more harm than good. People who have a very dry scalp, spend a lot of time in sunlight, have sores on the scalp, or generally have sensitive skin may experience issues with it. The last thing you want is chemical burns on the scalp.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Because it helps exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells and bacteria that can clog pores, glycolic acid can help reduce acne and improve texture from scarring. It can also help prepare skin for acne medication, enabling it to penetrate better.
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.
As glycolic is less drying than salicylic acid, it's a more suitable option for normal and dry scalps. Salicylic acid, meanwhile, is oil-soluble, so can penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess oil and unclog the follicles, explains Dr Wong.
2. Aloe Vera Gel. A staple in Ayurvedic skincare, aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, enlisting it as a perfect substitute for glycolic acid serums. It can deeply penetrate the skin, offering a potent mix of hydration, nourishment, and gentle exfoliation.
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 is great for helping skin to clear blackheads and other types of congestion in the skin. Clogged pores usually form because of dead skin cells and other particles lingering in pores, creating plugs that could eventually turn into active breakouts or may remain as blackheads.
“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.
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.
Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots. Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin.
Glycolic acid helps to remove stubborn product build-up and dead skin cells from the surface of the scalp. WHAT IS GLYCOLIC ACID? Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator that works to remove the bonds that keep dead and dehydrated cells or product build-up attached to the surface of the scalp.
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.
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.
If your skin tolerates retinol well, combining it with glycolic acid is a good idea given their different actions. A study has shown that the combination of glycolic acid and retinol proves to be effective in treating acne and brown acne scars.
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.
Many Glycolic Acid products are leave-on treatments that absorb into your skin and work their magic! However, if you're using a Glycolic Acid Peel, you may need to rinse it off. Always follow the recommended treatment time on the individual product.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.