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.
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. The creams with a concentration above 15% may need to be kept only for a few minutes and then wiped off.
The ideal percentage of glycolic acid for at-home use would be 8% to 25% percent, with 25% being what I call the “high normal.” With higher concentrations, formulations matter! It is important to note that home use AHA creams, lotions and serums are buffered, compared to AHA peels with lower pH.
Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
Neutralisation is required to terminate the action of gly- colic acid peels and can be achieved using water, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide or ammonium salt solu- tions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Clinically speaking, retinol lacks the penetrative strength of Retin-A and glycolic acid, as it remains inactive and fails to reach beyond the superficial layer of the skin. Conversely, glycolic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, breaking down the "glue" that holds together dead and dull skin cells.
"Glycolic acid is thought to help reduce body odor by reducing the pH of the skin and making it harder for the odor-causing bacteria to survive," Garshick says.