After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested. Two months in, you should see that dark spots and pigmentation is reduced as the regular glycolic acid application is melting away old, dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover.
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. To clear blackheads, glycolic acid can take 3-4 weeks to take effect for clearer, congestion-free skin.
Be patient with the process: Your skin may feel a bit rough after your first few treatments. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product. You should slowly start to see smoother, more healthy skin.
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.
One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that the use of a 10% glycolic acid solution resulted in a significant reduction in pore size after just four weeks of use.
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.
Studies show salicylic acid can unclog pores. Some cleansers containing salicylic acid are gentle enough to use every day. If the salicylic acid dries or irritates your skin, try alternating cleansers. Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser when you wake up and the salicylic acid cleanser before bed.
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.
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.
After using glycolic acid, it's best to avoid applying other active products, such as serums with potent ingredients, immediately afterward. Allow the glycolic acid to work on its own before introducing other active products to prevent potential irritation or skin sensitivity.
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 is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
This can happen if the strength is too strong, or initially applying too much, too often to your 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.
After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested. Two months in, you should see that dark spots and pigmentation is reduced as the regular glycolic acid application is melting away old, dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover.
Glycolic acid is easy to use because there are so many ways to incorporate it into your skin care routine. As a rule of thumb, use one glycolic acid product at a time to avoid irritation, and incorporate it into your evening routine, since it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.
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.
A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology talks about this skin "purge", may last typically between two to six weeks, especially in individuals with acne-prone skin. Rest assured, this process is totally normal and benign.
Concentrations of greater than 10% glycolic acid should only be used while under the care of a dermatologist. Using high concentration products inappropriately can cause serious skin reactions.
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.
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.
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.
Glycolic acid combined with salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliating combination to unclog clogged pores. This ingredient combo removes or prevents clogged pores. It even brightens your skin.
It's not possible to close up pores completely but there are ways to reduce their size or make them less visible. This includes: washing the face twice a day to wash away oil and dirt from the pores. using an oil-free moisturizer to prevent the pores from becoming clogged with oil.