Start by leaving it on for two minutes, and once your skin builds up a tolerance, you may begin to increase the time in 30-second increments. If you prefer to use a glycolic acid facial cleanser – which has a lower concentration of the active ingredient – you can use it once a week after you've built up a tolerance.
How Long Does It Take For Glycolic Acid To Work? It can vary. Some products will give you results almost instantly or overnight however, most products will take a few uses to really see the true results. After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested.
Now, the important thing to remember is, glycolic acid comes in various concentrations. 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.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
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.
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.
Superficial peels, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid peels, typically provide results that last for several weeks to a few months.
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.
Underarm deodorants work by either inhibiting the growth of these bacteria, or by halting perspiration altogether. Acids such as glycolic and salicylic work as effective natural deodorants. Their low pH makes it impossible for odor-causing bacteria to survive on your skin, leaving you feeling fresh and confident.
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.
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.
Target age group
The skin is very soft and fragile when you are young, so it's better not to use such skin products so early. The right age to begin using these glycolic acid-based skin products is in the late or mid-20s. You can even start using them after the age of 30. It's never too late.
Glycolic Acid, especially in high-strength solutions, can irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, a low-strength glycolic acid treatment can be added to your skincare routine. However, you should introduce them gradually, utilizing them just once or twice a week.
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.
To achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin, start by removing your makeup and then cleanse your face. Also, ensure your skin is properly dried: applying on wet skin will be less effective and less well-tolerated, as the presence of water makes the acid more irritating.
Your skin may look worse after a chemical peel due to temporary side effects like redness, peeling, and breakouts. These effects are usually part of the normal healing process as your skin renews itself, typically lasting a few days to a couple of weeks.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.