How many times a week should you use glycolic acid?

Author: Miss Vallie Kreiger V  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Frequency: Initially, use glycolic acid 2-3 times a week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation. Sunscreen: Daily sunscreen is crucial when using glycolic acid, as it can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV radiation.

Is it good to use glycolic acid every day?

For any leave on glycolic acid based products, I would not recommend using the product daily as you run the risk of damaging your skin barrier by over exfoliating. For most people using glycolic acid up to a maximum of 4 times a week is more than enough.

Can you use 7% glycolic acid every day?

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.

Can I use glycolic acid 2 days in a row?

A Word From Verywell

Start slowly, using products with glycolic acid only once or twice a week. If your skin can tolerate that, then you can gradually increase the frequency of application.

What should you not mix with glycolic acid?

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.

Why I No Longer Use GLYCOLIC ACID - Glycolic Acid Explored

What cancels out glycolic acid?

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.

What pairs well with glycolic acid?

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.

Why is my skin getting darker after using glycolic acid?

“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.

Do you moisturize after glycolic acid?

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.

Does glycolic acid work on armpits?

Glycolic acid's penetration can easily restore balance to your armpits, dislodging the bacteria breaking down your sweat, to create a fresh and odorless environment. It has worked wonders for people with a variety of skin types and has quickly become one of the hottest products on the market.

Can I leave glycolic acid on overnight?

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.

How to use glycolic acid on feet?

Like the TikTokers who've sent this advice trending, try: lightly soaking a cotton pad with glycolic acid, swiping it over the affected area, slathering your foot in moisturiser, pulling on a pair of thick socks, letting it all soak in for a few hours (overnight works too), before revealing smooth and glowy hoofs ...

Can I use glycolic acid with retinol?

Yes, you can! With strategic use, the combined benefits of glycolic acid and retinol can help you attain a healthier, radiant complexion. Need help with your skincare routine? Take help from the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to get a customized skincare routine and take care of your skin like a pro.

How to know if glycolic acid is working?

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.

Can you go in the sun after using glycolic acid?

As such, when using skincare products such as glycolic acid, it is advisable to maintain a suitable sun-protection routine, such as applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A person will also need to avoid tanning beds.

Can you overdo glycolic acid?

One thing: we hope you're not using EVERY Glycolic Acid product at once. Too much of a good thing is, you know, really bad. You could end up over-exfoliating your skin, making it red, irritated, and vulnerable.

Is glycolic acid better on wet or dry skin?

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.

Is it better to use glycolic acid at night or morning?

As for whether you should apply glycolic acid morning or night, we recommend applying it as part of your evening skincare routine. Glycolic acid can cause “photosensitivity,” which means it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's UV rays, upping your chances of a sunburn or skin damage.

How long does it take to see results from glycolic acid?

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.

Can you use glycolic acid under eyes?

Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.

Can glycolic acid cause more wrinkles?

Reality: Glycolic acid can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but you may need a stronger concentration of glycolic such as the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream to be effective for deep wrinkles. Myth 4: Glycolic acid can cause sun sensitivity.

Which serum goes best with glycolic acid?

Hyaluronic acid, again, is a top pick. It binds to water and lubricates those parched skin cells like a mini oasis. Watch as it fluffs up your skin by infusing it with moisture, rounding out the effects of the glycolic acid.

Can I use glycolic acid 7% everyday?

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.

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid with glycolic acid?

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.

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