For starters, you can use glycolic acid two to three times a week. Apply it at night rather than during the day since glycolic acid increases your skin's photosensitivity and makes it more susceptible to sunburn and damage.
For many people, using glycolic acid 2-3 times a week is sufficient to achieve benefits without significant side effects. If you want to use it daily, consider starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing usage as your skin builds tolerance.
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.
This can be beneficial for intimate areas prone to discoloration or hyperpigmentation. Studies have demonstrated that regular use of AHAs, including glycolic acid, can reduce hyperpigmentation effectively.
Glycolic Acid gently yet powerfully exfoliates the surface of the skin, helping to unclog pores and reduce breakouts, particularly when used alongside other acne treatments. Top Tip: You can also apply glycolic acid to body acne – including chest and back.
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.
Chemical Exfoliants (Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid): Chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid work for acne by gently removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation, effectively treating and preventing 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.
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.
The majority of products containing lower than 10% glycolic acid do not require rinsing unless the instructions state otherwise. If you're using a peel, mask or scrub, simply follow the instructions on the back of the product.
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.
If you plan on using glycolic acid in your lip care it is best to seek the advice of a trained professional to ensure the acid is not too potent for your lips. Salicylic acid is the most used BHA, and unlike other AHAs mentioned, this acid is oil-soluble with a smaller molecular size.
Yes, you can usually leave these products on overnight. Glycolic acid peel pads are formulated to leave on. After running the pad on your skin, the glycolic acid enters your pores to remove dirt and oils. Even if you wash your face, your skin still has some glycolic acid doing it's thing.
“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.
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.
it softens dry, scaly skin
Look out for moisturisers that include glycolic acid, or swipe a glycolic acid-soaked cotton pad over dry skin before moisturising to smooth patches of dry, scaly skin or soften cracked heels and elbows.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and lead to breakouts. For the back, consider using a chemical exfoliant containing glycolic or lactic acid once or twice a week.
Reducing exposure to certain medications and oily skin products — as well as keeping loads on your back light, sleeping on clean sheets, and wearing clean clothes — may help you take control of bacne breakouts.
Retinoid (adapalene 0.1% gel): Using this along with benzoyl peroxide can improve your results. This OTC retinoid can help unclog pores, which will help the benzoyl peroxide work better. Dermatologists recommend applying adapalene after you shower or before going to bed. Again, you want to apply it daily.