How often should I use 10% glycolic acid?

Author: Fidel Dickens III  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

"Regardless of the product type, it's important to start slow when introducing glycolic acid into your routine, gradually increasing frequency as your skin adjusts," said Chacon. Vasile recommends using glycolic acid products one to two times a week to start, then gradually building up to three times a week.

Is 10 percent glycolic acid too strong?

A 10% concentration of Glycolic Acid is generally considered safe and effective for most people. However, an individual's skin tolerance and sensitivity can be a determining factor in whether a treatment with 10% Glycolic Acid is too strong.

Can I leave 10% glycolic acid on overnight?

Yes, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a glycolic night treatment that you can leave on overnight to allow it to absorb into your skin.

How long does it take for 10% glycolic acid to work?

Typically, users can start seeing improvements in their skin texture and appearance within two to four weeks of consistent use. This makes it a go-to choice for those looking to enhance their skincare routine and see quick results. The effectiveness of glycolic acid depends on several factors.

Should I apply moisturizer after glycolic acid?

Apply Serum Or Moisturiser After Glycolic Acid

It's important to properly moisturise your skin after you apply glycolic acid. As you're effectively removing the top layer of dead skins cells, you could be left with some peeling or flaking (although this is much more prominent after glycolic acid peels).

Why I No Longer Use GLYCOLIC ACID - Glycolic Acid Explored

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

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.

What should you avoid after glycolic acid?

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.

Can I use 10% glycolic acid everyday?

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.

Can you overdo glycolic acid?

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.

What is the best percentage of glycolic acid to use?

Concentrations between 5-10% of glycolic acid are considered most effective for exfoliation on a regular basis. There are also more intense, rinse-off glycolic acid peels featuring higher concentrations of AHAs, which you can use at home on an occasional basis, about once a week, to improve the look of deeper wrinkles.

Can you use glycolic acid under eyes?

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

How many times a week should you use glycolic acid?

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. Once your skin has gotten used to the peel, you can begin to use it daily for the best results.

Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?

Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.

How to know if glycolic acid is working?

It's important to feel the Trustworthy Tingle or the "sting" to know it's working. The glycolic enters the pores to exfoliate, brighten, and build collagen. If it's neutralized it doesn't do any of this. Some sting, redness or dryness is normal with active non-neutralized glycolic acid.

What is the effect of glycolic acid 10%?

Boosts cell renewal and promotes the elimination of dead cells for smooth, radiant skin. Thanks to its keratolytic action, the glycolic acid improves skin texture and smooths the skin's micro-relief. Stimulates production of the collagen that is naturally present in the skin to visibly smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

What strength glycolic acid do dermatologists use?

Glycolic acid is the alpha-hydroxy acid used most commonly by dermatologists for chemical peeling. It is used in concentrations from 20%–70% in all skin types.

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

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 many layers of skin does glycolic acid remove?

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.

Is 10% glycolic acid too strong?

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.

Does glycolic acid lighten the pubic area?

Depending on the strength of the acid and how deep in the skin the peel can act, there are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep peels. For lightening the intimate area, the peels usually applied are glycolic acid, citric acid, and kojic acid.

How long does 10% glycolic acid take to work?

If your skin tolerates this active ingredient well, the key is to be patient and above all consistent in using your glycolic acid skincare products. At Typology, we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks to see the effects of our exfoliating serum which contains 10% glycolic acid.

What moisturizer to use after glycolic acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best hydrating ingredients, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its own mass in hydration. Therefore, if you're using Glycolic Acid, we highly recommend following up with a Hyaluronic Acid treatment. This will help undo the drying side effects and restore balance within the skin.

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.

Is glycolic acid better than retinol?

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.

What Cannot be paired 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.

Previous article
Does massage oil absorb into skin?
Next article
Is it safe to have a diffuser in the bedroom?