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.
Here's Why. The best way to tell if you're getting the full benefits of glycolic acid is by trying it on your skin. If you FEEL The Trustworthy Tingle, you know it's working as it should.
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.
Certain acids like glycolic are know to dry skin and may cause some redness when applied for the first time. This is common and in most cases goes away after a couple days.
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.
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).
Yes, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a glycolic night treatment that you can leave on overnight to allow it to absorb into your 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.
By penetrating the pore, chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid are able to smooth texture and clear up any ingrown hairs or razor burn on your underarms. It's also a useful way to unclog congested sweat glands that can come from using antiperspirant deodorants.
More irritation does not mean better results. You know your skin best and if you feel any discomfort, rinse off. Though gentle enough for everyday use, we generally recommend to exfoliate 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.
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're using Glycolic Acid, be wary of throwing the kitchen sink at your skin by layering it with too many other active ingredients – ideally, Vitamin C and Retinol should be applied at a different time to Glycolic Acid rather than one after the other.
“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.
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.
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 ...
Skin products containing AHA have demonstrated significant efficacy in combatting thinning skin. A study published in 1996 found that the application of a lotion containing a 25% concentration of glycolic acid for six months led to a 25% increase in skin thickness in the study group.
Otherwise, a good way to incorporate retinol into your beauty routine in addition to glycolic acid would be to alternate them every other night: one night using retinol, another night using a no-rinse exfoliating treatment followed by a moisturizing cream.
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.
Some active ingredients like Retinol, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are best left at room temperature as drastic changes can impact their integrity. A good rule of thumb is to chill formulas that aim to hydrate and soothe, whereas exfoliants and anti-agers are best stored at room temperature.
Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient that can provide numerous benefits for the skin, but it can also cause skin purging, redness, and burning if used improperly. Here are some tips to prevent these side effects when using glycolic acid: It starts with a lower-concentration product and uses it once or twice a week.
Yes. Glycolic acid, together with lactic, citric & mandelic acids can lighten skin by one to two shades. This AHA group of acids act as chemical exfoliants and remove excess pigment in the upper layers of skin. Careful application of glycolic acid is required as it may cause blotchy pigmentation of surrounding skin.
This can happen if the strength is too strong, or initially applying too much, too often to your skin.