Research has shown that AHA exfoliants containing glycolic acid or lactic acid in concentrations between 5% and 10% and with a pH between 3 and 4 are ideal for optimal, youth-reviving, non-irritating exfoliation. Higher concentrations are best used occasionally and in the form of rinse-off exfoliants.
This body lotion with alpha hydroxy acid gently removes built-up layers of dead skin, revealing smoother, softer skin from the neck down. As a leave-on exfoliant it significantly improves the appearance of hard, clogged, red bumps on arms and legs.
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.
Lactic acid is derived from sour milk and is milder, therefore more appropriate for sensitive skin, while glycolic acid, from sugar cane, is stronger and penetrates deeper, making it more effective for acne. Lactic acid is recommended for dry or sensitive skin, while glycolic acid suits normal to oily skin.
Follow the product's directions carefully. Some preventive measures you could take before applying lactic acid — or any other AHA exfoliant — are: Making sure the lactic acid concentration is below 10%. Looking for products with a pH of over 3.5.
In conclusion, a glycolic acid concentration of 7% to 17% is generally considered effective and safe for improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Research has shown that AHA exfoliants containing glycolic acid or lactic acid in concentrations between 5% and 10% and with a pH between 3 and 4 are ideal for optimal, youth-reviving, non-irritating exfoliation. Higher concentrations are best used occasionally and in the form of rinse-off exfoliants.
You can exfoliate around the eye area, but not the eyelid or directly under the eye (along the lower lash line). You don't need to wait for your BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine—moisturizer, serum, eye cream or sunscreen—immediately afterward.
“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.
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.
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.
Studies have shown that well-formulated AHAs and PHAs do not damage skin's barrier (7). Instead, they disrupt the bonds that are holding dead cells to skin's surface, allowing them to shed like they once did. Moreover, research has shown that topical use of AHAs and PHAs can strengthen skin's barrier health (8).
Can you use AHAs and retinol together? No, our experts don't recommend using these ingredients in the same routine (unless it's formulated together in a single product) as they can lead to irritation, causing more harm than good. Instead, use AHAs on one night and use retinol, separately, the next.
“30 per cent AHA is definitely very high, especially to be sold over the counter – people should be very careful with this product,” she explains. “I highly advise consulting with an esthetician or dermatologist before using this.
How long does skin purging last? “It can last from four days to six weeks, but on average, you can expect it to occur for around two weeks.”
Flaky skin can be made worse by not applying a moisturizing product after exfoliating. If you only remove the dead skin without protecting the new skin underneath, it can lead to rough skin and uneven texture. Some people even experience peeling skin because the texture is so dry and rough.
This super-concentrated exfoliating cocktail with 10% AHA dramatically smooths away visible sun damage and other advanced signs of aging, revealing more radiant, visibly younger skin with just one use.
In some people, alpha hydroxy acids can make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to use a sunscreen while using alpha hydroxy acid products. Alpha hydroxy acids can also cause mild skin irritation, redness, swelling, itching, and skin discoloration.
For most skin types, using AHA exfoliators 2-3 times a week is sufficient to see noticeable results without over-exfoliating the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to start with a lower frequency, such as once a week, and gradually increase as your skin tolerates it.
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.
Neutralisation is required to terminate the action of gly- colic acid peels and can be achieved using water, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide or ammonium salt solu- tions.
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.