You don't necessarily have to skip glycolic acid just because you tend to get dark spots, but to be safe and minimize irritation, you should stick with low concentrations (think 5 to 10%), according to Dr. Ciraldo. And again, using it just one or two times a week can also keep skin calmer, Dr. Marcus adds.
Moderate to intense concentrations
A free glycolic acid concentration between 4% and 8% is considered mid-level, where continued use helps revamp skin texture and tone. Once your skin gets used to it, you can try a free glycolic acid concentration between 8% and 10%.
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.
Validated in partnership with an external panel of dermatologists, 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum absorbs quickly to visibly even skin tone and reduce wrinkles, fine lines & dark spots.
The ideal percentage of glycolic acid for at-home use would be 8% to 25% percent, with 25% being what I call the “high normal.” With higher concentrations, formulations matter! It is important to note that home use AHA creams, lotions and serums are buffered, compared to AHA peels with lower pH.
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.
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. It should be used in lower concentrations initially, and then the strength of the peel should be gradually increased in subsequent sessions.
Yes, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a glycolic night treatment that you can leave on overnight to allow it to absorb into your 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.
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.
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.
Should I Moisturise After Glycolic Acid? We always recommend using an intensive moisturiser after a Glycolic Acid product, as this AHA can be drying to your complexion. This is particularly important if you already have dry skin or are prone to sensitivity.
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.
“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.
Use not more than a pea-sized amount for the entire face. Excessive irritability can result from using too much glycolic acid product. Exfoliate once or twice per week and not every day. Over-exfoliation can hasten to age and cause irritability, redness, pimples, dryness and even acne.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
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.
Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, remember to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.
Glycolic acid can actually interrupt the way your skin makes melanin. Especially in spots where it's making too much. Over time, as you keep using glycolic acid regularly, it helps hyperpigmentation and melasma to fade. This means that over time, your skin tone looks much more even.