It is important to identify the appropriate concentration of glycolic acid for your specific skin concerns. Lower concentrations, typically under 4%-5% like the Facial Enhancement Cream, provide gentle exfoliation and may be used once or twice daily.
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.
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 can remove the very top layer of skin cells without the need for scrubbing, which can cause irritation. It is also useful in treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging.
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.
Glycolic Acid, especially in high-strength solutions, can irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, a low-strength glycolic acid treatment can be added to your skincare routine. However, you should introduce them gradually, utilizing them just once or twice a week.
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.
To clear blackheads, glycolic acid can take 3-4 weeks to take effect for clearer, congestion-free skin. This is because it takes time and repeated use for glycolic acid to break down pore-blocking dead skin cells and debris for clearer skin that doesn't have any congestion.
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.
Glycolic Acid Toner is a potent exfoliating treatment and we advise against everyday exfoliation as this can cause irritation and skin sensitivity. Exfoliating 1-3 times per week in your PM routine is ideal and you skin will still enjoy the benefits if you use this product consistently.
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.
“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 can be used on the face and let it absorbed into the skin by leaving it on all night. Rinse off with water the next day.
For at-home products, glycolic acid is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 10%, and up to 70% for in-clinic services performed by a dermatologist or health care professional.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Underarm deodorants work by either inhibiting the growth of these bacteria, or by halting perspiration altogether. Acids such as glycolic and salicylic work as effective natural deodorants. Their low pH makes it impossible for odor-causing bacteria to survive on your skin, leaving you feeling fresh and confident.
Apply the solution gently and as evenly as possible, working from the forehead to the left cheek to the chin to the right cheek. Avoid your eyes, the corners of your nose, and your lips. If the glycolic acid solution does enter your eyes, flood the affected eye with regular saline solution.
Glycolic acid is a tried-and-true beauty staple and has been favored by dermatologists for its exfoliating and anti-aging properties for decades. This ingredient can be found in a variety of products–from creams and chemical peels–or on its own.
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.
Glycolic acid is generally considered safe for daily use when used in moderate concentrations. However, any chemical exfoliant can potentially lead to redness or irritation. While it's not recommended to cause irritation it can provide a deeper and faster treatment when applied daily or consistently.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
Common side effects reported after the use of glycolic acid peels include reddening; a stinging sensation or sensation of pulling of facial skin; mild burning; and temporary post-inflammatory dark spots.