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.
Many dermatologist actual recommend staying away from glycolic acid because of the risk it can pose, due to its small molecular size, not because it burns every b/b person's skin. The problem is you cannot predict who's skin will react, regardless of skin prep, as our skin can be very reactive.
Discussion. 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.
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.
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.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, I'd advise speaking to a dermatologist first of all before using glycolic acid, as it may be a case of switching to lactic acid or any type of PHA instead to prevent any unwanted irritation.
2. Aloe Vera Gel. A staple in Ayurvedic skincare, aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, enlisting it as a perfect substitute for glycolic acid serums. It can deeply penetrate the skin, offering a potent mix of hydration, nourishment, and gentle exfoliation.
Glycolic acid effectively tackles mature skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, etc. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane and can penetrate the skin easily (being the smallest and one of the strongest molecules).
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.
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.
“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.
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.
It is also useful in treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging. 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 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.
Dr. Ciraldo recommends using it before bed, and not in the morning before you head outside, for one. “Glycolic acid products should have 'sunburn alerts,' as they can make you more sensitive to UV rays,” she explains (because, again, they strip away dead cells and expose more delicate skin underneath).
Possible side effects
Although glycolic acid is considered safe to be safe for use, some people, especially those with more sensitive skin, may experience redness, burning, sensitivity to light, burning and scarring with use.
Can I use glycolic acid everyday? Short answer: yes, Glycolic Acid can benefit your skin, but the key is finding the right strength that your skin can tolerate. As dermatologist Dr. Bottiglione explains, irritation or redness may occur initially, but there is no need to worry as permanent scars are uncommon.
Glycolic acid is actually a naturally occurring compound – meaning that it is found in nature and is naturally made by plants. It's especially found in high concentrations in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. But kiwi, sugarcane and even grapes are other examples of fruits that contain glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid also stimulates the skin's production of hyaluronic acid within the deeper layers to plump crepey skin from the inside out. Glycolic acid also brightens and polishes skin texture to create a youthful and dewy luster to reverse a dull and crinkled skin appearance.
A fantastic anti-aging product that does everything is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin care. Because it is the smallest AHA and is derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin the best.
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.
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.
But in general, salicylic acid is the most beneficial. Since salicylic acid is a BHA, it decreases the oils in the skin. This is an important step as these oils can clog pores, possibly leading to an acne breakout. Excess oils can also promote bacteria which is a common cause of acne.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, are present in lemon juice. Due to their ability to speed up cell turnover and remove dead skin cells, these acids are frequently used in skin care products. As a result, many people employ lemon juice to brighten their complexion and reduce dullness.