Skin purging tends to look like any typical breakout, featuring blackheads and whiteheads (open and closed 'comedones' respectively). This condition might also be accompanied by flaking, rough texture and dullness, which are other signs that your complexion is going through an adjustment period.
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.
Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin. Purging usually appears where acne is common, like the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
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.
“Glycolic acid is an acid that can burn or scar skin,” warns Dr. Krant. “Excessive redness, a lingering burning sensation, skin turning grayish-white or — worst-case scenario — skin blistering and sloughing off immediately are all signs of possible danger and permanent scarring.”
Your skin may look worse after a chemical peel due to temporary side effects like redness, peeling, and breakouts. These effects are usually part of the normal healing process as your skin renews itself, typically lasting a few days to a couple of weeks.
First-degree acid burns on the skin are the most common type of chemical injury and usually heal in around 7-10 days. Second-degree - Both the epidermis and the next layer of skin underneath, known as the dermis, are damaged. After the appropriate medical treatment, healing can take a few weeks.
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.
Light stinging and some redness can occur, especially if this is your first time using a chemical exfoliant. This should go away in a few minutes, but please note - this is not an indicator of effectiveness. More irritation does not mean better results. You know your skin best and if you feel any discomfort, rinse off.
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.
Skin purging is a supercharged cleanse for your complexion. It is usually caused by an active ingredient in a skincare product or a process that speeds up the skin's cell shedding and renewal phase. These ingredients stimulate cell renewal turnover rate leaving behind clearer, smoother skin.
Skin purging tends to look like any typical breakout, featuring blackheads and whiteheads (open and closed 'comedones' respectively). This condition might also be accompanied by flaking, rough texture and dullness, which are other signs that your complexion is going through an adjustment period.
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.
If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 2020 study found that glycolic and salicylic acids—two common chemical exfoliators—caused acne flares in around 7% of participants, for example, despite the fact that these ingredients have been shown to improve breakouts in the long term.
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.
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.
Start with a gentle cleanser that won't irritate the skin. Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone are great for providing relief from irritation, inflammation, or itching. If something stronger is needed, topical Benadryl is great for treating burns and reducing pain and inflammation. Lastly, sun protection is a must.
Symptoms of Chemical Burns
The area is red, swollen, and painful but does not develop blisters. Sometimes, burns are deeper, with blisters and severe pain. Rarely, a strong acid or alkali will cause a full-thickness (third-degree) burn that damages the skin all the way through.
It might take some time to build up your tolerance to glycolic acid, so if you're new, go slow at first, Dr. King suggests. She recommends taking an approach that's similar to skin cycling: Use your glycolic acid product once or twice a week to give your skin time to rest between applications.