What happens if you use too much glycolic acid?

Author: Zelda Heaney  |  Last update: Monday, December 22, 2025

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 happens when you use too much glycolic acid?

Using glycolic acid can benefit the skin, but overdoing it can lead to unwanted consequences. Excessive use can cause irritation, redness, itching, and burning sensations, leaving your skin feeling dry and sensitive.

Is it okay to use glycolic acid daily?

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.

How do you know if glycolic acid is too strong?

Signs you're not tolerating glycolic ...
  1. Eye area looks crinkled, dry, puckered, or wrinkled making your eye area look older; this is a temporary side-effect. ...
  2. Red and blotchy, sensitive to other cosmetic products, or stings when you perspire.
  3. Shedding dead skin at the rate you consider undesirable.

What is a safe amount of glycolic acid?

When applied to the skin: Glycolic acid is likely safe when used in products containing concentrations of 10% glycolic acid or less. But it is possibly unsafe when used in products containing higher concentrations.

THE ORDINARY GLYCOLIC ACID | LACTIC ACID 10% | SALICYLIC ACID REVIEW

How to know if glycolic acid is working?

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.

What neutralizes glycolic acid?

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.

Should I moisturize after using glycolic acid?

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. 7.

How to tell if you're over exfoliating?

Check out these five signs that point to a little too much exfoliation, and learn how to give your skin a radiance boost without going overboard.
  1. Irritation and Visible Redness. ...
  2. Increased Oiliness and Shine. ...
  3. Breakouts. ...
  4. Flakiness and Dry Skin. ...
  5. Increased Sensitivity. ...
  6. Give Your Skin a Break. ...
  7. Reassess Your Current Routine.

How long to leave glycolic acid on armpits?

Yes, Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick is suitable for up to 1x daily use on the bikini line and underarm areas. If using on the underarms, apply 10-15 minutes before using deodorant/anti-perspirant.

Can you use 7% glycolic acid every day?

Though gentle enough for everyday use, we generally recommend to exfoliate once or twice a week. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, which can lead to redness, irritation, or breakouts.

What not to use with glycolic acid?

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.

Can I leave glycolic acid toner on overnight?

Usage of the glycolic acid toner 👇🏻(unsponsored reel) ✅ Make sure your skin barrier is healthy before applying this product otherwise your face might have burning sensation as soon as you apply it (can be applied by all skin types but sensitive skin avoid it) ✅Application of glycolic acid should be only at NIGHT TIME.

How long will my skin purge from glycolic acid?

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.

What are the bad side effects of glycolic acid?

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.

Why do I still have dead skin after exfoliating?

Irregular or improper cleansing can prolong the presence of dead skin cells by leaving oils and cosmetics on the skin. Exfoliating only needs to be done either once or twice a week, not daily.

Can skin recover from over-exfoliation?

After treating your over-exfoliated skin and removing exfoliators from your skincare routine, you should see improvements in your skin's condition within one to two weeks. However, if it's still not recovering, you may wish to see a dermatologist, healthcare provider, or skin professional.

What happens if you don't moisturize after exfoliating?

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.

What comes off when you exfoliate?

There are three main types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators, which use scrubs, brushes, or sponges to manually remove dead skin; chemical exfoliators, which rely on AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells; and enzymatic exfoliators, which use natural fruit enzymes to ...

Is glycolic acid better on wet or dry skin?

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.

Is it better to use glycolic acid at night or morning?

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.

Can you put vaseline over glycolic acid?

Although petroleum jelly products are non-comedogenic, they can trap bacteria and dead skin cells worsening acne. Never slug when using active ingredients such at retinoids, salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids. (Save those for nights when you aren't slugging).

What compliments glycolic acid?

If your skin tolerates retinol well, combining it with glycolic acid is a good idea given their different actions. A study has shown that the combination of glycolic acid and retinol proves to be effective in treating acne and brown acne scars.

What happens if you leave glycolic acid on too long?

(1) Because glycolic acid has no end point, allowing the acid to travel deeper than intended if left on the skin too long, it requires neutralization to end the peeling process. Due to its small molecular size, glycolic acid also has the ability to absorb quickly and can cause the skin to peel unevenly.

What is bad to mix with glycolic acid?

Combining glycolic acid with other potent exfoliants (even other AHAs or BHAs) can lead to over-exfoliation. The signs include irritation, redness, and a compromised skin barrier.

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