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. In this article, we discuss glycolic acid in detail, including its properties, benefits for the skin, and potential side effects.
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.
Now, the important thing to remember is, glycolic acid comes in various concentrations. 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.
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.
Quick Tips of Glyco 6 %W/W
It is advisable to gradually incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine. Start by using it once or twice a week initially, and then increase the frequency based on your skin's tolerance. Do not apply Glyco 6% cream to broken or irritated skin or to areas with open wounds.
(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.
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.
When the acid is neutralized, it loses its effectiveness and can't penetrate the skin. Non-neutralized glycolic, on the other hand, retains its strength as a powerful agent of brighter, firmer, cleaner skin.
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.
Be patient with the process: Your skin may feel a bit rough after your first few treatments. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product. You should slowly start to see smoother, more healthy skin.
In some cases, however, it can have the opposite effect. Especially if you're prone to hyperpigmentation (a common issue for people with medium to dark brown skin tones, for example, as the body already makes extra melanin, which can lead to dark spots), glycolic acid could make the issue worse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Glycolic acid's penetration can easily restore balance to your armpits, dislodging the bacteria breaking down your sweat, to create a fresh and odorless environment. It has worked wonders for people with a variety of skin types and has quickly become one of the hottest products on the market.
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.
The majority of products containing lower than 10% glycolic acid do not require rinsing unless the instructions state otherwise. If you're using a peel, mask or scrub, simply follow the instructions on the back of the product.
- glycolic acid may be used safely at a level of up to 4 % and a pH ≥ 3.8 - lactic acid up to a maximum level of 2.5 % and a pH ≥ 5.0.