Glycolic acid (GA) is water-soluble and has the smallest molecular weight among all the alpha-hydroxy acids. High-concentration GA (20%–70%), applied at 2 to 4-week intervals in the hospital or cosmetology clinic, have proved effective for acne.
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.
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 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.
If your focus is on addressing visible signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin texture, a concentration of greater than 5% and closer to 10%- 17% glycolic acid is generally recommended for nighttime use like the Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads and the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream.
More irritation does not mean better results. You know your skin best and if you feel any discomfort, rinse off. Though gentle enough for everyday use, we generally recommend to exfoliate once or twice a week.
Individuals who have not tried glycolic acid before should look for products that have a low concentration of glycolic acid, of around 8% . This will allow them to start with a weaker solution and work upward, if they wish to. It is also beneficial to look for a pH that is not too acidic.
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.
supports skin renewal, exfoliates the rough layer of the skin and evens acne scars. *After the treatment, your skin may be reddened for about 6-12 hours and you may feel sin tightness and short-term burning. The skin starts to exfoliate within a few days form the treatment.
“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.
Yes, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a glycolic night treatment that you can leave on overnight to allow it to absorb into your skin.
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.
One thing: we hope you're not using EVERY Glycolic Acid product at once. Too much of a good thing is, you know, really bad. You could end up over-exfoliating your skin, making it red, irritated, and vulnerable.
Use glycolic or salicylic acid 1 or 2 days per week
Using salicylic or glycolic acid at night 1-2 days per week on your neck for anti-aging is effective because these exfoliating acids work to renew and rejuvenate the skin while you sleep.
- 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.
Concentration matters, too; amounts between 5 and 10 percent of glycolic acid are ideal (though there are more intense, rinse-off peels with higher concentrations of AHAs you can use at home).
This can be beneficial for intimate areas prone to discoloration or hyperpigmentation. Studies have demonstrated that regular use of AHAs, including glycolic acid, can reduce hyperpigmentation effectively.
Topical application of glycolic acid is one of the most effective ways to increase collagen production in the skin, as clinical studies have shown.
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.
In conclusion, a glycolic acid concentration of 7% to 17% is generally considered effective and safe for improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Clogged pores usually form because of dead skin cells and other particles lingering in pores, creating plugs that could eventually turn into active breakouts or may remain as blackheads. To clear blackheads, glycolic acid can take 3-4 weeks to take effect for clearer, congestion-free skin.
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.