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.
Glycolic acid exfoliants
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).
For many people, using glycolic acid 2-3 times a week is sufficient to achieve benefits without significant side effects. If you want to use it daily, consider starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing usage as your skin builds tolerance.
It's generally not a good idea to use two powerful actives, especially if you are new to either, and 20% is a very high percentage indeed. Maybe you can test waters with The Ordinary's Glycolic toner (that one is 7%), but most conventional OTC options usually are around 10%.
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.
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.
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.
Can be used overnight however you must use the Glycolic Renewal Peel for one to two days before using it as an overnight masque. It is recommended to do a patch test before using a new skincare product. If irritation occurs discontinue use. Avoid direct sunlight after use.
“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.
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.
High-concentration GA (20%–70%), applied at 2 to 4-week intervals in the hospital or cosmetology clinic, have proved effective for acne. Low-concentration GA (≤10%) is safe and convenient, and can be used at home.
If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and tighten saggy skin, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that. Glycolic acid works as an antiaging product by regenerating collagen production. Younger skin is super rich in collagen, whereas it's the opposite of aging skin.
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.
Because glycolic acid cleansers generally have a lower percentage of glycolic acid than a serum or lotion, they're safe to use every night.
Moistuizing with Dermatolist's Choice hydrating cream or Vaseline is the first option. In the event you continue to experience redness or dryness after using glycolic acid, it's your chance to determine if that particular concentration of glycolic product is the best for your skin.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
High or unregulated concentrations of glycolic acid (anything above 70%) would be considered too high even for a peel that only stays on your skin for a few minutes.
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.
A glycolic acid chemical peel is a concentrated glycolic acid formulation that ranges in strength from 20—70% glycolic acid to gently exfoliate layers of the skin. Glycolic peels slough off the surface and middle layers of the skin, removing dead skin cells and other types of debris from the skin and its pores.
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.
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.
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best hydrating ingredients, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its own mass in hydration. Therefore, if you're using Glycolic Acid, we highly recommend following up with a Hyaluronic Acid treatment. This will help undo the drying side effects and restore balance within the skin.