Sensitive skin: Glycolic acid can cause skin irritation and make certain skin conditions worse. Use cautiously in people with sensitive 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.
Contraindications for use
Glycolic acid should not be used by pregnant women or by people with active skin infections, sunburns, eczema, skin inflammation, active herpes sores, or very sensitive skin. Furthermore, it should also not be used on people with darker skin, as it can cause blemishes on the skin.
“Chemical exfoliation can help people with acne by clearing dead skin cells and pore-clogging debris,” Dr. Marcus says. For anyone who's both breakout-prone and super sensitive, though, glycolic acid may be too harsh, she notes.
Combining glycolic acid with retinol can be tricky and should be approached with caution. Both ingredients are potent and can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity when used together. Here are some key points to consider: Alternate Usage: Instead of layering glycolic acid and retinol, use them on different nights.
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.
Glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.
Discussion. 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.
MYTH #5: Glycolic acid thins your skin
Some studies have shown that in photoaged skin, AHAs actually increase skin thickness. Glycolic acid also improves collagen density and elastic fiber quality, by stimulating fibroblasts (i.e., the collagen and elastin-making cells in your dermis).
By penetrating the pore, chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid are able to smooth texture and clear up any ingrown hairs or razor burn on your underarms. It's also a useful way to unclog congested sweat glands that can come from using antiperspirant deodorants.
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.
It's powerful on its own, which means doubling up on exfoliating ingredients can easily go overboard. The Warning: 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.
Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.
Glycolic acid side effects
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.
It stimulates collagen production by working deeper within the skin. The effects of glycolic acid aren't limited to the surface of the skin. It also works on its deeper layers—promoting collagen synthesis. It is why glycolic acid is considered a good anti-aging ingredient, says Dr.
Having said this, if you have a skin type that feels tight and sensitive, you can try applying hyaluronic acid first and follow it up with glycolic acid. Doing so will ensure that your skin is fully moisturised and able to absorb all other formulations, resulting in a healthy complexion.
Reality: Glycolic acid can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but you may need a stronger concentration of glycolic such as the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream to be effective for deep wrinkles. Myth 4: Glycolic acid can cause sun sensitivity.
Sensitive skin: Glycolic acid can cause skin irritation and make certain skin conditions worse. Use cautiously in people with sensitive skin.
Using Too Much Can Lead to Chemical Burns
In some cases, using too much glycolic acid can lead to just that, which could, in turn, cause more hair loss. That might be due to using it too frequently, leaving it in for too long, or using a much too high concentration.
Clinically speaking, retinol lacks the penetrative strength of Retin-A and glycolic acid, as it remains inactive and fails to reach beyond the superficial layer of the skin. Conversely, glycolic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, breaking down the "glue" that holds together dead and dull skin cells.
Risks of glycolic acid
AHAs may reduce the signs of sun damage. However, because AHAs also remove the top layer of skin cells, they can make the skin more photosensitivity. This refers to making the skin more vulnerable to further sun damage.
Generally, you'll want to consider glycolic acid as part of your exfoliation routine, whereas hyaluronic acid will be a component that targets moisturization. It is typically recommended that you use hyaluronic acid after glycolic acid, as a means to support hydrated skin.
Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.
2. Aloe Vera Gel. A staple in Ayurvedic skincare, aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, enlisting it as a perfect substitute for glycolic acid serums. It can deeply penetrate the skin, offering a potent mix of hydration, nourishment, and gentle exfoliation.
Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.