If you are simply wanting brighter, healthier-looking skin or a reduction in breakouts and fine lines an over-the-counter product is effective enough without stronger pro peels. Using low concentrations of glycolic acid over long periods of time creates a cumulative effect; your skin will look better the longer you use it.
For treating specific skin issues like noticeable sun damage, dark spots or acne marks, and deeper lines and wrinkles, or for marked improvement of the skin quickly, a professional peel is a good option. But because peels deliver a higher percentage of glycolic acid than daily use products they will be more irritating and have a greater chance of side effects. When choosing any glycolic acid treatment, the percentage of glycolic acid is just one factor. The product's pH is the other. A more acidic product will deliver a stronger and more effective treatment than a less acidic product, regardless of the percentage of glycolic acid.
So a product containing a low percentage of glycolic acid but with a lower i. Unfortunately, the vast majority of skincare products simply list the percentage of glycolic acid used. They are not required to list the pH, so it can make it difficult to compare products apples-to-apples. In general, glycolic acid is a very safe and effective skincare ingredient.
To keep your skin safe, though, there are a few things to know before using glycolic acid. First and foremost, you must wear sunscreen whenever you are using glycolic acid treatments. You don't want to undo all the good your glycolic acid is doing, and you definitely don't want to end up with a nasty sunburn.
Wear SPF of at least 30, please. Allow your skin to acclimate to glycolic acid. If you are using an OTC product, start off by applying it just three times per week for a week or so.
If your skin isn't red or irritated, try using it four times a week for a week or two. Continue slowly building up this way until you're able to use it every day. If at any point your skin becomes irritated, scale back use for a period of time and try again. For in-office or in-salon peels, you will probably start off with a lower concentration of glycolic acid. If your skin tolerates that reasonably well, you will most likely be bumped up to higher strengths for subsequent peels.
In the initial few days of treatment, your skin may feel a bit more rough than typical. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product. Smoother skin is just around the corner. Don't use glycolic acid, even OTC products, if you are currently using topical retinoids , like Retin-A tretinoin or Differin adapalene , Accutane isotretinoin , or any products that rapidly exfoliate the skin.
Most importantly, if you're under a dermatologist's care make sure you get their OK before using any glycolic acid product or having a peel done. Glycolic acid OTC products and professional peels have been around a long time and have a safe and effective track record.
Most skin types can use them without much trouble. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to stick with wash-off glycolic acid products like cleansers. These aren't quite as irritating as leave-on glycolic acid treatments and allow your skin to build up a tolerance without hopefully too much irritation.
While glycolic acid is a wonderful skincare ingredient, if you're looking for powerful anti-aging or anti-acne treatments, topical retinoids will give you more bang for your buck. They are prescription-only, though. If you need any help choosing a glycolic acid product, your dermatologist can help you do so. Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. National Institutes of Health PubChem.
Glycolic acid. Because the best products for you will depend on your skin type, you should always consult your dermatologist first. Be sure to generously apply sunscreen , wear hats and stay in the shade to reduce your sun exposure throughout the day. Product Reviews. Home Ideas. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. The Rise of the Cleanfluencer. Getty Images. So, what is glycolic acid? If you're sensitive or have more mild acne, go with a lower percentage.
Since it's a powerful acid, you run the risk of skin irritation or burns. Another advantage? It has a built-in safeguard. Not only can you rinse it off if you feel tingling, but even if it penetrates deeply into your skin, it eventually reaches the water in the dermis.
There it's neutralized and won't go any further. Deanna Pai is a beauty writer in New York City. Follow her on Instagram deannapai.
By Sarah Y. By Caroline Solomon. Rewards Free Stuff Promos. What is glycolic acid? Buy Now. Courtesy of brand BeautyRx by Dr. Courtesy of brand Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. Courtesy of brand Starface Exfoliating Night Water. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads.
Topics glycolic acid skin care exfoliation exfoliators.
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