What Is Glycolic Acid?

Who Can Use It

Glycolic acid can be used on just about every type of skin, except for individuals affected by rosacea and those who have very sensitive skin. Individuals known to have very sensitive skin may experience too much irritation with the use of products that contain glycolic acid. An individual should be able to use products with glycolic acid in them as long as their skin produces some natural oil. Questions have always been raised about whether using glycolic acid on darker skin tones would produce pigmentation issues, but it has generally proven not to cause these problems unless an individual with darker skin uses a formula that is too potent. Glycolic acid is safe to use from the teenage years on, as younger individuals benefit from using it as a basic cleanser when the glycolic acid content is lower than ten percent. Individuals who do not have hypersensitive skin can use a facewash with between seven and ten percent glycolic acid in it daily, and face cream with up to fifteen percent glycolic acid daily. Face masks or peels containing higher concentrations of glycolic acid should only be used once a week or once every other week.

Get familiar with the potential drawbacks of glycolic acid next.

Potential Drawbacks

Just like any other face product ingredient, glycolic acid does have some potential drawbacks that should be considered. Generally, glycolic acid products made for use at home are very effective and safe. The main concern is that products containing glycolic acid can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Individuals with certain occupations, like lifeguarding, may need to consider this property of products with glycolic acid before using them. Additionally, glycolic acid is no different than any other exfoliator in the fact that it can cause the skin to dry out It is recommended that other moisturizing products are used in combination with those with glycolic acid to offset this effect. Some individuals may find a certain tingling sensation produced by products containing glycolic acid when applied to the skin to be unpleasant or bothersome. This sensation has been described by individuals like a little itch or pins and needles. No products containing glycolic acid should cause an individual to feel a burning sensation on their skin.

Learn about other alpha-hydroxy acids next.