10% Glycolic Acid

Dec 23, 2015

Alia A.

Hello Ladies. would you like to guide me if I am doing something wrong with my skin?
is it OK to use 10% glycolic acid cream daily for over night?(8 hours)
should we apply this strong strength for some minutes or hours instead of 8 hours?

Dec 23, 2015

Roz X.

I'm not sure what type of skin you have or which variation of cream you are using, but I have sensitive skin and Glycolic Acid has recently become part of my skincare routine. I'd been using Salicylic with great results, but after a consultation with my derm recently, decided to try Glycolic. ( If you are using Retinoids, you don't want to pair them, but instead alternate them. This is really important to avoid stinging or burning as well as getting maximum effectiveness of your products. )

I began by introducing the Glycolic to my skin slowly...and in small amounts. You do not need much product to reap the benefits of exfoliation/sloughing. After you apply a thin layer and let it absorb a little, I'd follow with a great moisturizer that is gentle and unscented or apply an organic facial oil lightly. You can sleep it it or you can wear it for only a few hours. Test patch yoyr skin to see how it responds..always. I know some people exfoliate in some way or another daily, but my skin's own oils are rare and precious and so I prefer to keep chemical exfoliation to 3 days a week and incorporate a daily moisturizer with both glycerin and hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and nicatinamide (CeraVe) as well as organic facial oils (jojoba, sweet almond, Rosehip and evening primrose) to counter dryness and keep flakes away. Be sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily. I hope that helps.

Dec 23, 2015

Alia A.

Thanks rozberry for reply in detail. I have been using 10% glycolic acid since last 6 months but experienced no side effects except peeling(that shouldn't consider side effect) but recently I have changed the product with same strength and find horrible results. after using 4 days continuously, got red swelled burning face. that's why I wanted to know if 10% glycolic acid should left on face for some hours or overnight.!! my skin is normal. I have been using various products and my skin bear all type of product. but this one made me scared.

Dec 23, 2015

Roz X.

Since your skin was already acclimated to the Glycolic acid, I suspect your new cream may have an ingredient, such a fragrant oil or perfume..some sort of scent that your skin is responding to. Which were you using and why did you decide to switch? Also, which cream caused the burning? As you noted, peeking is normal, but can be minimized by applying a moisturizer over the Glycolic cream once absorbed and incorporating non fragrant facial oils into your regimen.

Dec 23, 2015

Roz X.

Oh yes...that's irritation indeed..and may be an allergic reaction. It is spotted rather than a more concentrated patch. When I got chemical burn from a product once, it was more concentrated and patchy, but I am not an Estie or derm, so I can only relate personal experience. I would discontunue use at once and return the product. For now, to soothe, you can apply greek yogurt or aloe. If it worsens or is painful, I'd see a derm.

Are you using this with an alcohol-free, unscented toner? When you use acids, you have to watch your skin's pH. Here's a great article on getting your skin's pH on track and it has a quiz that is very helpful. 
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/ph-levels

Dec 23, 2015

Roz X.

*peeling lol

Dec 23, 2015

Alia A.

Thanks Rozberry. you are such a sweet girl. very knowledgeable info you have provided. I used to use glyco- aid that has been discontinued now. so I ordered from a pharma. this product is useless. infect dangerous I am going to throw this..

Dec 23, 2015

Roz X.

You are too kind. I agree, I would not use this cream again. You could perhaps try another cream with a lower percent of Glycolic acid to reintroduce the product to your skin, but for now, please let your skin heal and calm itself. Hope you feel better soon.

Dec 23, 2015

Nathalie C.

Hi Rozberry, why do you prefer it to salicylic acid? which product are you using? thanks.

Dec 24, 2015

Roz X.

I use Salicylic if there is the need to address minor subcutaneous acne. A bonus is that it does smooth and exfoliate. Since I have clear skin a majority of the time, my derm felt that Glycolic would help provide the chemical exfoliation I needed with a more gentle touch. She felt for my skintone and texture/want of a fresher face with cell turnover, it would prove effective. So I still use my Salicylic, but instead now for simply spot treatments and an occasional full face at home 'peel'. The Glycolic acid product I am using is through my derm's product line. It has their business on it, but they certainly aren't the manufacturer. If you are looking a 10% Glycolic acid, I would suggest one that is alcohol and fragrance free, such as Alpha Hydrox. The ingredients are similar to what I am using. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod5041537#pr-header-back-to-top-link

I'd recommend pairing it with a moisturizer atop, such as CeraVe PM and alternating moisturizing with facial oils.
I do find the Salicylic effective, especially for little bumps beneath the skin and my preference is Olay Pro-x Nightly Purifying Peel.
For me, Glycolic can be used with greater frequency and so for now, that's what works best alternated with a Retinoid and Hylauronic acid/Vitamin C serum for a complete skin regimen that suits all my needs. Anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and a smooth, brighter complexion.

Dec 24, 2015

Roz X.

Hope that helps, Nathalie. :)

Dec 24, 2015

Alia A.

So summing up this...
according to you Rozberry it is OK to use 10 percent glycolic cream for overnight?
1 more question is vitamin c serum and vitamin c cream with same strength is equal?(15% l ascorbic) or vitamin c serum is more effective?

Dec 24, 2015

Roz X.

For me? No. I use Retinoids. For you? Maybe Many people do, but only after they have teat patched and eased into the product by applying very little...and starting every 3rd or 4th day..AND paired with an unscented moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid and glycerin in it, like CeraVe PM...and used with an aloe toner and hydrating wash. It should be viewed as a regimen and never a stand alone product. It will dry out skin and cause burning. I can never promise a reaction will not occur as our skin differs.

C at 15% us far too high. It is already irritating at the 3% margin for some, and derm's suggest between 3 to 10% for Ascorbic. None would pair it with Glycolic Acid...ever on the same day. You may only tolerate it every 4th day. Who knows? You have to build up tolerance and alternate products. Always rotate...regimen and consistency is crucial. For more gentle C, you can use Ester, but it costs more. Even so..don't pair C with an acid. Hope you feel better.

For now, I'd use nothing but the gentle soothing suggestions I gave earlier.
All my best.

Dec 24, 2015

Roz X.

*test patched

Dec 24, 2015

Alia A.

O thanks. you are real Rose :* you helped me a lot.

Dec 24, 2015

Nathalie C.

Thanks!