You should use glycolic acid in a wide range of strategies: an energetic cleanser, a masks, serum, toner, and the checklist goes on. How you utilize it is going to in the end rely on private choice. As an illustration, Jones and Idriss want wash-off merchandise (like masks), whereas King loves a glycolic acid-soaked peel pad. “I believe they make it straightforward to attain an excellent software,” she explains.
A wash-off product, nevertheless, can permit extra delicate pores and skin sorts to reap the advantages of this AHA, sans irritation (because you aren’t leaving it on all night time lengthy). With a serum or toner, it’s straightforward for some to over-exfoliate, says Jones. “With a masks, you utilize it as much as thrice per week and won’t go overboard,” she provides.
Irrespective of which product you select, ensure to make use of it at night time, since AHAs like glycolic acid could make pores and skin extra photosensitive.
It’s essential that you just don’t observe up with any harsh actives in your routine (even retinol), since glycolic acid is fairly robust. Follow a delicate cleanser (except that’s your most popular glycolic acid product), nourishing moisturizer, humectant serums, and many others.
You’ll additionally wish to begin low and sluggish with the AHA (i.e., a decrease focus one to 2 nights per week), working your approach as much as an everyday cadence: The typical particular person can deal with two to 3 occasions per week, however be sure you know when your pores and skin barrier has had sufficient.
And as at all times, give your self a patch check earlier than making an attempt any new product.
