When to Use Glycolic Acid and How Often?

Glycolic acid can be used on almost all skin types, both on young and mature skin, including dry, normal, and combination to oily skin, without causing too much trouble. In fact, if you have a dull complexion or if the skin on your face is prone to hyperpigmentation, using a glycolic acid-based treatment can be beneficial. If you have oily skin, regulate hyperseborrhea by applying a hydroxyacetic acid solution. If you want to smooth out the first wrinkles that appear on your skin, don't hesitate to use this powerful ingredient.

It is good to know that the amount of glycolic acid varies according to the use of the treatment. For example, a treatment with a concentration of 4% or less of glycolic acid essentially provides a moisturizing effect. This percentage of active ingredient can be found in creams, but also in lotions or cleansers. On the other hand, to improve skin radiance, tighten pores, regulate sebum secretion or reduce the presence of blackheads, you can opt for a glycolic acid solution with a concentration of between 8 and 10%. For the treatment of concerns related to aging (wrinkles, loss of firmness, age spots), acne or sun spots, a product with glycolic acid 20% is recommended, but requires the intervention of a medical professional.

Even though this AHA is a much gentler alternative to grainy scrubs and most products available for home use that are safe and effective for most skin types, it is still an exfoliant. Therefore, some precautions and indications in terms of when to use glycolic acid are required. Thus, like any exfoliating product and to avoid it being counterproductive, it is preferable to use it during the daily evening beauty routine in order to limit any risk of photosensitization, especially since cell renewal is important during the night. Indeed, glycolic acid increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun and, in particular, the possibility of sunburn. We recommend that you systematically apply an SPF cream every morning and wear protective clothing (hat, etc.) to protect your skin from UV rays. Also limit or even avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as long as you are using a treatment containing glycolic acid and up to one week after its last application. In the same vein, it is preferable to start applying glycolic acid-based products in the fall/winter rather than in the summer. Of course, it is possible to start or continue applying glycolic acid solutions during sunny periods (spring and summer), provided, of course, that you combine it with a minimum SPF30 sun protection and avoid the sun as much as possible.

Can you use glycolic acid every day? The frequency of use depends on the type of skin, the skin's tolerance level, but also on your needs and expectations. We advise you to start small and increase if your skin tolerates it well. It is normal to feel a slight sensation of heat, tingling or a slight dryness of the skin during the first days. You can for example start with an application one evening out of three and then gradually increase. If your skin is dry or if you are applying a glycolic acid treatment for the first time, start with a treatment with a low concentration of glycolic acid so that your skin gets used to it. It also depends on the concentration of active ingredients in the products. Our cosmetics, the exfoliating toner with 8% glycolic acid and the exfoliating face serum with 10% glycolic acid, can be used on a daily basis. On the other hand, stronger chemical peels (between 10 and 20%) should be applied once or twice a week and should not exceed the indicated application time. Before applying a product to your face, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.