Glycolic Acid

Question: Glycolic Acid? I have what could be considered light to moderate acne on my back and chest. I have been trying for over a year to get rid of it but nothing has helped. I have tried everything that does not have to be prescribed by a derm. The last thing I need to try is Glycolic Acid. I know that it is used to reduce the scarring left behind after acne, but could it also be used as a treatment? In what concentrations? How do I use it? Thanks!

Answer: I use glycolic acid 30% everyweek leave it for 2 mins and wash it off !! iv stopped using all other skin products and cream ever since then the only thing i do is mostrize my skin right after shower P.S it wont take away Acne Scars Try TCA Peel

Question: glycolic acid? How does glycolic acid work with uneven skin tone? beacause i have uneven skin tone and it seems that the there are 2 layers of skin, and they both have different colors. one is a little darker then the other. and if i use glycolic acid, how will it even it out? would it exfoliate them both at the same time leaving them to be uneven?

Answer: HERE IS HOW IT WORKS By the way its a light peel I purchased one and I cant wait to try it Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist in concentrations of 20%-80% or at-home kits in lower concentrations of 10%. It is used to improve the skin's appearance and texture. It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions. Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This allows the outer skin to "dissolve" revealing the underlying skin.

Question: What to wash face with before a glycolic acid peel? I read somewhere that soap based cleansers are not good since they are alkali and will neutralize the acid? I don't have any gentle cleansers only clinique face wash and neutrogena bar. So what can I use to wash my face before I put on the 40% glycolic acid peel? I do have also a clinique toner.

Answer: Dove's Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, making it pretty neutral (a pH of 7 is neutral). That would be your best bet if you're worried about your face wash affecting your peel. Honestly though, as long as you rinse the cleanser off really well, you should be just fine :)

Question: Where can I find Mederma or glycolic acid? I've read a few of your questions and answers about scars and have heard a lot about Mederma and glycolic acid. Can someone please tell me where you can get these? And does the glycolic acid burn?

Answer: you can find it in the products AcneFree and Proactiv. You can buy them at wal-mart or shoppers drug mart. hope this helps!!!

Question: How can I stop corrosion from Glycolic Acid on my marble counter? I spilled glycolic acid on my marble counter a year ago and although I cleaned it up, it began corroding, forming crusty white mineral deposits. I've scraped and used cleaning products (soap is supposed to be a neutralizer) but the deposits just form again. Any suggestions on how to stop this corrosion will be appreciated.

Answer: try using an alkali to neutralize the acid(soda crystals) use a very dilute solution at first on a small piece to see if there is an adverse reaction. some of the acid must still be present even though you have tried to wash it out

Question: What are the effects of having a Glycolic Acid peel? I'm getting a series of Glycolic acid peels soon, and I was wondering if anyone has had any personal experience with this? Were there a lot of side effects after the peel? I don't want it to destroy my faaace!

Answer: The site below discusses chemical peels: mild, moderate, and strong.

Question: Is it okay to use Tazorac and Glycolic Acid at the same time? Is it okay to alternate Tazorac and Glycolic Acid? I use Tazorac one night and the next night I use Glycolic Acid. I continue this process.

Answer: Its likely to irritate your skin and make it red I'de be careful

Question: Does regular table sugar have any percentage of Glycolic acid? If glycolic acid is obtained from sugar cane, and the sugar that you would use in the home is obtained from sugar cane, wouldn't the sugar you are using contain glycolic acid?

Answer: Table sugar is sucrose which is a disaccharide made of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is refined by several steps. When glycolic acid is a product that is wanted a different process is used including an enzymatic process. (also found in unripe grapes, cantaloupe,pineapple)

Question: Does glycolic acid cause you to break out when you use it initially? I am using the Glytone line of glycolic acid products, and just started using them about 4 days ago. I have noticed small bumps, like clogged pores, on my forehead since I started using the products. Is this normal? Will it go away on its own after a few weeks, or do I need to actually extract all the clogged pores (pop the zits)?

Answer: It is normal to experience breakouts when using an acid peel as it is lifting impurities and congestion. It is actually good to see a reaction as it is effectively working. Remember to consider your schedule whenever you have a chemical peel or treatment as you will want to plan on breakout period before skin clears. For more diet and skin care tips to improve quality of skin see http://www.psoriasisreality.com

Question: Are Glycolic Acid peels bad for people with sensitive skin? I am 21 years of age and still suffer from acne. I suffer from nodules and pustule acne. I have been reading stories about people buying Glycolic Acid peels for acne. I have sensitive skin and was wondering if the peel would be too harsh for me to use. And does anyone know of any good websites that sell affordable glycolic peels?

Answer: Glycolic Acid is a great way to rid your skin of acne. We use http://www.beautyskincare.com for our skin care needs. They have an Acne kit that starts out at 30%. I would try it as is and water it down to suit your skin. The kit last for a long time and shows fast results.

Question: Is there a cleansing wash product containing both glycolic acid salicylic acid? I used to buy a wash product from my dermatologist that contained 2% glycolic acid salicylic acid in one. I use it after shaving my face as it prevents ingrown hairs and helps with razor burn. But it's too expensive at $25 for the small bottle, so are there any brands that contain both at your local drug store? thanks!

Answer: Aveeno clear complexion

Question: Is there any way I can use glycolic acid and sunless tanners around the same time? I'm thinking of using the glycolic acid during the beginning of the week and then the sunless tanner towards the end of the week....with a light amount of mild glycolic acid cleanser only... do you think I can keep some color this way?

Answer: If you use a glycolic acid after a sunless tanner you will lose color. It's an exfoliant so you are removing the dyed skin. You will just need to apply a little more often. I have found that using glycolic / alpha hydroxy before sunless tanning though gives me better more even color. You're essentially coloring fresh skin and not the top dead layer. I would exfoliate, moisturize, then wait an hour and apply sunless tanner so you don't irritate your skin.

Question: What natural product can I mix with pure glycolic acid to put on my face? I need a natural product that I can use with pure glycolic acid for my face; I do not use any commercial brand products. I only use natural products, like multani powder, lemon juice, vinegar, etc. etc.

Answer: i use lemongrass oil and geranium which work well with glyclic acid...the combination tightens skin and helps clear blemishes... natural acid isn't BAD for the skin! there are many natural things that have acid in them which are often used for skin care, i.e. lemons, limes, oranges, etc... good luck!

Question: Does anyone know of a product with an active ingredient of glycolic acid? I am trying to get rid of my acne, and I was instructed to get a product with an active ingredient of glycolic acid, between 8 and 10 percent. Does anybody know of any that fit this description?

Answer: Glycolic Acid can be very harsh on your skin. It is always best to start with a lower level and work your way up. Also keep in mind that water neutralizes the acid. Do NOT use these cleansers with water. Put them on your face dry and work into your skin, then rinse with water. I suggest shopping at Sephora, they have a good selection and I'm sure they have others than what I have listed. If you have one close to you, they will give you a free sample before you buy. If not, I believe they have a good return policy for online purchases. The brand "DDF" has a 5% Glycolic Exfoliating Wash. I use the DERMAdoctor brand. There are 2 concentrations-Wrinkle Revenge 1 Facial Cleanser is 12%. After about 2 bottles of it, you can move to a higher concentration if you think it is necessary. Level 2 is 15%. The DERMAdoctor does not foam like regular cleansers. I put it on my face and leave it on for 2-3 min like a mask. Then rinse it off. DDF http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P1809&categoryId=S15100&shouldPaginate=true DERMAdoctor http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P135238&categoryId=S15100&shouldPaginate=true

Question: how long it take to see improvement with Glycolic acid skin care? ive been using CurActive aha ( glycolic acid ) skin care bottle for a week nowfor my acne scar. i was wondering how long it usually take to see a traumatic improvement to my acne scar?

Answer: it depends on how bad the acne scar ,often it is between 2 - months

Question: What is a safe low concentration (4-6%) glycolic acid cream to use during pregnancy? I'm 23 weeks pregnant and my face has recently started breaking out . After some research I found glycolic acid creams ok for use by pregnant women. Is Reviva's renaissance cream 5%, safe to use? Anyone know of any other brands with low conc. that can help me?? Thank you for your time..

Answer: Most likely its hormonal break-out. If I were you I would use a cleanser toner and moisturizer for sensitive skin. Then instead of glycolic acid, try lactic acid which is very safe and does 2x as much as glycolic. COSMEDIX has a lactic acid serum called DEFY. Its great.

Question: Where to find a product with glycolic acid? I'm looking for a product with glycolic acid as the only active ingredient from 8%-10% concentration, but I can't find anything that meets those requirements. If you know of any, please name a product that fits that description.

Answer: EBAY! Go to the eBay 'store' or 'express' section. There are several people selling high quality medical grade glycolic acid. I myself purchase the 50% glycolic acid for chemical peels in a 2 ounce contain for about $15 but I've also seen solutions as low as 2% for less cost. Here is a link to the seller that have been purchasing from and have always had great transactions. Otherwise, you can do a Yahoo search for 'medical grade glycolic acid' and find many others selling such products. http://stores.ebay.com/sharefair

Question: I don't know why when I put glycolic acid to my face it itches very badly? When I use glycolic acid on my legs it is okay and it itches a little, but it helps me shed my old dead skin away. Whenever I use Benzoyl Peroxide it also makes me face itchy by the way. Why does that happen? I know I have sensitive skin, but should I tolerate that since it's working for me?

Answer: because its drying out your face....those products are rough on any skin, but especially sensitive skin types

Question: Should I use my Glycolic acid cleanser everyday? Would it be better to use a cleanser that contains Glycolic acid everyday or every other day? Thanks.

Answer: It would depend upon the strength of the glycolic acid. I use a 10% cream nightly and a 5% every morning (always after washing my face) and I follow it with a good moisturizer. But if it is very strong, you'd be wiser not to use it every day.

Question: what are some good drugstore cleansers with glycolic acid? I really need a cleanser with glycolic acid but cant afford the more expensive brands. HELP PLEASE!

Answer: Not sure what country you are I assume USA, have you guys got Isocole over there, it has it in there it is cheap too, I use it heaps.......