Using Glycolic Acid – Part 2 - Health Plus Digest

The federal food and drug administration has approved glycolic acid for use in small concentrations for the general public. They do not consider it a drug and have stated there are no side effects when used according to directions. However, it does cause increased sensitivity to the sun in users. Individuals who choose to use glycolic acid products should use them at night, after cleaning their face and using either an astringent or toner. They should never be used in conjunction with products that contain retinoids or retinol.

Individuals who use glycolic acid should always use sunscreen every morning before going outside or even before sitting in front of the window. They should also avoid vigorous exfoliation or waxing of the skin such as the hair over the lip. Any product which contains glycolic acid should be thrown out six months after opening since, over time, Alpha hydroxy acids will become more potent and potentially irritating or dangerous.

Dermatologists are also able to use glycolic acid in the office to achieve a chemical peel. These take approximately 15 to 20 minutes and will range between 20% and 70% of glycolic acid, depending upon the skin sensitivity and skin type. The treated skin will be slightly pink immediately after the treatment and peeling will occur over the next few days. Individuals who choose to have a glycolic acid peel should be able to return to work immediately.

While you might normally find 2% salicylic acid or 10% glycolic acid in skin care products doctors can use higher percentages. Unfortunately, there are some places where you can purchase a glycolic acid in higher concentrations to be used at home. Individuals who use these peels without first consulting with a dermatologist may be faced with burns and scar tissue if used on the wrong skin type.

The decision to use glycolic acid in products for your skin is an individual one. While there appears to be significant benefits in those products which contain glycolic acid at 10% or less some may feel that the unknown health risks are not worth the benefits, and others may find that products at less than 10% provide benefits they couldn’t receive elsewhere.