Most Talk of the Town Ingredient - Glycolic Acid
What is Glycolic Acid?
Using 70% glycolic acid in DIY skincare requires extra care, as it's a highly potent concentration that can cause skin damage if not applied properly. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) chemical peel solution used for exfoliation, improving skin texture, and promoting cell turnover. Here's a detailed guide on how to use it safely.
Important Note: A 70% concentration is extremely strong and is usually only used in professional chemical peels. If you are new to glycolic acid, start with much lower concentrations (e.g., 5-15%) and work your way up. At-home use of 70% glycolic acid can lead to serious chemical burns, irritation, and sensitivity if mishandled. It is used in serums, face toner, face cream.
Benefits of glycolic acid
Exfoliation : It removes dead skin cells and helps reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Anti-Aging Properties: plays a crucial role in reversing and slowing down the signs of skin aging.
Acne Treatment : help unclog pores and combat the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Hydrates the Skin: glycolic acid retains moisture in the skin.
Step-by-Step Guide for How to Use Glycolic acid Safely
Preparation:
Patch Test: Perform a patch test at least 48 hours before applying glycolic acid to your face or body. Apply a small amount to your forearm or behind your ear to see if you experience irritation, redness, or a burning sensation.
Cleanse the Skin: Make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove any impurities or oils. This helps the glycolic acid work more effectively.
Dry the Skin: After cleansing, ensure your skin is completely dry before applying the acid. Wet skin may intensify the acid’s effect, making it more irritating.
Protect Sensitive Areas:
Barrier Cream: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a face cream around sensitive areas such as the corners of the eyes, nostrils, and lips. This prevents the acid from causing burns in these delicate areas.
Gloves and Applicator: It’s advised to wear gloves when applying the acid to avoid any unintended contact with your hands.
How to Use Glycolic Acid?
Dilute It: Unless you're experienced, never use 70% glycolic acid directly on your skin without diluting it. You can dilute it with distilled water or other skincare ingredients to reduce the concentration to about 5-15%, which is more suitable for at-home use.
Apply in Layers: Use a cotton pad or brush to apply a thin, even layer of the diluted glycolic acid. Avoid sensitive areas (eyes, nose, mouth). Never try to apply higher concentration thinking to get faster result. Skin is very soft & sensitive for glycolic acid, so treat your skin with love & care.
Monitoring and Neutralizing:
Timing: Leave the glycolic acid on the skin for 1-4 minutes, depending on your skin’s tolerance. First-time users should start with 1-2 minutes.
Neutralize the Acid: After the set time, neutralize the acid with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with 1 cup of water). This stops the acid from working and prevents over-exfoliation. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution over your skin.
Rinse and Moisturize:
Rinse Thoroughly: Wash your skin with cool water after neutralizing. Make sure to remove all traces of the acid.
Moisturize: Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to soothe the skin and restore moisture. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides.
Post-Treatment Care:
Avoid Sun Exposure: After using glycolic acid, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and limit sun exposure for several days after use.
No Harsh Products: Avoid using other exfoliants (like scrubs or retinoids) or strong actives (like vitamin C) for at least 48-72 hours after the treatment to prevent irritation.
Safety and Precautions:
Frequency: Do not use diluted glycolic acid preparation more than once a day, may be 2-3 times a week as per the tolerance of your skin.
Avoid on Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive, dry, or compromised skin (eczema, rosacea), you should avoid using glycolic acid at high concentrations.
Allergies & Reactions: Stop immediately if you experience intense stinging, swelling, or unusual irritation. Rinse with water and seek medical advice if necessary.
When to see a dermatologist
Consult a Professional: Before using a high concentration like 70%, consider consulting a dermatologist to avoid long-term damage.
DIY Glycolic Acid Peel Recipe (Diluted to 10-15%)
To dilute your 70% glycolic acid for safer at-home use:
Ingredients:
1 part of 70% glycolic acid (Say 10ml)
5 part distilled water or a soothing base (like aloe vera gel) (Say 50ml)
Steps:
Mix equal 1-part glycolic acid and 5 parts of water/aloe vera to achieve approximately 15-17% glycolic acid concentration.
Stir the solution until fully mixed, then follow the application steps listed above.
Bottom Line
By following these guidelines, you can safely incorporate glycolic acid into your DIY skincare routine. Surface exfoliator that smooths skin texture, evens tone, and boosts luminosity. Always err on the side of caution with such a potent ingredient!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dermatologist or other qualified skin care expert with any questions you may have regarding a skin condition or treatment.
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