Glycolic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare. For good reason too, it combats a whole list of skin concerns from acne to signs of aging and everything in between. No wonder there are now so many products on the market with glycolic. If you are thinking of starting to use a product with glycolic acid consider this when choosing the best product for your skin. 

First, determine your skin type. Are you more oily or dry? If you're more oily using a glycolic acid product that will reduce oil build up and clear pores is best. Try the DermChoice Glycolic Peel Pads. For those with dry skin pick a cream with glycolic acid, we recommend DermChoice Facial Enhancement Cream, since it has an added moisture component. 

In the beginning, using Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as glycolic acid can be a bit scary if you don't know what to expect. A high percentage of non-neutralized glycolic acid, like that applied in a dermatology office, can commonly cause some redness or irritation on a patient's skin initially.

According to Dermatologist Dr. B, "this is normal and means it's working."

Don't freak out, some redness is temporary and goes away. If not, it's a sign the strength of the glycolic is too strong for your skin. Instead look for a milder version to help your skin build a tolerance to glycolic acid. Certain acids like glycolic are know to dry skin and may cause some redness when applied for the first time. This is common and in most cases goes away after a couple days. We advise if redness or irritation continues consult your dermatologist. 

When the skin is red it means the glycolic has entered the pores and activated the cell turnover process. Basically, your skin will get worse before it gets better. You want to remove the top layer of skin and that is what is happening here. The result, the fresh and bright layer of skin comes to the surface once the old layer has been exfoliated away.

And what do those reactions look like? We're talking redness, peeling, scaling, and flaking that can be mild, moderate, or severe. Luckily, when using an over the counter product like our Ultra Anti-Aging Cream, you can ease your skin into using them because they have lower concentrations than an dermatologist office glycolic chemical peel. Eventually, they don't cause any reactions when your skin grows a tolerance.

Shop Glycolic Peel Pads here.

Do you have more questions? We are happy to help! Tell us what works best for you help@dermchoice.com