A glycolic acid lotion is a great way to start using alpha hydroxy acids. Lotions are usually not as strong as peels so they are gentler on the skin. Most people can use them daily.
Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells and, in stronger concentrations, the first layers of skin. It increases moisturization and reduces the appearance of fine lines. After continued use, it gives the skin a smooth appearance and can actually increase the skin’s firmness. Glycolic lotions are mild skin treatments compared to some of the very stong glycolic acid products available. Most contain concentrations of 5% -12%, which isn’t usually strong enough to make your skin peel.
Using a glycolic lotion is a great way to prep your skin for a stronger product or a glycolic peel. It can take a while for skin to get used to alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s). Starting out with a peel may result in skin damage. This is seldom the case with a lotion. Although most people can use a glycolic acid lotion daily if the concentration is at or below 10%, it may not be wise to start there if you have very sensitive skin. Look for a lotion at 5% to start with, and see how your skin responds. Use it every other day or every 3 days to start. If all goes well, move up to 10% and move toward using it daily. Even if you plan to more up to chemical peels, you can still use a glycolic lotion as your moisturizer. Don’t worry if your product doesn’t have the percentage listed. Most are mild and the stronger lotions usually have that information listed.
You can also use glycolic acid lotion on your body. When treating your face, remember to also treat your neck. This area is often neglected. Once you’ve begun anti aging treatments on your face, your aging neck can make you look older. The chest is also important. A younger looking face next to an aged neck and décolletage looks unnatural. The hands are another area that can benefit from the exfoliation effects of glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid lotions are great for acne prone and oily skin. These skin types still often still need moisturization, because oil does not equal moisture. The AHA in the lotion keeps the pores from clogging up and exfoliates dead skin cells. 10% glycolic acid is an effective concentration to fight acne.
A glycolic acid body lotion is a good way to treat dry rough skin. Like lactic acid, it’s usually an effective treatment for keratosis pilaris, or chicken skin. Like with the face, using a glycolic body lotion can get your skin ready for more aggressive glycolic treatment, like peeling for scar removal. It’s also a good way to get rid of rough skin on the knees, elbows, or feet. Because glycolic acid produces a firming effect, using it while your lose weight can reduce sagging skin. Like with most skin care treatments and products, you’ll see the best results after using the product consistently for 6 weeks or more.
Sometimes the dead skin is loosened but it remains on the skin. You often need to use manual exfoliation to remove this. The easiest way is to use a loofah to exfoliate every time you shower.
All products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, including a glycolic acid lotion, make your skin photosensitive, or prone to sun burning. This effect typically lasts 2 weeks. You must use sunscreen if you are going to use any product that contains an AHA.
AHA’s exfoliate, but they don’t rebuild. If you feel like your skin is looking worse after using your glycolic acid lotion, you may need to add skin renewal to your routine. This is particularly important if you’re moving up to stronger products. Try a skin care product like another lotion, face cream, or serum that contains a rebuilding agent like copper peptides, Vitamin C, or a retinoid like retinol or Retin-A.
Adding any product that contains AHA’s to your skin care regimen is a great way to exfoliate. Glycolic acid lotions are a good starting point because they are gentle yet effective.
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