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Can I use Glycolic Acid every day?

Does It Mix engine · how often

Usually not. Most people do best with two or three evenings a week; daily use is a common cause of over-exfoliation.

How to build up

  1. Start 2-3 evenings a week.
  2. Skip it on retinoid nights.
  3. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily: AHAs make skin more sensitive to UV.

Don't stack it with

Retinol · Yes, with timingVitamin C · Yes, with timingTretinoin · Yes, with timingSalicylic Acid · Yes, with careBenzoyl Peroxide · Yes, with timingAdapalene · Yes, with timing

More: everything Glycolic Acid mixes with · how to layer Glycolic Acid

FAQ

What should I do if Glycolic Acid irritates my skin?

Cut back to fewer days, keep a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and reintroduce slowly once skin calms down. See a dermatologist if irritation persists.

Sources

  1. Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
  2. Kaidbey K, et al. Topical glycolic acid enhances photodamage by ultraviolet light. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003;19(1):21-27.

Reviewed by the Does It Mix editorial team, . Methodology.

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