alpha hydroxy acids, also known as glycolic acid, are a group of acids.Glycolic acid can be applied to the facial region to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkling, and to remove cysts and other skin problems.The acid can be found in a variety of skincare products, but they are not suitable for all skin types, so you should carefully consider if it is right for you.
Step 1: Understand your skin concerns.
There are many uses for glycolic acid, which is primarily used to treat signs of aging.Before you use it, make sure it is the right treatment for your skin concerns.Wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, freckles, and other skin problems can be treated with Glycolic acid.
Step 2: Do you know if you are at risk of side effects?
Glycolic acid can be effective for many skin conditions, but it can also be a skin irritant.It is possible that redness, irritation, increased sensitivity to the sun, burning or stinging sensations, and itchy skin are side effects.It's important to know if using glycolic acid will help or hurt your skin.A chemical peel can change the color of your skin.If you are at risk, see your doctor.If you have sensitive skin, glycolic acid may make it worse.If you have had cancer on your face, you should talk to your doctor.If you have a current or active infections, do not use glycolic acid.The use of glycolic acid will make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.While using this product, you may be able to burn more easily.You need to wear sunscreen while using this product.
Step 3: Decide what kind of treatment you want.
You need to decide which type of treatment will work best for you, your routine, and your skin.If you are looking for immediate results, a face peel may be what you want.A solution of glycolic acid is applied to the skin of the face, causing blisters and peeling it off.The underlying layer of skin is smooth and has less wrinkling.If you want to fight the signs of aging, you should continue to use daily products like a cream, cleanser, or face wash.These are safer for long-term use because they have lower concentrations of glycolic acid.
Step 4: Establish a regimen.
Any part of your regimen can be used with glycolic acid.If you want to make sure that your treatment is effective, you need to have a strong skincare regimen.glycolic acid can be found in any of these components.Glycolic acid is found in many skincare products.If you read the ingredients on the label or box, you can see if glycolic acid is one of the active ingredients.The label should tell you what percentage is used.If you want, you can use other treatments as well.
Step 5: There is a product with a small amount of glycolic acid.
Different levels of glycolic acid can be found in different types of skincare products.Products with less than 10% are considered safe and effective.If you have sensitive facial skin and are concerned about damaging or scarring your face, look for a facial cream that contains an amino acid.The acid will be able to soak into your sensitive skin more slowly and so reduce the risk of stinging or skin discoloration.A product with glycolic acid can be found in almost any part of your routine.This includes toners, creams, and other products.
Step 6: The glycolic acid cream should be applied.
Wrinkles, fine lines, or other signs of aging can be prevented using a glycolic acid cream.You should apply it at night.You can start using it after a month if your skin does well.It is possible to prevent or minimize fine lines with a cream.It's not possible to remove deep lines such as laugh or frown, but it may be able to reduce their appearance.If you want to remove deep-set lines, you need to use a medical procedure.
Step 7: You can use facial cleanser to clear up your face.
It is possible to reduce and prevent acid over time with a face wash.The treatment is better for people with sensitive skin.After sweating a lot, wash your face with it.
Step 8: You can make your own mask.
There are natural sources of glycolic acid in honey, sugar, and lemon.These ingredients can be used to make your own mask.Add half a lemon to the mix of honey and raw sugar.Avoid your eyes by applying to your face.It should be left on for five to ten minutes.
Step 9: Start with a smaller concentration.
The strength of the peel is determined by the percentage of glycolic acid in the product.You should use the lowest concentration for the first time.You can gradually move up to higher concentrations as your skin builds tolerance to it.The peels start at 20% and go up to 70% concentrations.If your face is able to tolerate it, start with the 20% solution and go up in small amounts.The peels should only be done for two to four weeks.You could try to do it once every fifteen days for up to six months.
Step 10: Prepare your face.
Make sure your face is clean.There should be no open wounds, cold sores, or cracked skin.It is possible to use daily retinoids up to ten days before the peel to ensure a more even application.
Step 11: You can apply the solution to your face.
To apply acid to your face, use a facial brush or cotton balls.Move clockwise from your forehead to your left cheek, chin, and right cheek.It's not a good idea to put it near your eyes, nostrils, and lips.If you want to use the peel on your entire face, you need to test the solution on a small part of your face.Leave it there for a while.You can see how well you respond to it.
Step 12: Don't put the solution on your skin.
The peel's label tells you how long to leave it on.This is usually three to five minutes.You can only keep it on for 25 to 40 seconds if you are just starting.If this is the case, you can try to extend the time in subsequent sessions slowly until you are able to tolerate the peel for three to five minutes.Your face will be hurt by the acid.You can use a fan to blow air on it.If the stinging is so bad that a fan can't help, wash it off with water.Cool compress may help to reduce itching.There are white patches on your face.These are called frosting and they show that the peel is working.The acid should not be left on for too long after you see the frosting.Wait for a few seconds before you see the frosting.After a few hours, your skin may be red.Pick at the skin if it begins to peel.It's possible to put on a soothing moisturizer after.Even if it is not bright outside, make sure to wear sunscreen.
Step 13: Allow the acid to be neutralized.
A special neutralizing agent is included in most peels.Wait the appropriate amount of time to apply this.Cool water can be used to wash the acid off of your face.
Step 14: Go to the dermatologist.
If you're nervous about doing your own peel at home, you can get it done at the office.They can handle higher concentrations because they are experienced in performing glycolic acid peels.If you have redness, irritation, pain, or discolored after, they may be able to help you.
Step 15: Combine daily treatments with peels.
If you want to get the best results, you should have a daily routine that includes both products and peels every two to four weeks.The long-term benefits of creams and cleansers will be given by this.
Step 16: Sunscreen should be used after applying glycolic acid.
Your skin will be more sensitive to UV light after you have used a facial treatment with glycolic acid.If you are going to be in the sun after using glycolic acid, apply a high-SPF sunscreen.The increased UV sensitivity occurs as a result of all AHAs, as these abrasive chemicals wear away layers of outer skin that would otherwise protect your face from UV rays.
Step 17: In the case of irritation, stop using glycolic acid.
If your skin becomes very red or you experience frequent dryness in the areas of skin that you apply the glycolic-acid peel or wash to, you should stop using the product.If you notice any more pronounced side effects of the product, stop using it.If you develop any other skin conditions, you should stop using the glycolic acid product.
Step 18: Give your skin time to get used to it.
Since glycolic acid is an abrasive substance which can irritate or damage your skin, it's safest to start with a low-percentage product.If your skin responds well to this, you can use a product with a higher percentage of glycolic acid.If you use a product with a high acid percentage, your skin may develop a flaky layer as protection against the acid.If you apply a product containing glycolic acid to your face, do not pick at it.scarring or hyper pigmentation can result from breaking or tearing the skin.If it's not sunny, wear a hat and sunscreen, even if you don't want to.If red or dry skin persists after stopping the use of glycolic acid, schedule an appointment to see a doctor.
Step 19: If you have sensitive skin avoid initial daily usage.
If you have sensitive skin, you shouldn't apply a product containing glycolic acid daily.Unlike scrubs, the glycolic acid doesn't damage low layers of skin, but it can cause reddened or peeling skin by dissolving the upper layer.If you apply the product every other day, you will reduce the chance of skin irritation.You can begin applying the product daily after a month of usage.