Chemical Exfoliation 101: How Often Should You Use A Glycolic Acid Face Wash?

Including chemical exfoliation in one’s skin care is their personal and individual choice. Moreover, it makes the removal of dead skin cells easier as compared to physical scrubbing.

Additionally preventing unnecessary skin redness and irritation. Exfoliating agents could be used in any of the skincare products such as face wash, face cleanser, face gels, moisturizers etc. The type of product, the concentration and the frequency must be taken into account. The skin type being the priority.

According to the skin type, one must select the product, decide its concentration and the formulation type. We shall be discussing glycolic acid face wash particularly throughout.

Inside the article

Lets Understand The Types Of Skin

Usually following are the skin types

Normal skin: Well balanced skin. It is neither too oily nor too dry. Balanced and maintained skin microbiome.

Oily skin: Oil glands are overactive. This causes sebum overproduction. Which makes the skin appear shiny and is usually acne prone. Blackheads, whiteheads and open pores are common.

Dry skin: The oil glands are underactive. Due to this reason, the skin feels dry, flaky and tight. The skin barrier is usually compromised. Incorporating hydrating agents in skin care products must be ensured.

Combination skin: The T-zone is oily and the rest of the face appears normal or dry.
Sensitive skin: Highly reactive and prone to itching, redness and flushes. Usually reacts highly towards any active or skin care product.

Once you understand the skin type, it becomes easier to select the skin care products and also the actives and their concentration.

Glycolic Acid

It is a naturally derived Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is commonly used as an exfoliating agent in skin care at a very large scale. Instead of the fact that it could be derived naturally, industries consider synthesizing it in labs for better stability in the skin care formulations.

It is categorised as a water soluble organic compound. It breaks the chemical bond between the skin and the dead skin, thus helping in removing the dead skin and enhancing the skin renewal process. It is proven to boost collagen production. It could be used in any of the skin care product forms such as face wash, face gels, face cleansers, pharmacy creams, toners etc.

The concentration of the product and the skin type must be considered before using it in daily skin care regimen. Frequency of usage must be considered as stated above.

Face washes infused with glycolic acid are considered better than the creams and moisturizer because they are rinse off type products. Not a leave-on type product. Therefore it is considered safe to use.

How Often The Glycolic Acid Face Wash Could Be Used?

In order to clear how often you use this product, start with identifying your skin type first and then choose the concentration of the product as per above stated guidelines. In case you are a beginner, do not use it more than two times a week. Strictly avoid over using. Always start with a low concentration first. Else select the concentration according to your particular skin concern.

According to the skin types, the frequency could be as follows:

Normal skin: Use 3-4 times a week. Keep the concentration in 3-5% of the range. Overusage disrupts the skin barrier.

Oily skin: For oily skin, use 5-10% concentration. Consider using it once a day, daily.

Dry skin: For dry type skin, using 3-5% concentration is generally safe.Use 1-2 times a week. Choose cream or ceramide based formulations only. Make sure not to keep the product in contact with the skin for more than 30 seconds.

Combination skin: 3-5% concentration in clear gel or foam type formulation.Use 3-4 times a week. This usage frequency is considered safe for use.
Sensitive skin: Use 1-2% concentration for glycolic acid. Consider using it once a week. Do not use any glycolic acid based product with more than 2% of concentration.

Best Practices For Application

In order to get the best results, use the following few tips:

Use the glycolic acid face wash on dry skin only. Since the acids have a tendency to get diluted. Therefore, apply the cleanser on dry skin and then use water to lather and rinse.
Avoid contact with the eyes.
Give enough time to the face wash to perform its action.
Do not rinse off immediately. Let the product sit on your face for at least 30-60 seconds. Do not exceed.
Avoid exceeding 30 seconds contact time in case you bear sensitive skin.
Consider using lukewarm water only.
Pat dry using a soft towel. Do not rub it against your face.
Moisturize your skin as soon as possible after face wash.
Don’t forget your sunscreen. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
Keep your morning routine protective in nature. Use agents that are complimentary to the skin barrier.
Use glycolic acid incorporated products during night time only since they perform their action best during night time as the contact time with the skin is high.
Ensure to choose the concentration as per the standard guidelines.
The concentration of the product may be reconsidered for particular skin type.
Do not combine with any sort of physical scrub.
Avoid combining with other actives especially with high concentration.

In case you experience any of the following, burning sensation, extremely dry skin, flaking, peeling, extremely tight skin, itching etc. Do not ignore. These are the signs of overexfoliation.

Avoid using the glycolic acid and other actives for the next few days and focus on skin barrier restoration. If not taken in consideration timely, it could damage the skin barrier permanently and make it difficult to restore the skin barrier.

Use ultra gentle face cleanser, ceramide based moisturizer, mineral based sunscreen. In addition, use products with hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid or glycerine to compensate for the water losses.

Conclusion

Glycolic acid face wash is a highly effective, potent and safe entry point for chemical exfoliation. The best results could be achieved by ensuring right concentration, proper usage and sealing its action by following up with a good moisturizer and the sunblock.

In addition avoid overuse and combining with other actives. The frequency of usage depends particularly on the skin type. Therefore, identify your skin type first and then use the product as per the standard usage criteria.